Paul Lisnek Behind the Curtain

Holiday at Goodman Theatre is a new adaptation of Philip Barry’s 1928 romantic comedy, reimagined by Tony Award–winning playwright Richard Greenberg and directed by Goodman’s legendary director, Robert Falls. The play presents the wealthy Seton family on New York’s Upper East Side, and introduces a young charismatic newcomer to the family whose romance with one […]

Little Shop of Horrors is truly a cult classic that has entertained audiences for over 4 years.  The story of a man-eating plant who seeks to take over the world is a musical full of great songs and fun. Joining in the conversation are Jackson Evans (who plays Seymour), Maya Rowe (playing Audrey), Andrew Mueller (playing Orin […]

Many people mistakenly believe that the AIDS and HIV crises are over. Nothing is further from the truth. AIDS Foundation Chicago continues to provide care and housing assistance for so many Chicagoans who may struggle to make ends meet while they continue their battle against HIV. It is true that medications are better and more […]

Everyone’s favorite childhood classic film is Mary Poppins! Based on the writings of P.J. Travers, the story underwent significant development and creating thanks to the work, not just of Walt Disney, but of the Sherman Brothers who wrote all of the classic music. Now, a new book, “Making Mary Poppins: The Sherman Brothers, Walt Disney, and the […]

There’s no wonder why Jonathan Spector’s “Eureka Day” won the 2025 Tony for Best Revival of a Play. Although written in 2018, it feels like this play could have been written this year as it brings to the front critical and divisive issues we face today as a society; but….it’s presented with a huge dose of […]

Siah Berlatsky is a local playwright who, at the age of 15, began to write a funny sophisticated play called “Malapert Love.” Completed when she was 21, who would imagine that the work would be performed in Chicago at the Artistic Home where it was awarded the Jeff Award for Best New Work in 2023 and […]

There’s little doubt that Stephen Sondheim has created some of the best musical theater ever written. And now, Madkap Productions presents Stephen Sondheim’s classic “Company “ at the Skokie Theatre from February 6 to March 1st. The original Broadway production was nominated for 14 Tony awards and won 6 and its no wonder why as it […]

“Stereophonic” is a dramatic play that follows a fictional rock band in 1976 as they navigate the hectic and complex process of recording their new album, their second album, and at the same time, exploring fame, conflict, and artistic struggle. The play tells the story of an unnamed British-American rock band seeking superstardom and amidst the various dynamics that ensue. Joining in the conversation are: Claire DeJean, playing Diana, a tambourine player and the girlfriend of Peter and Denver Milord, playing Peter, a guitarist, boyfriend of Diana and the self-appointed […]

Carole King is truly a living legend. Her Tapestry album remains as one of the most iconic albums of all time. Her extraordinary career as songwriter, performer, environmentalist and political activist has made its permanent mark on society for over half a century. This book relies on a multitude of interviews and extensive research to […]

There was no one like Johnny Carson, host of the Tonight Show for 30 years during which he hosted around 4500 episodes with more than 25,000 guests. Author Mark Malkoff interviewed over 400 people (many of which can be heard at www.CarsonPodcast.com) and took a dozen years to write this book. It’s a history of the show but […]

Of course, language evolves over time….it should be seen as a living breathing thing is often a reflection of the time and place in which it was created. This book goes well beyond trying to understand what is right and wrong in language usage. It explains why things we say may appear to be wrong […]

For over 100 years, a group of lawyers and judges leave the courtrooms behind and take the stage to present classic parody in music, song and skit looking at the events of the day in a way only these talented lawyers can do. This year’s show is titled, “Moo Court” as Mrs. O’Leary’s cow faces […]

Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical “the Phantom of the Opera  brings back the show’s original design and production. The classic music and staging have returned in all its glamour and glory to the Cadillac Palace Theatre thru February 1st. Phantom changed musical theater forever with it’s opera feel and gorgeous music including “Music […]

Amadeus is a powerful, intense theatrical experience and exactly the kind of play Steppenwolf is meant to perform!  It is an unforgettable and breathtaking production; you have until January 25th to see it! Joining in the conversation about this Peter Shaffer Tony and Academy Award winning classic are the leads: Ian Barford (playing Salieri) known for his […]

Urinetown the Musical premiered off-Broadway in 2001 and was so successful that it transferred to Broadway later that year. And it’s been playing ever since throughout the country and now enjoying sell out crowds at Theo Ubique Theater housed in the Fred Anzevino Theater in Evanston. Urinetown is a satirical musical about an unknown city imposes a […]

Anthony Rapp is one of Chicago’s Very Own! Born in Chicago, he’s now returned to live here AND perform a holiday cabaret: Anthony Rapp “Home for the Holidays”, a cozy cabaret….December 17-20th at the Lookingglass Theatre. A beautiful evening in an intimate and fabulously Chicago historic space. Rapp is known, of course for originating the […]

