I originally saw Jersey Boys when it was the sit down production here in Chicago.  I was 17 and a junior in high school at the time.  I had been singing and acting throughout my adolescence, but it wasn’t until I saw Jersey Boys that I knew that this was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.  I remember being mesmerized by the story, the music, how quickly the set changed; the list goes on and on.  Of course I knew a career as an actor is extremely terrifying since there isn’t always certainty if you’ll work.  But I grew up having parents who taught be to have patience, be persistent, and have a quiet confidence.

I studied at Carnegie Mellon University where I received my BFA in Acting/Music Theatre.  It’s there where I trained and honed in my craft. CMU’s acting program is fantastic with alumni such as Ted Danson, Holly Hunter, Patrick Wilson, Zachary Quinto and Megan Hilty.  I graduated and got an agent from our senior showcase.  I spent one last summer performing at The Muny down in St. Louis and soon after moved to New York.  I spent my first year auditioning for a numerous amount of projects, doing a few readings and workshops, an Off-Broadway show and also a few regional productions.  But my eyes were set on.  I auditioned for the first time in September of 2010.  From then on I had about 6 more auditions throughout the year until I booked the job this past November of 2011.

It has been an absolute dream come true portraying the role of Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys.  I feel extremely honored and humbled to be given the opportunity to share this story with audiences who keep coming back to see this show.  You can’t help but fall in love with one song after the next.  And yet you also learn about a group of four guys, you see what they went through to become Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, and that it didn’t just happen overnight.  This show is so well constructed that it is far from a “juke-box musical.”  I would say that it a mixture of a play and a rock concert.  Rich in its context, and unforgettable in its music.  Certainly not one you want to miss if you haven’t seen it yet.

It’s been such a treat to be performing here in my hometown and getting to see so many family members and friends after the show.  I’ve been lucky enough to be asked to sing the National Anthem at a few of Chicago’s games.  Last week I sang at the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Fire games.  I grew up seeing so many Bulls games so that one especially hit home for me.  What’s most incredible is to be in the Bank of America Theatre where I first saw the show 6 years ago, dreaming of one day being a part of it.  I have never felt more gratitude taking my bow every performance.  Thankful to be getting to do what I love, and hoping that our performances continue to touch and inspire others just as I was 6 years ago.

Nick Cosgrove

I am having the most amazing time in the beautiful city of Chicago!  There is just so much to see and do here that I wish there were more hours in the day!  I have spent every free moment I have site seeing.  Michigan Avenue has definitely been a highlight of this trip and of course Millennium Park.  The Shedd Aquarium was one of the best aquariums I have ever been to! The exhibits were beautiful! And I have to give a shout out to Al’s Italian Beef! So delicious! I am loving the Chicago audiences as well in the AMAZING Cadillac Palace Theatre.  The theatre is absolutely gorgeous, and I feel honored performing on such a historical stage.  Thank you Chicago for making this a memorable experience!

Melissa Grohowski and Michael Duff after performing “Memory” on the WGN Midday News

Cats is playing at the Cadillac Palace Theatre Now until May 6th!

 Join the fans and be first in line since for the first 7 hours of the public on sale, tickets will ONLY be available at the Bank of America Theatre box office. This is a sure fire way to get the best seats available for this limited 12-week engagement.

WINNER! TONY® AWARD – BEST MUSICAL
WINNER! NEW YORK DRAMA CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD – BEST MUSICAL
WINNER! DRAMA DESK AWARD – BEST MUSICAL
WINNER! OUTER CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD – BEST MUSICAL
WINNER! DRAMA LEAGUE AWARD – BEST MUSICAL
WINNER! GRAMMY AWARD – BEST MUSICAL THEATER ALBUM

 “THE BEST MUSICAL OF THIS CENTURY.
Heaven on Broadway!  A celebration of the privilege
of living inside that improbable paradise called a musical comedy.”
Ben Brantley, THE NEW YORK TIMES

Ticketmaster phone and online sales open at 7 a.m. on Monday for the first 24 hour on-sale in Broadway In Chicago history.

