Chicago Broadcasting Network: Recent Episodes
Chicago Broadcasting Network
An eclectic Chicago oriented podcast covering performing arts, neighborhood news, movies, books and business showcasing multicultural and age diverse people. We want to give you an idea of what we enjoy, and what we experience living in "The Windy City."
For the Love of Dance - An onerous choreographer cajoles a select group of hopeful chorus applicants into revealing some of their deepest secrets. This Madkap Production directed by Wayne Mell is on pointe, tapping into the essence of a story of love and dedication to the art of dance. In the song “What I Did For Love,” (music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Edward Kleban) Diana says of the grueling work and unmet promises “We did what we had to do - - Won't forget, can't regret -- What I did for love.” In this context it’s the love of the craft, the love of dance. Listen to the full review.
CAST: Erin Renee Baumrucker, Elizabeth Bushell, Sean Caron, Luis Del Valle, Emma Drazkowski, Trevor Hendrix, Ben Isabel, Lili Javorka, Khnemu Menu-Ra, Tyler Meyer, Marcela Ossa, Madelynn Oztas, Chandler Paskett, Ben Paynic, Madison Jaffe-Richter, Rae Robeson, Sarah Sapperstein, Jason Sekili, Maddy Shilts, and Whitney Wolf. Directed by Wayne Mell, Music Direction by Jeremy Ramey, Choreography by Susan Pritzker.
My initial reaction is to characterize Pippin as The Fantastiks meets Godspell, Explaining the plot is about as easy as trying to recall and interpret the details a dream. What happened is not exactly clear. This production is a feast for the senses that makes use of the entire spectrum of theater craft. Music Theater Works is known for musical excellence and they do not disappoint us in this production.
Pippin was co-written and originally directed and choreographed by Chicago native Bob Fosse in 1972 who was at the very epicenter of his highly successful and frenetic career and possibly the pinnacle of his drug addiction that at least partly explains this bizarre tale of young Pippin’s quest for meaning in his
life. His fingerprints (or dare I say footprints) are all over this psychedelic fever dream
Listen to my entire review and editorial comments.
A light romp with a dark twist followed by a hasty, muddled ending wrapped up in a cloud of very good music all of which is performed by a remarkable cast of actor musicians. There's a lot of good stuff in Lucy and Charlie's Honeymoon at the Lookingglass Theatre in Chicago but also a few things that disturbed me. Listen to my review to learn more.
For a professional theater experience in Chicago this month you can’t do much better than the Lyric opera production of West Side Story. This Leonard Bernstein / Stephen Sondheim musical deemed cutting edge and somewhat avantgarde when first introduced is now a classic.
The story by Arthur Laurents is a rather faithful mid-century modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. Rival teenage street gangs, the Sharks and Jets, battle in New York City streets to maintain what they feel is control of this small piece of Manhattan. Caught in the crossfire of this conflict are Tony (Ryan McCatan) and Maria (Kanisha Feliciano) two tragic lovers from opposite ends of the divide.
Podcast theater review with commentary by Reno Lovison.
I had a little tongue in cheek melodramatic fun with this review/announcement of the world premiere hybrid radio drama, Orson Welles’ Dracula onstage at the Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark St., Chicago through September 25, 2022. Ticket information is available at glassappletheatre.com
The The Glass Apple Theatre cast includes: Andrew Bosworth as Dracula . . . with Connor Brennan, Chris Jensen, Madeline Logan, Sam Martin, Katie O’Neill and Howard Raik.
Note: Music and sound effects are the fabrication of podcast host and editor Reno Lovison and not that of the theater producers who likely have a much higher artistic standard.
Review of "Hala" an indie film written and directed by Minhal Baig, a female Pakistani-American, inspired by her experiences growing up on the far Northside of Chicago.
If you have your own recollections of Maxwell Street or just want a glimpse at a piece of the not too distant Chicago past, I highly recommend the documentary film “And This Is Free: The Life and Times of Chicago's Legendary Maxwell Street” available online at Tubi.tv
Sighted and visually impaired members of the Chicago Uptown Lions Club take a special accessibility and inclusion tour of the newly renovated Lion House at Lincoln Park Zoo. The state-of-the-art habitat has been renamed the Pepper Family Wildlife Center and is home to a pride of African Lions.
I got a sneak preview of “Belfast” one of the highlights of the 57th Chicago International Film Festival. This podcast includes my review followed by some pre-movie comments from the writer/director Sir Kenneth Branaugh who was present to introduce his semi-autobiographical film.
