“The Outsiders,” with a book by Adam Rapp with Justin Levine, is one of the best musical theater productions to hit The Windy City in a while. The show continues to Feb.22.
The musical, based on the novel by S.E. Hinton as well as the popular Francis Ford Coppola film, is set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1967 and revolves around Ponyboy Curtis, his brothers, and his group of outsider friends (Greasers), and their social clashes with the wealthier group in their hometown. It’s a story about the loyalty and bonds of family and friendship, the battle between social classes, pursuing dreams, dealing with tragedy, and desperately wanting to believe there’s still a lot of good in the world.
“The Outsiders” opened on Broadway in April 2024. It received much praise, and rightly so. On all levels, from the strong acting, powerful vocals, fascinating choreography, standout score, and engaging story, the show is definitely a hit.
The stellar touring cast stars Nolan White, Bonale Fambrini, Tyler Jordan Wesley, Travis Roy Rogers, Corbin Drew Ross, Emma Hearn, Jaydon Nget, Mark Doyle, Jackson Reagin, Jordan DeAndre Williams, and others.
Among highlighted tunes are “Great Expectations,” “Far Away from Tulsa,” “Run, Run Brother,” “Trouble,” and “Stay Gold.”
Don’t miss this production while it’s gracing the stage in Chicago.
FYI: “The Outsiders” continues to Feb. 22 at Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph, Chicago. Tickets are $69 to $200. Visit broadwayinchicago.com.
Tragic circumstances, passion, and drama blend in Lyric Opera of Chicago’s “Salome.”
“Salome,” inspired by the tragic biblical story of Salome, who is obsessed with John the Baptist, and ultimately demands his head be removed, continues to February 14 at Lyric Opera of Chicago.
The production, which features an outstanding score by Richard Strauss, stars Jennifer Holloway as Salome. “Salome,” directed by Sir David McVicar, is making its North American premiere with this Lyric Opera production.
Holloway’s vocals remain stellar throughout the production. Other cast members in starring roles as well as ensemble members also display powerful vocals.
Among singers appearing in “Salome” are Nicholas Brownlee as Jochanaan; Alex Boyer as Herod; Tanja Ariane Baumgartner as Herodias; and Benjamin R. Sokol as The Fifth Jew.
In addition to the cast members’ strong vocals, their acting talents are just as praiseworthy.
Strauss’ score is handled superbly by the Lyric Opera Orchestra under the direction of conductor Tomas Netopil in the show. Netopil is the music director and chief conductor of the FOK- Prague Symphony Orchestra.
Upcoming at Lyric Opera is “Madama Butterfly,” March 14 to April 12.
FYI: “Salome” continues to Feb. 14 at Lyric Opera of Chicago. Visit lyricopera.org.
About Eloise Marie Valadez
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
Something spooky is definitely invading a prominent stage in Chicago.
It’s “Paranormal Activity” and it’s taking place at The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier through Nov. 2. The North American premiere production, which is an original story, is based on the popular film franchise.
The show, written by Levi Holloway, is directed by Felix Barrett. Spectacular illusions by Chris Fisher star in this production as well.
Audience members who want to be in suspense throughout a theatrical presentation will, no doubt, be at the edge of their seats here. “Paranormal Activity” tells the story of husband and wife James and Lou, who have moved to London from Chicago to pursue a new life and get away from “something” in their past.
There are many fascinating illusions, haunting sounds and other frightening scenes throughout “Paranormal Activity” to keep theatergoers’ attention. All eyes and ears will be focused on the mysterious happenings on stage.
A strong cast helps make this production a winner and one not to be missed. Starring in “Paraniormal Activity” are Cher Alvarez as Lou, Patrick Heusinger as James, Shannon Cochran as Carolanne, Kate Fry as Etheline Cotgrave and Sophie Kaegi in an ensemble role.
After its Chicago run, the play will be performed in Los Angeles, Washington D.C. and San Francisco.
FYI: “Paranormal Activity” runs to Nov. 2 at The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre at Navy Pier. Visit chicagoshakes.com for more information.