When I first found out I’d been cast on this tour in June 2011, I was pretty thrilled for many obvious reasons. One big reason? An incredible way to see some of the coolest cities in the US (and actually get paid to do it). Being from Toronto, Canada, I had visited New York, LA and Miami. That’s it!  When I saw Chicago on the list I was super excited. My parents fell in love with this city after going to a big family event here seven years ago. I had to miss it (I was doing Mamma Mia in Toronto at the time), but they wouldn’t stop talking about how great it was here. And they were nuts about this crazy restaurant called Ed Debevic’s where apparently the waitresses are super blunt and hilarious. They liked it so much that they’re actually coming to visit me here on tour next week. Not JUST for the restaurant though They told me how gorgeous and cool Chicago is and I have to say, they were absolutely right.

One of the best parts of tour, for me, is checking out a new theatre every week. Visiting the Oriental for the first time was the most thrilling peek I’ve had yet. First of all, the walk TO the theatre from our hotel took my breath away. Strolling over the river? I don’t think that could ever get old. It feels kind of like being in a gorgeous romantic movie. And the theatre itself is so very stunning. I spent our entire sound check on Tuesday afternoon staring at the ceiling. I usually get a sore neck from DOING the show, but in this case I started early.

This week has been a pretty busy one so far – on top of shows, we’ve had a full day of rehearsal (with our associate director and choreographer, who came to brush things up) and quite a lot of media stuff. The cast did a press performance for WGN and Van summed up what it means to do “American Idiot” best – we’re like “rock star athletes”. To do our jobs well every night means having to make choices before and after the show that protect our bodies and voices. But then again, we’ve got so much crazy energy going on during the show that when it’s done, the last thing you want to do is just go home and rest. It’s all about finding that balance – knowing when to live it up and when to enjoy down time. And in a city where there’s so much to see and do, like Chicago, that balance is extra hard! I literally had to force myself to not talk to anyone after the show and go straight to my hotel room the first few nights we were here. Last week there was a virus going around causing people to have sore throats and yucky congestion — I caught it and lost my voice completely and had to miss the second half of the week of shows in Raleigh. So I’ve been extra disciplined here about letting my body recover fully before I test its fun-having limits again. That being said, I’ve had a great time walking the streets, doing some great shopping and eating some awesome food. I am completely obsessed with the Protein Bar at Clarke and Kinzie. I’m super into health food and sometimes that’s hard to access on the road. They make the most amazing raw juices and a vegan superfood salad that I’ve already had three times since we’ve been here! I’m really looking forward to the weekend, too – hoping to have a chance to check out Second City and maybe House of Blues or Oak Park, or Wicker Park. Oh my! I know that two weeks are going to FLY by and that we’ll be leaving wishing we had more time to see and do here in Chicago. Oh well – we’re gonna make the most of enjoying this awesome city with its beautiful theatre and super-fun audiences. See you at the Oriental.

Thanks Chicago!!

xx Talia Aaron

Photograph by Erik Cornet

Working for Broadway In Chicago has its obvious perks, especially as the Events Coordinator. Being able to organize events in these beautiful theatres still amazes me. Even just walking through each theatre’s magnificent lobby, I discover something new that I hadn’t noticed before. It is easy to overlook the details surrounding you while watching a show with 2,000 other people (especially when the shows are so great) but when you have the privilege of working in them, you take notice.

In addition to the pre-show receptions, corporate meetings and movie screenings, we get many unique requests asking for use of the theatres. Recently, one was for a photo and video shoot at the Bank of America Theatre featuring author Charlie Newton. His novel Start Shooting, just published this January, is set in Chicago. This specific theatre is very important to the character Arleen Brennan, a working actress who auditions on stage for a revival of “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Listening to Charlie describe this pivotal scene, it was clear the impact it had on the story and how much the theatre meant to him, as well as Arleen. Although he didn’t want to relinquish his “tough guy” persona, Charlie started to get emotional while discussing Arleen’s journey. It was incredibly moving for him to be able to sit alone in the space that has so much significance to his character and his story.

