Curtain Call Chicago - March 25, 2026

The Wiz is a groundbreaking twist on the classic “The Wizard of Oz” which had a tremendous impact on Broadway when it opened in 1975. The score is iconic packed with soul, gospel, rock and even 70s funk which provides a fabulous accompaniment to the tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world, The latest version is re-imagined with some never before included songs in the stage production. Elijah Ahmad Lewis plays the Scarecrow and joins Paul for an insightful chat about the importance of the show’s message for today’s audiences. 

Curtain Call Chicago - March 6, 2026

“Dear Evan Hansen” at Paramount Theatre is a heartfelt, Tony-winning musical about Evan (played by Cody Combs), a lonely high schooler with severe social anxiety whose daily therapeutic letters to himself spark an initially well intended lie that spirals out of control when the unexpected happens; Evan gets thrust into viral attention after a classmate’s death forcing him to confront truth, responsibility, and the universal need to feel seen and accepted.

Joining in the conversation are Cody Combs (playing Evan Hansen), Pablo David Laucerica (Playing Evan’s family friend Jared Kleinman) and Isabel Kaegi (playing Evan’s “love” interest Zoe Murphy). Also joining is the production’s director Jessica Fisch (recently having directed “Catch Me if You Can” at Marriot Lincolnshire). The conversation goes deep into understanding the personalities, relationships and emotional challenges of the characters in this show as well as exploring how the show is different from the original Broadway and national touring production.

Dear Evan Hansen plays thru March 22nd and tickets can be purchased at: www.ParamountAurora.com

Curtain Call Chicago - March 16, 2026

“White Rooster” is a dark but humorous ghost story about Min, a young woman desperate to leave her decaying hometown after a family tragedy. While trying to move on, she gets caught up in a surreal world of ghosts and spirits, old curses and apparent inherited obligations requiring her to marry a white rooster when her fiancé is killed. It’s Chinese folklore meets ghost-town America.

Curtain Call Chicago - March 16, 2026

The Drowsy Chaperone is a tongue‑in‑cheek musical in which a lonely theatre fan plays his favorite cast album in his living room of the 1920s show of that name, and the production springs to life in his apartment; it’s both a spoof of and love letter to old‑fashioned Broadway glamour, romance, and silliness.

Curtain Call Chicago - March 12, 2026

Ravinia President and CEO Jeff Haydon sat exclusively with Paul Lisnek to reveal the 2026 Festival Season. Lots of big stars, Orchestras covering Jazz, Classical, Broadway and Show and even a sing-a-long with the Movie Grease evening hosted by Paul Lisnek….an incredible variety. Beyond the programs, Jeff and Paul discuss all the different ways to enjoy the park, travel and parking and the best way to get tickets. An important annual reveal you will want to watch here! 

 Curtain Call Chicago - March 3, 2026

“The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” at Goodman Theatre is a world-premiere English stage adaptation of Junot Díaz’s Pulitzer Prize–winning novel about a love-struck, nerdy Dominican American who has to confront the challenges that casta shadow over his family. Set between New Jersey and Santo Domingo, the production follows Oscar, a sci‑fi-obsessed college freshman, as he chases love, undeterred, and confronts a generations‑old “fukú” curse. Along the way, he discovers courage in the face of violence, racism, and heartbreak, but never loses his spirit. Plays thru April 12th

Curtain Call Chicago - March 4, 2026

Frank McCourt’s “The Irish….And how they Got That Way” is more than a musical review. It’s a warm and affectionate tribute to the heart of a people that struggled through a rough and difficult history to ultimately build our city and indeed much of the country. The talented cast of 4 (along with the on stage musicians) weaves history and music with story and laughter to tell the story of this amazing culture.

Joining in the conversation is the entire cast: Emily Goldberg, Michael Mahler, Leah Morrow and Luke Nowakowski as well as the director David Girolmo all of whom provide insight into the story and history.

The production runs thru March 15th at Porchlight Music Theatre located in the Ruth Page Center; and tickets can be purchased at: www.PorchlightMusicTheatre.org

Curtain Call Chicago - March 3, 2026

The story is based on a 19th century work by Ibsen but this Broadway adaptation presents a powerful Hedda Gabler, a woman who desires to escape from a loveless, ordinary existence from her return from her honeymoon when she already finds herself bored of her husband and seeking a return to her wild and independent days of whims.

Joining in the conversation are: Aurora Real de Asua (who plays Hedda Gabler and is an ensemble member of Remy Bumppo), Felipe Carrasco (playing Ejlert Lovborg) and director Marti Lyons (also artistic director of Remy Bumppo Theatre Company)

The production runs thru March 8th and tickets can be purchased at: www.remybumppo.org