The Louvre is arguably the world’s most famous art museum, home to some of the most iconic art pieces in history. But there are many things we don’t know about the museum that only a resident Parisian could ever have the time to discover in such an expansive museum. What happens on Tuesdays when the museums […]

The Uptown Theatre was one of Chicago’s grand movie palaces! Built in 1925, this 4,300 seat theater was one of the country’s great movie palaces. Its history is related in a new coffee table book: “The Uptown: Chicago’s endangered Movie Palace.” Home to silent movies, the first talkies and live shows including the Marx Brothers, […]

Teatro ZinZanni, is a Chicago classic and one of the most unique theatrical and entertainment experiences in the city! Perfect for Chicagoans and a must for visitors. Imagine an evening of dinner and a show filled with music, orchestra, circus and fun all taking place in an antique Spiegeltent  on the 14th floor Cambria Hotel in downtown […]

A 1990 musical based on the 1886 novella by Robert Louis Stevenson is a jaw dropping production from Kokandy presented at the Chopin Theater. The story of a doctor who seeks to find the other side of himself….is he seeking another personality or just part of who he is in the first place? Set in […]

The Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC) has been entertaining audiences year-round for over 40 years. But it’s also a place of community, warmth and acceptance for those “in” the show and those watching it from the audience. This Christmas, CGMC presents “Holly Dolly Christmas” – a Holiday Tribue to the legendary Dolly Parton. Nearly 250 singers and […]

Attention Neil Diamond fans! The great musical “A Beautiful Noise: the Neil Diamond Musical” returns to Chicago at the Chicago Cadillac Palace Theatre until November 30th. The role of the younger Neil Diamond is played on this national tour by American Idol winner Nick Fradiani. This is Neil Diamond’s true story of how a kid […]

Give my regards to Broadway…a famous phrase which embodies our forever love of the Great White Way where musical theater has thrived for over a century. Now, the history of Broadway Musical theater is exhaustively documented in a new book by David Armstrong: “Broadway Nation: How Immigrant, Jewish, Queer, and Black Artists Invented the Broadway Musical.” But just how did Broadway become Broadway? What […]

Improv takes some really special skills. Actor/comedian and improv talent Connor Ratliff is the son of a veteran improv performer and now he returns to the very theater in which his dad performed. Connor will be in Chicago to present two different shows at two different venues. “The Acting Class” is Ratliff’s fully-improvised one-person show in which he […]

HBO’s popular and heartfelt show “Somebody Somewhere” gained a huge following and continues to find more fans as more people find it on HBO. Among the breakout stars is long time comedian and larger than life personality Murray Hill! Long known as an event emcee, Hill is amazing in performing stand-up. Song, rimshots, ad-libbing and […]

“Ugly Lies the Bone” is a moving and powerful comedy, both darkly funny and heartfelt….with special impact as we are in the season of Veterans’ Day…when we should both honor and give thought to those who have served our country…many who return with serious challenges as a result of their experiences in war. The story is […]

It’s hard to define the type of entertainment that is presented at the McAninch Arts Center (MAC) on the Campus of the College of DuPage because it is SO varied and full, that there’s something for everyone. In this interview with Director of the MAC, Diana Martinez, the upcoming calendar for October through December is […]

Everyone loves Lucy! I Love Lucy and its stars Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz remain legends some 70 years after the classic TV comedy premiered. Fans of this show have likely read many books about Lucy or Desi and Lucy, or the show itself. But no book has been written that focuses on the life […]

Are you a member of Club Edward or Club Jacob? If you are a Twilight fan, and a diehard Twilight fan, you know exactly what that means! Based on the Twilight set of books and movies (at least the first one), Tiffany Keane Schaefer has written (and directs) a very fun parody and tribute to […]

The Sound of Music is one of the most beloved musicals of all time. Making its debut on Broadway 65 years ago and its glorious movie debut over 60 years ago, the story of the Von Trapp family in the late 1930’s is beautifully told and resonates powerfully today. Some shows don’t age well, but […]

On a special Behind the Curtain, Paul introduces us to the extremely talented Sharpe Family Singers, known for their incredible vocal talents and massive following across all social media! The Sharpe Family consists of Ron, Barbra, Samantha, Logan, Connor and Aidan. We learn all about the early days of when parents Ron and Barbra met […]

On this special episode of Behind the Curtain, Paul sits down with the cast of Lee Kirk’s “Ashland Avenue” on the stage of the show itself! Taking center stage with Paul in first part of the interview is Jenna Fischer (yes, THAT Jenna Fischer of The Office fame) playing Sam, and in the second part are […]

Sandy Rustin was raised in Chicago, attended New Trier and Northwestern University. Soon the success began for this Chicagoan whose talents include acting, voiceover and most critically, award winning playwrighting. As an actor, she toured as Sandy in the national tour of Grease and also appeared in “I Love you, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” along […]