For more information about what to do in Chicago, visit Choose Chicago.
About Eloise Marie Valadez
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
Cherubini’s “Medea” continues to heat up the stage through Oct. 26 at Lyric Opera House in Chicago.
“Medea” revolves around the story of Medea, a sorceress, and her husband Jason. The production is a tale of evil, murder and revenge. This compelling opera opens the Lyric’s 71st season and it’s the first time Chicago’s Lyric Opera has presented the work.
Starring as Medea is Sondra Radvanovsky, who is a powerhouse vocalist. Radvanovsky helps make this production soar with her stellar vocals and theatrical talents. Also giving excellent performances are Matthew Polenzani as Giasone, Zoie Reams as Neris, Elena Villalon as Glauce and Alfred Walker as King Creonte.
Sir David McVicar is the director of this fabulous production of “Medea.” The acclaimed music director Enrique Mazzola leads the Lyric Opera Orchestra as they present the soaring Cherubini score.
The sets, costumes and theatrics are definitely all something to marvel at in this show. “Medea” surely captures an audience’s attention and keeps it during the two-hour plus show.
“Medea” is co-produced by Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Metropolitan Opera, Greek National Opera and Canadian Opera Company.
FYI: Medea” continues to Oct. 26 at Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago. Visit lyricopera.org.
About Eloise Marie Valadez
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
Magical moves and a stellar collection of songs are taking the spotlight on stage at Chicago’s James M. Nederlander Theatre.
“MJ the Musical” has returned to The Windy City on the First National Tour and is energetically relaying the life story and career of the iconic entertainer Michael Jackson. The show runs through Aug. 24.
Jordan Markus stars as Michael Jackson in “MJ the Musical.” Photo by Matthew Murphy.
In this production, which is directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon with book by Lynn Nottage, Jackson is seen preparing for his massive 1992 Dangerous tour, which had immense risks and stresses as it was mounted. While he’s rehearsing for the tour, a cameraman and reporter are allowed in to document the making of the tour and to interview Jackson about his work, the inspirations for his music and thoughts about his fame and career.
As the show goes on, the audience journeys to all stages of Jackson’s career from his days as a youngster with the Jackson 5 to his various solo work as well as his relationship with his family and his domineering father.
Pictured is a scene from “MJ the Musical,” currently in Chicago. Photo by Matthew Murphy.
Jordan Markus stars as MJ. The dancer/singer proves he’s perfect for the role as he slides artistically across the stage interpreting Jackson’s moves smoothly. Markus’ vocals are dynamic and he definitely does justice to Jackson’s tunes.
Kudos also to Devin Bowles for his strong performance as Joseph Jackson. Bowles also performs as tour director Rob. Among other performers starring in “MJ” are Melvin Gray Jr., Quentin Blanton Jr., Bryce A. Holmes, Erik Hamilton, Brandon Lee Harris, Kristin Stokes, Kevin Cruz, J. Daughtry and others.
Outstanding musical numbers include “Billie Jean,” “Smooth Criminal,” “Dancing Machine,” “Thriller,” “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'” and “I Want You Back.”
“MJ” is truly the celebration of the music of an entertainment genius.
FYI: “MJ the Musical” continues to Aug.24 at James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago. Tickets range from $49-$153. Visit BroadwayInChicago.com.
Top photo: Jordan Markus with “MJ” in the first national tour of “MJ.” Photo by Matthew Murphy.
About Eloise Marie Valadez
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
The music of beloved singers Gladys Knight, Patti Labelle and Dionne Warwick is being celebrated at Black Ensemble Theater (BET) in Chicago.
“That’s What Friends Are For,” the latest production at BET, runs through Aug. 10. The show tells a fictional tale of singers Knight, LaBelle and Warwick gathering together backstage prior to a planned Las Vegas residency. They talk about their lives and the friendship they share.
The show, produced by Black Ensemble Theater founder Jackie Taylor, is written and directed by Daryl Brooks. It’s an energetic production featuring powerful vocals from the talented ensemble cast.