"Belfast" is told from the viewpoint a nine year-old boy as his world is turned upside down by the 1969 turmoil of Northern Ireland that consumed his neighborhood and ultimately his innocence.
Connie Wilson talks with Rebecca Hall the the director of "Passing" on the red carpet at The 57th Chicago International Film Festival.
“Oscar Micheaux -The Superhero of Black Film Making” is a useful documentary film contribution to the library of Black History subjects placing Micheaux into the pantheon of individuals who contributed to the rise of twentieth century African American culture and ultimately, in a more “woke” sense, to the fabric of American culture as a whole.
The 57th Annual Chicago Film Festival brought together two interestingly similar subjects, Mayor Harold Washington who became Chicago’s first African American mayor and Mayor Pete Buttigieg who was the mayor of nearby South Bend, Indiana who went on to become the first openly gay candidate for United States President.
“Punch 9 for Harold Washington” and “Mayor Pete” are each in their own way stories of outsiders who triumphed over adversity and a look at our ever shifting political climate and changing social values.
Physically debilitated due to a childhood injury purposely inflicted by his mentally impaired father, an aspiring pianist is virtually paralyzed on one side of his body and unable to use his right hand. “For the Left Hand” an inspiring documentary is available for virtual viewing as part of the Chicago International Film Festival.
Pre-opening preview review of “Broadcast Signal Intrusion” inspired by a true Chicago mystery and capsule reviews of SHORTS 1 a collection of 8 short subjects produced by filmmakers with ties to the Chicago area. Featuring works Winning in America, Close Ties to Home Country, Sink, Monochromatic Dreams, Get Well Soon, Speck of Dust, By the Time I Reach Him, and The Year I Went Looking for Birds by Amrita Singh, Akanksha Cruczynski, Curtis Matzke, Ashley Thompson, Simo Ezoubeiri, Kristen Butile, JP Olsen, Brian Zahm, Meg Walsh, and Danny Carroll.
In this Chicago based documentary “The Road Up” Mr. Jesse part teacher, part preacher, part drill sergeant guides a class of mostly middle aged job seekers through a training course designed to raise their self-esteem and hone their skills to improve their readiness for employment. Winner of the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Chicago International Film Festival 2020.
“Live at Mr. Kelly’s” is a bit of Chicago history that with each passing day fades further into obscurity. Thankfully this film has made an effort to stop the clock and capture a snapshot of the past from a few of those who were there to witness it in its heyday.
There's plenty to love about this "Pagliacci" production with its backstage views and enjoyable melodies. Available for viewing online. Listen to this podcast review to learn more.
Reno Lovison talks with master energy healer, actor, performer Richard Damien about his one man autobiographical stage production based on his book "A Monk in the World." Richard grew up in Chicago and reminisces about his experiences in the city as a young actor and his transformation to energy healer and intuitive life coach.
Seven time Jeopardy champion Chicago resident Brian Chang talks about his experience as a contestant on the popular game show and his activities in the Windy City before engaging in some local trivia.
Mark and Sarah Mosley the co-directors of the Windy City Winds Chicago community orchestra share segments from a few of the band's recordings, talk with Reno Lovison about music and their life then enjoy a little Chicago music trivia.
Regina Harris Baiocchi is a celebrated African-American female composer and poet born, raised and currently living in Chicago. This discussion sheds light on her journey as an artistic creative force and how she has been shaped by her experiences in the Windy City.
This ninety minute version of the icon fish tale produced by Chicago based Theatre in the Dark captures the essence of Herman Melville’s classic seafaring novel including vivid descriptions of the elusive and menacing great white whale itself.
Podcast theater review of Chicago based Theatre in the Dark's 2020 audio presentation of "A Christmas Carol."
This is a summary of the news for the beginning of December 2020.
+ New Van Gogh exhibit coming to North Side
+ Pandemic inspires luxury restaurants to offer takeout
+ High School senior distributes warm blankets to homeless
+ DoorDash gives half a million dollars in grants to area restaurants
and much more Chicago neighborhood news.
For over a century Inside Publications newspapers have made a difference by making Chicagoans aware of issues that impact their neighborhoods.
We are pleased to continue our alliance with Inside Publications to present summaries of articles that have appeared in the Inside-Booster, News –Star, and the Skyline Newspapers.
“Steadfast Tin Soldier” is reprised for the 3rd time (this year online) by Chicago Lookingglass Theatre Company. Based on the tale by Hans Christian Andersen it might be described to a contemporary audience as Toy Story 1.0. Listen to the entire review with additional holiday reccomendations.
Chicago Broadcasting Network in alliance with Inside Publications presents summaries of articles that have appeared in the Inside-Booster, News –Star, and the Skyline.