The theatres have important meaning to a lot of people, whether it was where you had a first date with a special person or holds the stage you someday hope to perform on.  As Charlie and Arleen did, I hope everyone is able to experience the magic they create.

Jessica

I am ecstatic to be back in my hometown of Chicago with the Broadway touring company of MAMMA MIA! Ever since I learned the Windy City would be on our 2011-2012 Season, I knew that this week would represent a dream come true.

As a youngster growing up in the inner city, I was molded by this towering city, all the while guided by hopeful, supportive parents who fought hard to show me a better life outside of our tough neighborhood. With their encouragement, I would go on to attend music and dance classes, eventually studying at the Chicago Academy for the Arts. The lessons I learned there impact me to this day.

Chicago is also home to my commercial career… It is here that I began working in television, creating a foundation that has allowed me to succeed in the extremely competitive atmosphere of Los Angeles, where I’ve booked appearances on programs like Fox’s GLEE. Ironically, Chicago also launched my stage career, which lead me far from home and has taken me not only all over the U.S, but all over Europe as well. So it is such a gift to step on the stage of the historically restored Oriental Theater, where legends have performed in front of my family, friends and teachers. It feels like a celebration that’s come full circle.

In Mamma Mia!, I am in the ensemble and understudy the role of Ali, one of Sophie’s best friends. Being in this enormously popular musical is rewarding in a million different ways:  I get to travel. I do what I love 8 shows a week. And I’ve inherited a talented, multi-cultural cast as my second family, people I learn from and can rely on. Touring is such an eye opening experience.

I hope you enjoy the show as much as I enjoy performing it for you. And for the record, my favorite part of the musical is rocking out in the finale in a big Abba medley we like to call “the mega mix”. The rush I get when the audience gets on its feet, waving feather boas and wearing sequins, singing the songs word for word, is a moment that defies description.

All in all, not a bad way to make a living.

Thomasina Gross

MAMMA MIA! plays the Oriental Theatre January 24-29, 2012. Click here or call 800-775-2000 for tickets.

Photo by Steve Starr (www.SteveStarrStudios.com)

To be honest, I have never experienced a place quite like ‘The Miracle Center’. Jumping into a pool of clichés, I would have to say that the person you are from the first time you walk into the doors of The Miracle Center does not compare to the person you will become when you leave. When I first walked through the doors, I was just looking for a place to dance and refine my talents. I was in love with dancing, and did not know what to do with it; I wanted a career in the arts. However, I was not sure if that was what I wanted to really do with my future. I had huge artistic dreams, dancing on Broadway, auditioning for ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ and building a career in the Performing Arts. Joining The Miracle Center brought so much out of me, allowing me to grow in so many ways. Stretching my abilities as a dancer and testing my character, giving me opportunities of leadership, and chances to display grace and integrity. There is just an unimaginable amount of blessings that TMC has given me. Pushing me to apply and get accepted to Columbia College Chicago, pursuing a double major in Dance: Performance and Theater: Acting. As well as having the support of everyone at The Miracle Center to chase my dream of auditioning for the television show; ‘So You Think You Can Dance’. Mary Santana and The Miracle Center, is really a miraculous person and place.

There could not have been a better time for me to see the ‘IN THE HEIGHTS’. Being a hip-hop dancer, I sometimes feel inadequate to the world of Broadway and dance.  A lot of times, people hear about dancing (or even when I Google ‘dance’) the first thing you see is ballet shoes, ballerinas, and contemporary dancers in these beautiful positions. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love Ballet/Modern and participate in classes, however, my native style is Hip-Hop and sometimes I feel as if my style of dance does not get the respect I think it deserves. Seeing ‘IN THE HEIGHTS’ gave my heart such joy! Seeing Hip-Hop get some respect and appreciation on a Broadway stage gave me a sense of confidence. To know that I can do what I love and that people will appreciate it. Plus, the production was so wonderful and so well put together, and just so beautifully done! I have, honestly, never been so enthralled by a cast, drawn into the music and given the overwhelming urge to get up and dance during a production. I not only enjoyed the show, but I took so much from it.

