All stories by Bill Zwecker on BroadwayStars

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Suzanne Petri, Daryl Nitz plan big musical shows by Bill Zwecker

Popular Chicago cabaret star Suzanne Petri will be headlining "Torch, Sass and Swing!" — a musical tribute to the clubs and artists who made major contributions to Chicago's cabaret scene …

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 03:42PM

Celeb sightings: Chris O’Donnell, Jacob deGrom, William H. Macy by Bill Zwecker

North Shore native and proud Cubs fan Chris O'Donnell has been back in town for the NLCS series, and was seen dining with a happy group at Chicago Cut Steakhouse. The post Celeb sightings: C…

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 09:01AM
Thursday, October 15, 2015

Karen Mason’s nostalgic musical journey by Bill Zwecker

Even when one talks to singer Karen Mason on the phone — as I did recently to chat about her upcoming show at Davenport's in Wicker Park — there is a definite musical lilt to the veteran…

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 09:54AM
Wednesday, October 7, 2015

An R. Kelly Chicago show to benefit former vocal coach by Bill Zwecker

There's a nice, positive extra note that R. Kelly will be adding to one of his upcoming Chicago concerts. The post An R. Kelly Chicago show to benefit former vocal coach appeared first on C…

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 05:42PM
Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Real life detective helped Michael Shannon capture him for ‘Freeheld’ by Bill Zwecker

Within the space of a week, Michael Shannon will be seen on the big screen in two extemely different roles. The post Real life detective helped Michael Shannon capture him for ‘Freehel…

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 11:42AM
Monday, September 21, 2015

‘Daily Show’s’ John Hodgman to share his Maine ideas with Chicago by Bill Zwecker

While comedian and raconteur John Hodgman is a New Englander through-and-through, the witty, longtime contributor to "The Daily Show" on Comedy Central does say, "Chicago has always been one…

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 11:50AM

Star sightings: Amy Morton, Regis Philbin, Derrick Rose by Bill Zwecker

TV legend Regis Philbin was spied hanging out with Food Network star Jeff Mauro as the Pork & Mindy's co-founder cooked up his signature barbeque bacon burger using his new line of Pork…

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 10:28AM
Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Stars head to the Arctic — to make ‘Funny or Die’ series by Bill Zwecker

In what may be the most unusual filming location — especially for comedy bits — Alexander Skarsgard ("True Blood"), plus former Chicagoans Jack McBrayer ("30 Rock") and noted comedy writ…

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 02:34PM
Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Chicago actress Deanna Dunagan plays scary grandma in ‘The Visit’ by Bill Zwecker

Catching up with Deanna Dunagan in her New York hotel room, as she prepared to attend the premiere of her new film "The Visit" (opening Friday), the Lincoln Park-based actress said, "if I ha…

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 01:51PM

Huge Sinatra centennial bash planned at Pump Room by Bill Zwecker

To mark the centennial of Frank Sinatra's birth this winter, the Public Chicago Hotel — joined by Our Town's own Tom Dreesen — are planning a huge celebration of "'Ol Blue Eyes" 100th bi…

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 12:24PM
Monday, August 17, 2015

Idina Menzel wowed by local teen’s vocal gifts by Bill Zwecker

Idina Menzel got quite the delightful surprise, when she invited South Sider Ariana Burks, 15, to join her on stage Sunday night to sing along with the Tony winner's rendition of "Take Me or…

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 12:11PM
Wednesday, August 12, 2015

‘A lot going on’ as David Koechner returns for Chicago improv shows by Bill Zwecker

Just because David Koechner's "BeerSharkMice" improv shows are sold out at the IO Theatre this weekend, fans of the veteran comedian and actor — who don't have tickets — should know Koec…

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 04:01PM

Star sightings: Salt-N-Pepa, Billy Corgan, Anthony Rizzo by Bill Zwecker

It was old home week for Salt-N-Pepa and Spinderella dining at Mr. Brown's Lounge in the Loop -- especially for Jamaican native Pepa, as the group lunched on chef Chris Douglas' authentic Ja…

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 12:26PM
Monday, July 20, 2015

Star sightings include: Patrick Kane, Colin Jost, Taraji P. Henson by Bill Zwecker

There was lots of buzz at the iO Theatre the other night as actor, filmmaker and Chicago native Bob Balaban was spied happily watching "Improvised Shakespeare" at the improv mecca, while "S…

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 12:36PM
Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Kennedy Center honors include part-time Chicagoan George Lucas by Bill Zwecker

As is usually the case, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announcement Wednesday of its honorees for 2015 cover a wide and diverse range of artistic genres, from "Star Wars"…

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 02:37PM
Thursday, July 9, 2015

Ex-Second City player Mike Kosinski lands new TV gig by Bill Zwecker

Mike Kosinski knows he's one lucky guy. The actor and comedian, who co-stars in the new "Impastor" series (debuting at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday on TV Land), moved to Los Angeles — after getting…

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 06:37PM
Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Stars on the town: Samuel L. Jackson, Mick Jagger, Judd Apatow by Bill Zwecker