“That’s What Friends Are For” stars Rose Marie Simmons as mature Gladys; Michaela Dukes as young Gladys; Sybyl Walker as mature Dionne; Brianna Buckley as young Dionne; Tamara Batiest as mature Patti; Courtney Driver as young Patti; Dennis Dent as Charles Gibbons; Dwight Neal as Luther Vandross; Jaimee Thomas as Michael Peterson and Treqon Tate (ensemble).
Among highlighted numbers are the engaging “That’s What Friends Are For,” “You Are My Friend,” “If Only For One Night,” “Midnight Train To Georgia” and “Walk On By.”
Audience members will leave the theatre singing the tunes of these iconic musical artists.
FYI: “That’s What Friends Are For,” will run through Aug.10 at Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St., Chicago. Visit blackensembletheater.org.
About Eloise Valadez
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
The stage of Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s The Yardis currently set as a tennis court. And on that court the impactful story of tennis legend Billie Jean King is being played out.
“Billie Jean,” which is a world premiere production, continues through Aug. 10 at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. The play was written by Lauren Gunderson and directed by Marc Bruni. “Billie Jean” was produced and developed in collaboration with Harriet Newman Leve, Stephanie Sandberg, Lily Tomlin and Jane Wagner.
The show relays the story of King as she goes from a young girl pursuing her dreams to the woman who becomes not only a champion of the game of tennis but a champion for equality on all levels, specifically with women’s rights on the sports field and in business.
Giving powerful performances are Chilina Kennedy as Billie Jean King and Dan Amboyer as her husband Larry King. Also starring in the cast are Julia Antonelli, Elena Hurst, Courtney Rikki Green, Wynn Harmon, Carolyn Holding, Jurgen Hooper, Callie Rachelle Johnson, Lenne Klingaman, Nancy Lemenager and Murphy Taylor Smith.
“Billie Jean” has no lulls and definitely keeps an audience’s attention.
About the show, playwright Gunderson says, “CST is the perfect place to launch this new play about Billie Jean King, her activism, and her ongoing impact on the world. Her story is a hero’s journey, and the house of Shakespeare’s heroes is a fitting home for this theatrical debut about excellence, equality, and heart.”
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written world.
If you’d like to take a trip back in time, secure a ticket to Marriott Theatre’s “Always Something There.”
The world premiere jukebox musical, written by Sandy Rustin, continues through Aug. 10 at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. This lively show is part of Marriott Theatre’s 50th anniversary season.
“Always Something There” tells the story of Samantha Craig, who wakes up at the beginning of her 45th year in her 18-year-old teen body and is given the opportunity to change her life, take different paths and make different choices if she chooses.
The story unfolds amidst a musical backdrop of songs from the 1980s. Heidi Kettenring portrays adult Samantha while Christina Priestner stars as teen Samantha. Both actors provide strong performances with both displaying powerful vocals. Also starring in the show are Marina Jansen as Camelia, Ian Coursey as Cooper, Ty Shay as Johnny, Matthew Hommel as Winston and others.
“Always Something There,” which is directed by James Vasquez, features choreography by Tyler Hanes. Among highlighted musical numbers are “Only In My Dreams,” “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” “Love Is A Battlefield,” “Talk to Me,” “We Got the Beat” and more.
In conjunction with the play, Marriott Theatre is presenting a special pop-up dining experience at its Three Embers Restaurant. The menu for the Back to the Grill experience stars items such as Loco-Motion Taco Salad, Shattered Onion Soup, We Got the Bleu (Chicken Cordon Bleu) and Always Something Braised (Pulled Lamb Shank).
For more information on the show and special menu, visit MarriottTheatre.com.
About Eloise Marie Valadez
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
It’s no surprise that “Kimberly Akimbo” garnered five Tony Awards. The hit musical is a standout on many levels.
“Kimberly Akimbo” is currently being presented by Broadway in Chicago at CIBC Theatre through June 22.