Meeting the cast left me speechless! Not just because I was smiling too hard to talk, but having the chance to meet an absolutely phenomenal cast, and seeing how friendly and kind they were! They were wonderful on and off stage, coming to shake our hands with huge smiles, making me feel beyond welcomed. I would go so far as to thank the cast for just being themselves. Reminding me that no matter where I go I will always be myself. Also, I cannot put into words how much fun it was to dance and jam along side the cast, who gets that kind of opportunity? Well not very many people and I am so blessed to be able to have been someone to interact with such an amazing group of people. Thank you so much.

Eric Walter

The Miracle Center

TheatreFest by the numbers

• 4,183 – registered students and sponsors

• 172 –high schools represented in attendance

• 1 out of 4 - the ratio of schools in attendance at the festival

• 39 – students selected to be a part of the 2012 All-State Company of Almost, Maine

• 21 - schools who presented full-length plays and musicals at the Festival

As you can see – it really was an impressive weekend!

Broadway In Chicago was at the Festival to share some exciting programming we have for students.

We are thrilled to announce The Illinois High School Musical Theater Awards. This newly-established Illinois chapter of the National High School Musical Theater Awards will serve as an annual national celebration of outstanding achievement in musical theater performance by high school students. At TheatreFest, we had the chance to talk with many students who are either auditioning for or performing the lead roles in their high school musicals this year, and we are so excited to receive their applications to represent their schools in this program.

We also have incredible workshops led by Chicago professionals. There’s no better trip for theatre students than to come to Chicago for a full day of sightseeing, an educational theatre workshop, and seeing a Broadway In Chicago show.

I am so grateful for all of the theater teachers who lead the programs in these schools. Most of them do it for little to no money, but do it because they love it and know how important it is to their students. We were able to give a small thank you to teachers by raffling off tickets to BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL, a historic theatre tour, and a chance for some of their students to help lead an Educational Workshop.

The best thing about being at TheatreFest was knowing that we were meeting the upcoming leaders and stars of Chicago Theatre. The students at this festival are some of the most talented, hard-working students in the country. Whether they go on to be actors, directors, producers, patrons, designers – you can tell that these students have a future in the best industry in the best city. I am so excited for theatre in Chicago!

-Jamie Lynn

Theatres throughout Chicago will honor Maggie Daley, champion of theater in Chicago, by turning off marquee lights for two minutes at the beginning of her wake, which begins at noon at the Cultural Center in the heart of the theater district.  In celebration of her life, lights of theaters throughout the city will then remain aglow until the end of her wake at 10pm.

Maggie’s conviction that the arts make the difference for all children is an inspiration to all of us.  Maggie Daley had an extraordinary love of and commitment to the arts, and her legacy is the richness of the Chicago theater community that she did everything to support.  Her grace and spirit will live in our hearts and minds, and we are all forever grateful.

-Eileen

The show is fantastic! To Holland Taylor, an amazingly gracious and extremely talented actress who is gracing out stage at the Bank of America Theatre, thank you for bringing this show to life. I submit this blog as a thank you to her.

Holland – All I ever want for an audience is for them to go into the theatre just as they are at the end of any given day and to come out transformed, learning something about themselves or others that they were not expecting. And that was a perfect description of last night. It was truly an amazing experience. I thank you for inviting me into the room with not only Ann Richards (who I so looked up to) but also my mother, father and on a base level who I am as a woman, a wife, a mother. Allowing me to be reminded of why I do what I do and what a gift the passion that I have for my work is to me and to others. The essence of knowing that there are many like souls out there that don’t consider their work “jobs” but rather something that moves them beyond their own imaginations. You had the audience in the palm of your hands, as noted by the standing ovation before the lights even came back up for your bow. Thank you for bringing this wonderful play to Chicago.

To all of you – don’t miss out on this show!
Eileen