For over a century Inside Publications newspapers have made a difference by making Chicagoans aware of issues that impact their neighborhoods.
This is a summary of the news for the beginning of November 2020.
I attended the Chicago edition of the Virtual Small Business Expo. Learn about virtual online business networking and some of the people I met.
This is a review of Chicago based Theatre in the Dark’s virtual audio drama of “A WAR OF THE WORLDS” based on H.G. Wells’ iconic novel about a Martian invasion of the Earth.
Theatre in the Dark an innovative production company, whose mission is to create theater performance based on sound.
We are pleased to continue our alliance with Inside Publications to provide summaries of news from their three local newspapers distributed throughout Chicago Lakefront communities, including the Inside-Booster, News –Star, and the Skyline. This is the October 2020 podcast summary issue.
Chicago Broadcasting Network provides summaries of Chicago neighborhood news articles that have appeared in the Inside-Booster, News-Star, and the Skyline newspapers this past month.
For over a century Inside Publications newspapers have made a difference by making Chicagoans aware of issues that impact their neighborhoods.
This is a summary for the beginning of September 2020.
Whatever happened to WGN radio personality Spike O'Dell? Connie Wilson interviews him from his retirement home in Nashville as they reminisce about his time in Chicago including the death of his predecessor "Uncle Bobby" Collins. This is our exclusive edited version of Connie's longer interview produced and broadcast on BBM.
Posh senior residence raises over two hundred thousand dollars to provide staff bonuses - - Stranger stabs man on street, says “Welcome to Uptown!” - - Lincoln Park High School reinstating two of three coaches - - Fate of local music venues is dire - - City brings contact tracing jobs to North Side - -
Edgewater man found dead in refrigerator - - Get off the bus and get on a bike - - Battle rages over “Boystown” name - -Feds reviewing local gun cases for “Operation Legend”
- - Chicago’s home-sharing regulations may help prevent party problems ... We are pleased to continue our alliance with Inside Publications to provide summaries of news from their three Chicago Lakefront newspapers, including the Inside-Booster, News –Star, and the Skyline. This is the August 2020 podcast summary edition.
Connie Wilson interviews Chicago author Linda Gartz about her book "Redlined," a riveting story of a community fractured by racial turmoil, an unraveling and conflicted marriage, a daughter’s fight for sexual independence, and an up-close, intimate view of the social upheavals on Chicago's West Side in the culturally turbulent 1960's.
Chicago Broadcasting Network provides summaries of Chicago neighborhood news stories that have appeared in the Inside-Booster, News –Star, and the Skyline. This is the July 2020 episode.
North Side home market reviving --
Unity Church Building Scheduled for Demolition -- Many restaurants will not reopen after quarantine --
Most violent day in 60 years -- Uptown Theater plans in jeopardy -- Local live theater continues to struggle --
Chicago Billionaire Buys $100 million dollar painting -- Innovative affordable housing -- Permit parking enforcement begins again -- Racial Insensitivity Affects the Arts -- and more.
Consider what Chicago looked like in the 1890’s. Across from what is now Millennium Park on land provided by Civil War Veterans is what used to be Chicago’s Main Public Library featuring a famed $35 million Tiffany Dome.
Podcast review of 2019 documentary film by Josh da Silva about Chicago northside neighborhood teens using Improv to enhance communication skills and explore racism as well as other topics that impact their lives.
This is a summary of the news for the beginning of May 2020.
Chicago Broadcasting Network in alliance with Inside Publications is providing summaries of news articles that have appeared in the Inside-Booster, News –Star, and the Skyline.
For over a century Inside Publications newspapers has made a difference by making Chicagoans aware of issues that impact their neighborhoods.
This is a review of a documentary video about the World's Columbian Expostion a/k/a The White City, held in Chicago 1893.
Chicago Broadcasting Network in alliance with Inside Publications will provide summaries of articles that have appeared in the Inside-Booster, News –Star, and the Skyline.
For over a century Inside Publications newspapers have made a difference by making Chicagoans aware of issues that impact their neighborhoods.
This is a summary of the news for the beginning of April 2020.
“Don’t Spread It Around” is based on the iconic tune “Chicago (That Toddlin' Town)” and is my humble attempt to encourage my fellow Chicagoans to abide by the stay-inside mandate ordered by the Chicago City government to encourage the practice social distancing during this COVID-19 (Corona Virus) outbreak. Also some musing about why Chicago is a "toddling town" and more info about the original tune.