The play, which opened on Broadway in 2022, revolves around 16-year-old character Kimberly Levaco, who has a genetic disorder making her age rapidly to where she looks decades older. Kimberly’s family has moved to New Jersey and she must get used to her new surroundings, new classmates and new people whom she hopes will accept her.
There are plenty of bittersweet moments as well as humorous scenes in this show with its sweet character and her dysfunctional family in the spotlight.
Carolee Carmello does a terrific job portraying Kimberly and makes her a character the audience can definitely care about. The entire cast is an ensemble of strong performers. Also starring in the show are Miguel Gil, Jim Hogan, Emily Koch, Grace Capeless, Skye Alyssa Friedman and others.
The score of “Kimberly Akimbo” is a standout as well, featuring catchy music and witty lyrics. Music is by Jeanine Tesori with lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire.
Securing a iicket to this production will, no doubt, ensure an entertaining evening at the theater.
FYI: “Kimberly Akimbo” continues through June 22 at CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St., Chicago. Tickets are $35 to $125. Visit broadwayinchicago.com.
Sidebar: Actress from “Kimberly Akimbo’ shares family recipe
“I enjoy good food and making my own food,” said Friedman.
The actress is currently starring as Teresa in “Kimberly Akimbo.” The production runs through June 22 at Chicago’s CIBC Theatre.
Friedman said it’s much more difficult to prepare your own food while on tour though.
“When I moved to New York City for college I lived alone and cooked for myself,” she said.
Among favorite meals she’d prepare were seafood, pasta and soup.
“It’s nice trying different restaurants (when on tour),” she said.
Friedman, who said she’s not a “picky” eater, remembers special dishes her mother made while she was growing up. Among favorite specialty meals were prime rib and Yorkshire pudding, which her mother made often for Christmas.
The actress had some family influences when it came to cooking.
“I was inspired by my grandparents and parents and what they passed on,” Friedman said. Healthy food was always in the spotlight in her family’s kitchen, Frieman stressed. “My mom always made food with healthy ingredients.”
Friedman said she’s not really into following the work of famous chefs.
“So many people (everyday cooks) make yummy food. They don’t have to be a chef,” she said.
Friedman said she’s enjoying her role with the touring production of “Kimberly Akimbo.” “I absolutely love the way it’s written,” she said about the show. “I love how funny and irreverent it is but it’s also bittersweet and so life affirming.”
The following recipe is from Friedman.
Yorkshire Pudding
½ teaspoon salt
3/4 cups of flour
2 eggs
1 cup milk
4 tablespoons oil
Mix all ingredients, except the oil, together. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Preheat oven to 450°. Take an 8×8 square pan and pour the 4 tablespoons of oil into it. Heat the pan for 2 minutes before pouring in the cold batter.
Cook for 20 to 30 minutes. Do not open the oven door during cooking. Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy outer edges and the custard-like inside.
About Eloise Marie Valadez
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
“Bill W. and Dr. Bob” continues to June 8 at the theater. The show stars Ronnie Marmo as Bill W. and Rick Yaconis as Dr. Bob, the founders of AA. Marmo also directs the show, which is produced by Theatre 68, with locations in Los Angeles and New York. Actor Marmo is also the artistic director of Theatre 68.
The theatrical production offers a candid look at the lives of New York stockbroker Wilson and Ohio surgeon Dr. Bob and how they teamed together to form the organization. The show also focuses on their wives, who founded Al-Anon, a support group for family and friends of alcoholics.
In a past interview, Marmo said working on this play was important to him. He’s been sober for three decades and said AA saved his life.
The theatrical production, which also has a good dose of humor in it, was written by Samuel Shem and Janet Surrey.
In addition to touring with this show, Marmo also stars in “I’m Not A Comedian…I’m Lenny Bruce,” which he frequently takes on tour.
FYI: “Bill W. and Dr. Bob” runs to June 8 at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Tickets start at $69. Visit billwanddrbobonstage.com.
About Eloise Marie Valadez
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
