In 1938 twenty-five-year-old Orson Welles became famous after his radio play based on the novel "A War of the Worlds" shook the airwaves, purportedly nearly causing national panic. The book’s seventy-five-year-old author H.G. Wells was not amused at how his intellectual property was in his mind misused without permission. Written by Amy Crider the play is based on an actual encounter in 1940 while the two men, “Wells and Welles” both happened to be on lecture tours, finding each other in San Antonio, Texas on the same rainy night. Podcast review by Reno Lovison ChicagoBroadcastingNetwork.com

“Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” is the best musical I have seen in years. Opening night was one to remember. John Berendt, the author of the best-selling book, was on hand for the curtain call and to see this new musical version written by Taylor Mac come to life. The excitement of the evening spilled out into the street as people chattered about what a great time this was.

At the Goodman Theatre, 70 N Dearborn St, Chicago, through August 11, 2024.

For tickets and information visit https://www.goodmantheatre.org

When you cannot adequately express yourself with the nuance and clarity of a native speaker, people do not know that you are actually smart, funny, and kind. Instead, they only hear your imperfect pronunciation and limited vocabulary. You may be easily assumed to be inferior with little or nothing to offer.

PULITZER PRIZE-WINNING PLAY BY SANAZ TOOSSI EXTENDED BY POPULAR DEMAND.

“9 to 5: The Musical” playing at the Metropolis Theater in downtown Arlington Heights is a kind of women’s lib version of “How to Succeed in Business.”

While his wife is away on a four week cruise a trio of women manage to hog tie and subdue their boss in his home. Signing his name to numerous memos they commence making much appreciated changes and improvements to staff morale and office productivity.

It may be difficult for some younger people today to consider that the glass ceiling for women was very real.

In some level this show seems archaic and simply a retrospective romp but it also serves as a cautionary tale, a reminder that chauvinist and misogynist thinking still prevails in some circles and there are those who would love to turn back the clock.

Podcast theater review by Reno Lovison of Judgment Day - written by Rob Ulin, directed Moritz von Stuelpnagel, starring Jason Alexander at Chicago Shakespeare Theater through May 26, 2024. Includes review of Offshore Rooftop Bar at Navy Pier.

Bonus content: Rikki Lee Travolta interviews the creators of "Little Orphan Boy - The Musical at the annoyance theatre in Chicago.

An update of a few events we enjoyed recently and a look to what’s happening soon including an excerpt of Rikki Lee Travolta’s interview with Evan Jackson, artistic director of “What the Weird Sisters Saw” a retelling of Macbeth from the Witches' point of view performed by Idle Muse at the Edge Theater. Also a few shoutouts to some northside Chicago restaurants.

Jersey Boys currently on stage in Chicago features 30 musical numbers while walking us through the life and times of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons a New Jersey based rock and roll quartet that appealed largely to blue collar teens nationwide in the 1960s with songs like “Sherry” and “Walk Like A Man.”

Podcast theater review by Reno Lovison includes a short excerpt of an interview by Rikki Lee Travolta with co-directors Walter Stearns and Brenda Didier commenting on their love of the show and some specifics about actors Michael Metcalf and Adrian Aguilar.

Jersey Boys is at the Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago, through May 19, 2024. For tickets and information visit mercurytheaterchicago.com or call (773) 360-7365.

In this podcast episode Rikki Lee Travolta interviews Ronni Marmo appearing in “I’m Not a Comedian….I’m Lenny Bruce” under the direction of multi-award-winner Joe Mantegna at the Biograph Theater in Chicago. This production tells the story of the life and early passing of one of the most legendary comedians of all time. Rikki Lee talks with Marmo about the development of the work and his association with Joe Mantegna who agreed to direct the show.