Up until now her mother’s profession has been a mystery to Vivie Warren who has spent most of her life in boarding schools and in the country home of friends having little personal contact with the woman who provides her financial support.
Julia is a Chicago teenager and aspiring writer struggling to come to terms with the sudden death of her only sister.
Now that she is dead, Julia realizes she did not really know her sister and sets out to understand her better.
Through her investigations she uncovers some of Olga’s “imperfections.”
At Steppenwolf Chicago.
“Mlima’s Tale” presented by Griffin Theatre Company at the Raven Theater, Chicago is a powerful, sensitive, heartrending depiction of greed and corruption associated with the illegal sale of elephant ivory, which results in the slaughter of approximately 100 of the endangered animals every day.
This regionally inspired musical by Christine Rea and Rick Briskin will have its world premiere March 18, 2020 at the Royal George Theatre in Chicago featuring Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young.
Podcast includes comments from the creative team and a sneak preview of one musical number.
John Denver’s music was considered to be more-or-less middle-of-the-road if not downright conservative in the wake of rising stars like Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix.
This issue is confronted early in this latest jukebox boomer music revival “Almost Heaven- John Denver’s America” at The Theatre at the Center in Munster, Indiana (only 35 minutes from downtown Chicago).
The popular singer songwriter eventually emerged as the nascent voice of the environmental movement with songs like “Calypso” as well as “Rocky Mountain High,” “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Wild Montana Skies” and “Sunshine on My Shoulders” that unabashedly and exuberantly celebrated the magnificence and simple beauty of nature.
In this popular Agatha Christie murder mystery five distinctly eccentric individuals have each booked their stay on the opening week of Monkswell Manor, a country guesthouse owned and operated by Mollie and Giles Ralston. Onstage now at the Court Theatre trough February 16, 2020. Review by Reno Lovison
This exuberant Broadway in Chicago production with Caribbean inspired compositions of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty is a cautionary love story warning of the dangers of tempting fate, told as a folk tale passed down by the village storytellers to a Little Girl.
Black Button Eyes Production of the Chicago premiere of “Whisper House” is a somewhat touching story of love and acceptance, with an unusual treatment and interesting musical score delivered by a competent cast . . . Theater Review by Reno Lovison.
Reno Lovion presents a podcast book review with a Chicago spin of Mark Kurlansky's book "1968 The Year That Rocked the World."
Reno Lovison podcast review of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" by Andrew Lloyd Webber presented by Music Theater Works at the Cahn Auditorum in Evanston through December 31, 2019.
“Burning Bluebeard” literally comes alive in front of a scorched proscenium arch on a ruined stage - - depicting the aftermath of an inferno that destroyed the Iroquois Theater in Chicago at the dawn of the 20th Century. A Ruffians Production playing through December 27, 2019 at The Porchlight Theater.
An upbeat holiday story that explores the meaning of family through the lives of five men and a baby boy in a small mining camp circa 1850s California.
A podcast theater review by Reno Lovison.
This Chicago holiday production of Shakespeare's “Twelfth Night” can be described as Theater in a Garden amid the tropical flora collection in the Lincoln Park Conservatory’s Show House Room.
Theater review podcast by Reno Lovison.
We are planning to have Eventologist, Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith as a recurring guest on our podcast to share one or more monthly "holidates" with us including suggestions on how to specifically celebrate with a "Chicago Spin" beginning with National Smith Day, January 6, 2020.
An amusing tale based on a true story, as told by Louise Seger who met young Patsy Cline at one of the singer's early Houston performances in the 1950s creating a friendship that lasted until the legendary singer’s tragic death. A Firebrand Production on stage at the Den Theater in Chicago through December 15, 2019.
Venice Johnson is a Chicago artist, writer, and storyteller sharing her grandmother's old school lesson about maintaining a mutually beneficial romantic relationship.
It’s the 1940s and veteran detective Max Forthright is throwing a lavish party to celebrate the publication of his upcoming memoirs.
Before long there is a shot and the discovery of a body causing the entire assemblage to turn to Max to identify the killer in “A Murder Most Novel.”
A cleverly written and well-performed production at Nox Arca Theatre in Chicago through December 14th, 2019.
Review by Reno Lovison
The world premiere of Anthony Whitaker’s “My Life is a Country Song” presented by New American Folk Theatre has taken that adage to heart and crafted a well told musical tale of love, friendship, and personal triumph.
Before the TV and Internet, people looked to the theater for entertaining political commentary the equivalent of Stephen Colbert, The Daily Show, or Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update.