Samuel L. Jackson, in town filming Spike Lee's "Chiraq," was spotted dining at Gibsons Rush Street steakery Monday night, while director Lee himself was seen next door at Hugo's Frog Bar. Th…

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 04:45PM
Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Stars around town: Gloria Estefan, Marian Hossa, Grant Hill by Bill Zwecker

Popular Marian Hossa was spied lunching with the cup at Tavern on Rush. The post Stars around town: Gloria Estefan, Marian Hossa, Grant Hill appeared first on Chicago Entertainment - Chicag…

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 02:48PM
Monday, June 15, 2015

Rob Reiner considering Woody Harrelson to play LBJ by Bill Zwecker

It might seem like a strange casting choice, but there's word Rob Reiner wants to cast Woody Harrelson in a film he's long wanted to make about President Lyndon Johnson — with Harrelson pl…

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 04:19PM

Tommy Tune headed here for big tap celebration by Bill Zwecker

Coming shortly after he was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the Tonys, the incomparable Tommy Tune will headline the 25th anniversary "Jubalee" gala of the Chicago Human Rhythm …

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 03:40PM
Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Comic Ithamar Enriquez does comedy — without words by Bill Zwecker

Even though the show is called "Ithamar Has Nothing To Say," I told comedian Ithamar Enriquez I hoped he would not leave me in silence — when he called recently to talk about his upcoming …

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 06:10PM
Monday, June 8, 2015

Big night for Griffin, Bailiwick at Non-Equity Jeff Awards by Bill Zwecker

The 42nd annual Jeff Awards honoring non-Equity theatre in Chicago turned out to be a big night Monday for both Bailiwick Theatre's "The Wild Party" and Griffin Theatre's "Men Should Weep." …

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 11:30PM

Chicago’s JAM Theatricals among big Tony winners by Bill Zwecker

Kudos to partners Arny Granat and Steve Traxler of Chicago's own JAM Theatricals for walking off with their eighth Tony Award Sunday night at New York's Radio City Music Hall. The post Chic…

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 05:40PM

Stars spotted: Jeremy Roenick, Adrian Grenier, Christian Stolte by Bill Zwecker

Hawks fans were delighted to spot for team great Jeremy Roenick dining at the new Prime & Provisions the other night — here in the midst of our big Stanley Cup fever. The post Stars s…

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 04:12PM
Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Star sightings: Melissa McCarthy, Andy Cohen, Gloria Estefan by Bill Zwecker

While in town shooting scenes for their upcoming "Michelle Darnell" flick, Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Bell enjoyed a few cocktails in the Library Bar at Public Hotel. The post Star sighti…

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 06:10PM
Monday, May 18, 2015

‘2 Broke Girls’ star Jonathan Kite flies into town by Bill Zwecker

While Jonathan Kite has snared a national audience thanks to the success of his hit CBS sitcom, "2 Broke Girls," the actor is heading our way this week to showcase his skill as a standup com…

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 07:17PM
Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Sutton Foster hoping for warm reception in Chicago for Goodman gala by Bill Zwecker

Tony winner Sutton Foster is "very excited" to be coming to Chicago for the big annual Goodman Theatre summer gala this Saturday — at a time of year where she won't see her breath, every t…

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 05:09PM
Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Celebrities to be honored by Boys & Girls Clubs by Bill Zwecker

A large group of famous faces will hit town next week as part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America's 25th annual "Alumni Hall of Fame" gala. The post Celebrities to be honored by Boys …

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 05:59PM
Monday, April 27, 2015

Carol Burnett surprises local singer by Bill Zwecker

Talk about a great treat! Carol Burnett (who just turned 82) gave local singer Hilary Ann Feldman quite the nice surprise the other day. The post Carol Burnett surprises local singer appeare…

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 03:09PM
Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Rita Rudner’s comedy starts on the homefront by Bill Zwecker

When it comes to finding material for her standup act, comedian Rita Rudner doesn't have to go far. "When I think about things that make me laugh — and hopefully my audience will find funn…

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 04:26PM
Wednesday, April 15, 2015

‘Forbidden Planet’ musical spoof snares local media stars by Bill Zwecker

For the "Return to the Forbidden Planet" musical spoof, the folks at the Jedlicka Performing Arts Center in Cicero are using a number Chicago media personalities as part of the show. The pos…

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 10:08AM

All that Chat

2024-2025 BROADWAY SEASON
Jun 05, 2024: Home - Todd Haimes Theatre
Jul 11, 2024: Oh, Mary! - Lyceum Theatre
Jul 30, 2024: Job - Hayes Theater
Sep 12, 2024: The Roommate - Booth Theatre
Nov 14, 2024: Tammy Faye - Palace Theatre
Dec 12, 2024: Cult of Love - Hayes Theater
Dec 19, 2024: Gypsy - Majestic Theatre
Mar 15, 2025: Purpose - Hayes Theater
Apr 01, 2025: Glengarry Glen Ross
TBA: Titanic