Chicago Humanities has, for more than 36 years, been presenting live events that bring the world to Chicago. Centered on culture, creativity and connection, the program brings the most provocative thinkers and authors, in a celebration of new perspectives and ways of thinking. The programs take place in many neighborhoods around Chicago and vary from […]

One of Shakespeare’s most classic works, “Hamlet” has been performed through the centuries and with notable figures playing him such as Laurence Olivier, Daniel Day Lewis, Mel Gibson and Richard Burton. Now Chicago’s very own Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter on Chicago Fire) tackles the role in a very different format. The production is now in […]

JJ Niemann is a rising star, or perhaps a shooting star in the Broadway and theater world. With a meteoric rise with roles in Back to the Future and Hamilton, JJ has come to Chicagoland and the Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre to star in ‘Catch Me if You Can.” And truthfully, the show is a great one, but people […]

The film is about a weekend during which Walter and Grace meet through an on-line app, meet up for coffee, and well…the dynamics seem to work between them. The conversation includes the film’s writer, director and editor: Noah Bashore, and the lead actors: Kyle Patrick (American Psycho, Godspell) as Walter and Jessie Carl (multiple musical theater productions […]

The classic game Dungeons & Dragons is back and called “The Twenty-Sided Tavern.” It’s the game you may have played and still play, or perhaps you’ve never played it. Either way, this show is a great night out for the family. You don’t turn your phone off when the show starts. In fact, you will […]

Sondheim reigns larger in death, arguably, than he did in life. He changed the landscape of what a theatrical production could do. Taking this a step further, author and professor Richard Schoch recognized that nearly every Sondheim show has a message to teach all of us something in our own lives. His new book: “How Sondheim Can […]

“44 – The Musical” is a satirical look at the rise and first term of the presidency of Barack Obama along with the myriad of characters who were part of that story. As told from the memory of Veep Joe Biden, we get Michelle Obama, Mitch McConnell, Lindsey Graham, Sarah Palin, Ted Cruise and others. […]

Pippin is one of the great fun musicals, the work of the magnificent Stephen Schwartz (“Wicked,” “Godspell”) and now a new production presented by MadKap Productions at the Skokie Theatre, a nicely rehabbed venue perfect for intimate musical productions. Joining in the conversation is Pippin himself (played by Connor Hensley Schroeder) and an interesting twist on the role […]

The legendary Icon Leslie Uggams will be honored with the ICON Award from Porchlight Music Theatre on September 14th at Ritz Carlton. Ms Uggams was most recently seen in Season 3, Ep 7 of The Guilded Age, but she is legendary for playing Kizzy in Roots, Blind Al in the Deadpool movies, her Tony Award winning performance in “Hallelujah, Baby,” […]

From decades of small roles and comedy shows to making it big on HBO’s hit series “Somebody, Somewhere“, Jeff Hiller is now nominated for his first Emmy for his portrayal of Joel in its 3 season run. The road to fame wasn’t easy for Jeff, as he details in his new memoir, “Actress of a […]

Paul goes behind the curtain with the managing artistic director of the Fine Arts Building and Studebaker Theater, Jacob Harvey and Keir Graff, author of the new book, Chicago’s Fine Arts Building: Music, Magic, and Murder, in which he takes you behind the scenes of one of Chicago’s cultural landmarks. The renovation of the structure for its […]

In this interview with John Mangum, the General Director, President & CEO of Lyric Opera of Chicago, we learn that in addition to the fabulous history of operas presented at the Lyric, there is so much more for non-opera lovers and families to enjoy. This upcoming season will kick off with an Opening Concert Gala on […]

There is nothing like watching an exciting scene from a Marvel movie and being moved by the powerful score that enhances and gives the film its energy! One of America’s Most Celebrated Film Conductors, Anthony Parnther, conducts the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra for ONE night only on Friday, August 29th at 7:30pm in the Pavillion with seating, of […]

There is little doubt that the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award  for Best Play-winning work Angels in America by Tony Kushner is one of the most important plays written in decades if not the last century. A seven hour-experience (separated into two parts: Part One: Millennium Approaches, and Part Two: Perestroika) can be seen over two days […]

Hitch*Cocktails is a fully improvised comedic thriller which invites the audience to laugh and enjoy while partaking (if they wish) in a drinking game, while the cast creates it all on stage…also while partaking in drinking throughout the show. Added all together it’s a laugh filled evening which creates a murder mystery that would make Alfred […]

He is still known and remembered as the King of Pop! Michael Jackson’s story is told in MJ the Musical which focuses around the “Dangerous Tour” of 1992. Through flashbacks and events of that day. The life of MJ is told with all of the hits you’d expect and hope to hear. Thriller, Beat It, Billy Jean…they are all […]

Fiddler on the Roof is one of the great classic musicals of all time. The story of Tevye the milkman, his family and his community is a tale of traditions that define his faith and confront the threats of  a modern world that challenge his beloved home town of Anatevka. The stunning aspect is how relevant […]