All stories by Bill Zwecker on BroadwayStars

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Colin Quinn heads back to Chicago, the city he once loved to hate by Bill Zwecker

The "SNL" alum and veteran stand-up comic used to resent the city's appetite for improv.

SOURCE: chicago.suntimes.com at 04:08PM
Wednesday, January 10, 2018

John Malkovich to narrate ‘Lincoln Portrait’ with Muti, Chicago Symphony by Bill Zwecker

Acclaimed actor, veteran Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble member and two-time Oscar nominee John Malkovich will serve as the narrator of Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait,” in …

SOURCE: chicago.suntimes.com at 12:22PM
Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Michael Shannon’s ‘The Shape of Water’ role was written for him by Bill Zwecker

Chicago actor "totally blown away" at being handpicked to play a government agent for director Guillermo del Toro.

SOURCE: chicago.suntimes.com at 03:38PM
Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Stars’ Chicago holiday memories: Julia Roberts, John Cena and more by Bill Zwecker

Celebs including Tyler Perry, Willem Dafoe and Jason Momoa recall shopping and shivering in Chicago at Christmastime.

SOURCE: chicago.suntimes.com at 07:29PM
Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Highland Park’s Lauren Tom watches opportunities grow for Asian talent by Bill Zwecker

The actress' character on 'Andi Mack' undergoes a change on this week's episode.

SOURCE: chicago.suntimes.com at 05:52PM
Wednesday, October 18, 2017

For Patrick Stewart, Chicago gig led to ‘game-changing experience’ by Bill Zwecker

The "Star Trek" and "X-Men" actor returns to town next week to accept an honor from the Chicago International Film Festival.

SOURCE: chicago.suntimes.com at 05:55PM
Monday, October 9, 2017

Martin Short advises Ramis School students to ‘go see the greats’ by Bill Zwecker

The comedian participated in a lengthy seminar Saturday in Chicago for students of the Harold Ramis Film School and the Second City Training Center.

SOURCE: chicago.suntimes.com at 04:19PM
Monday, September 25, 2017

Alsip’s own Matt Bellassai turns his comedy into first book by Bill Zwecker

The Facebook host and podcaster will publish essays about "all those tiny embarrassing moments" from his suburban upbringing.

SOURCE: chicago.suntimes.com at 06:26PM
Wednesday, September 13, 2017

David Koechner says George Wendt roast ‘wasn’t too harsh’ by Bill Zwecker

The comedian, who returns to the area this weekend for a stand-up show, reveals Second City benefit included a 'Superfans' bit and surprise guests.

SOURCE: chicago.suntimes.com at 05:33PM
Monday, September 11, 2017

Michael Keaton, Sanaa Lathan love Chicago’s creativity by Bill Zwecker

"American Assassin" stars Michael Keaton and Sanaa Lathan know Chicago well — loving everything from our food scene to the city's creative theaters.

SOURCE: chicago.suntimes.com at 04:42PM
Wednesday, September 6, 2017

‘SNL’s’ Julia Sweeney on criticism of Pat: ‘I probably don’t disagree’ by Bill Zwecker

The Wilmette comedian, set to roast George Wendt this weekend, says she understands why some critics objected to her sexually indeterminate character.

SOURCE: chicago.suntimes.com at 07:22PM
Monday, September 4, 2017

In today’s discourse, George Takei hears echoes of his WWII internment by Bill Zwecker

The activist actor, best known as Sulu on "Star Trek," comes to Chicago to recall a tragic event for himself and other Japanese Americans.

SOURCE: chicago.suntimes.com at 07:00AM
Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Lois Smith’s Chicago memories revolve around theater colleagues by Bill Zwecker

ZWECKER: The longtime Steppenwolf actress says new film role, as a widow reminiscing with a hologram, let her explore the shifting of memories.

SOURCE: chicago.suntimes.com at 07:01PM
Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Northwestern’s loss of Niall Cunningham is Goodman’s gain by Bill Zwecker

Niall Cunningham’s college application may not have been accepted by Northwestern University, but the 22-year-old actor modestly says “it all kind of worked out for the best̶…

SOURCE: chicago.suntimes.com at 05:46PM
Sunday, July 2, 2017

Tracking stars: Flea, Chris Colfer, Viola Davis by Bill Zwecker

Among stars spotted around town this past week are Viola Davis, Wayne Gretzky and rocker Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers fame.

SOURCE: chicago.suntimes.com at 05:45PM
Monday, June 12, 2017

Mike Ditka, Marilu Henner join in reading of Alzheimer’s play by Bill Zwecker

A group of high-profile individuals — including two famous actresses, a couple of well-respected broadcasters and a Super Bowl-winning coach — will be the star attractions of a special r…

SOURCE: chicago.suntimes.com at 04:46PM
Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Jim O’Heir’s ‘Middle Man’ truly kills as a stand-up comic by Bill Zwecker

The Chicago native and "Parks and Recreation" alum bases his "Middle Man" character on a humor-impaired classmate from his Second City training.

SOURCE: chicago.suntimes.com at 06:02PM

Kathy Bates to headline event raising funds to battle breast cancer by Bill Zwecker

Once again, the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation is bringing in a major headliner for its annual fundraising luncheon — an event that has raised more than $32 million to fight breast c…

SOURCE: chicago.suntimes.com at 05:05PM
Friday, June 2, 2017

Chicago attorney co-writes musical about famous obscenity trial by Bill Zwecker

Workshop readings of "Naked Lunch: The Musical" will focus on an obscenity trial of author William S. Burroughs,

SOURCE: chicago.suntimes.com at 02:19PM
Sunday, May 28, 2017

With ‘Dean,’ Demetri Martin’s a triple threat: writer, director, actor by Bill Zwecker

Demetri Martin drew on personal loss — the early death of his father, his mom's early onset Alzheimer's — to inspire his writing of his film, "Dean."

SOURCE: chicago.suntimes.com at 03:45PM
Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Local star power: Ricky Gervais, Bill Murray, Viola Davis by Bill Zwecker

SEEN ON THE SCENE: Ricky Gervais is so happy about the crowds at his sold-out gigs Wednesday and Thursday in Chicago, the comedian and well-known animal welfare advocate donated $10,000 to …

SOURCE: chicago.suntimes.com at 05:19PM
Monday, May 22, 2017

Spotting celebs: Spike Lee, Kevin Spacey, Anthony Rizzo by Bill Zwecker

Wondering where celebrities like Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Piven, Anthony Rizzo, Anna Pacquin and others have been seen around town? We've got it here.

SOURCE: chicago.suntimes.com at 06:31PM
Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Star sightings: Gabourey Sidibe, Patrick Kane, Robert Falls by Bill Zwecker

Oscar nominee and frequent "Empire" mainstay Gabourey Sidibe was spotted enjoying some sun sitting on the front bench at Public Chicago, chatting with a friend. The post Star sightings: Gabo…

SOURCE: chicago.suntimes.com at 10:12AM
Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Broadway star Norm Lewis to headline Goodman gala by Bill Zwecker

Noted musical theater star Norm Lewis, who made Broadway history as the first African-American to star in the title role in "The Phantom of the Opera," will be the headliner at the Goodman T…

SOURCE: chicago.suntimes.com at 01:36PM
Friday, January 15, 2016

Chicago’s L. Scott Caldwell takes a walk down ‘Mercy Street’ by Bill Zwecker

Chicago native L. Scott Caldwell is part of the very large and esteemed ensemble cast of "Mercy Street," the six-part PBS Civil War drama mini-series debuting at 8 p.m. Sunday on WTTW-Channe…

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 08:00AM
Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Hey, ‘Sesame Street’ fans! Elmo and friends heading to Chicago by Bill Zwecker

Kids of all ages undoubtedly will be flocking to Navy Pier this weekend as Elmo and that lovable, furry red Muppet is joined by a bunch of his Sesame Street pals. The post Hey, ‘Sesame…

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 02:53PM
Wednesday, November 18, 2015

James Maslow psyched for stage role in ‘Sherlock Holmes’ by Bill Zwecker

Actor and singer James Maslow, starring in the new “Sherlock Holmes” production opening Tuesday (and ... The post James Maslow psyched for stage role in ‘Sherlock Holmes…

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 07:00AM
Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Justin Bieber’s ‘Purpose’ tour hits Rosemont next April by Bill Zwecker

On the Wednesday episode of Ellen DeGeneres' talk show, Justin Bieber announced that he will embark on a world tour next year — in support of his new "Purpose" album, being released Friday…

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 01:41PM
Monday, November 2, 2015

David Arquette to be grand marshal of Thanksgiving Parade by Bill Zwecker

David Arquette, who will be in town starring in the new "Sherlock Holmes" play at the Oriental Theatre, has been tapped to serve as the grand marshal of the annual McDonald's Thanksgiving Pa…

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 08:12AM
Monday, October 26, 2015

New ‘Avatar’-themed Cirque du Soleil show coming here by Bill Zwecker

Cirque du Soleil’s multimedia “Avatar”-themed show “Toruk: The First Flight” will be coming to Chicago ... The post New ‘Avatar’-themed Cirque du So…

SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times at 09:01AM
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

All that Chat

2023-2024 BROADWAY SEASON
May 30, 2023: Grey House - Lyceum Theatre
Jun 26, 2023: Just For Us - Hudson Theatre
Jul 24, 2023: The Cottage - Hayes Theater
Nov 16, 2023: Spamalot - St. James Theatre
Dec 18, 2023: Appropriate - Hayes Theater
Mar 07, 2024: Doubt - Todd Haimes Theatre
Apr 14, 2024: Lempicka - Longacre Theatre
Apr 17, 2024: The Wiz - Marquis Theatre
Apr 18, 2024: Suffs - Music Box Theatre
Apr 25, 2024: Mother Play - Hayes Theater
Jun 10, 2024: The Drama Desk Awards