These three pithy well performed one-act plays presented by Artemisia Theatre as “The Suffrage Plays” provide insight through a good deal of levity and snarky repartee giving voice to the debate that one hundred years ago provided women with the right to vote.
Review by Reno Lovison.
An interesting, innovative and thoroughly enjoyable theater production, co-directed by Aaron Sawyer and Mary Kate Ashe at the Red Theater that leaves you wanting more - - but in a good way.
A documentary that premiered at the 55th Annual Chicago International Film Festival about Chicago’s mulit-ethnic “street gangs” in the 1960s primarily led by activist Fred Hampton of the “Black Panthers” who endeavored to affect social change by recognizing that all poor people in the city shared a common struggle.
If you are not already a fan of Chicago Blues Legend Buddy Guy you are very likely to become one after seeing THE TORCH.
The nearly two hour documentary features Buddy Guy and young guitarist Quinn Sullivan who Buddy discovered in 2007 when the boy was only seven years old.
Controversial and Thought Provoking “The Merchant of Venice” is presented by Invictus Theatre Company in the words of William Shakespeare but with more contemporary staging. Review by Reno Lovison
Note: We regret that in the podcast review we mentioned Joshua Seeger as The Duke (who also did a fine job) when we meant Jack Morosoville as Aaragon. Morosoville was also the composer of the of the music included in this production.
Reno Lovison,Joanne Schochat, and Connie Wilson give their overview and observations including film suggestions for the 55th Annual Chicago International Film Festival.
Whether you intend to attend or not you can hear about soon to be released motion pictures and how to plan for this another film festivals.
Love, lust, and quest for power lead to despair and death in Giuseppe Verdi’s “Luisa Miller” at Lyric Opera Chicago. Review by Reno Lovison.
Music Theater Works presents the clever lyrics and memorable mid-century melodies in “Lerner and Loewe’s Greatest Hits” at Evanston’s Nichols Concert Hall.
This trip down memory lane starts in the Highlands of Scotland, over the bumpy trails of the American West, through the streets of London, the salons of Paris, then ending up in the woods and palaces of historic old England.
Review by Reno Lovison
Featuring two strong performances inspired by true events “The Delicate Tears of the Waning Moon” is onstage through 10/13/2019 at the Steppenwolf 1700 Theater as part of the 3rd Chicago International Latino Theater Festival.
Attorney Helena and Bob a petty thief are not exactly a perfect match, but find themselves thrown together out of desperation and convenience.
When confronted with an opportunity to have a once-in-a-lifetime night of excess they take a chance that leads to an unforgettable “Midsummer” romance.
Review by Reno Lovison.
We enjoyed an afternoon listening to some music, eating crepes and bratwurst, drinking a new beer, and talking with a few Chicago artists exhibiting at the 15th Annual Lakeview East Arts Festival on Broadway between Belmont and Hawthorne. Including a guy who makes mosaics with beer caps, a ceramic artist, avant garde artist and more.
You will not be disappointed. A beautiful venue for this production. I definitely recommend this version of “The Fantasticks” for anyone who has never seen the show before or anyone who is in another phase of life since the last time you saw it.
I was curious to see how this epic story that features a soaring gothic cathedral in the heart of Paris would be portrayed on stage but from the moment the curtain was raised, at the Cahn Auditorium in Evanston for Music Theater Works production of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” the audience was thoroughly captivated.
A review of Gurinder Chadha's movie "Blinded by the Light" with a Chicago spin.
Javed wants to bust out of his working class town in the outskirts of London, and become a writer but feels reined in by an overbearing father whose traditional values are in conflict with Javed’s own desire to experience life on his own terms.
After his friend introduces him to the songs of Bruce Springsteen Javed finds the inspiration he has been seeking that helps him discover his own voice.
Classic cars, food, and entertainment at this year's Retro on Roscoe three day festival and street fair. Hear what you missed and what you have to look forward to next year.
Agency Theater Collective and End of the Line Production Presents “International Falls” by playwright Thomas Ward at the Nox Arca Theater in Chicago near Irving Park and Ravenswood through August 31st.
“There’s a whole lot of rhythm goin’ round” in this energetic journey through the history of funk aboard the “Mothership.” This show is something of a “Love Rollercoaster” but I say “Let’s Groove.” Chicago theater review by Reno Lovison.
Theater review of a play about love and commitment that speaks to anyone who might appreciate and value the benefits of a life well lived that is based on mutual support and true love.
An update of events we visited or experienced in the first part of July 2019 to inspire listeners to get involved in some of the fun things going on in Chicago this summer.
Jazz operetta written in 1931. The storyline is farcical, campy and largely inconsequential. Individual performances are what is important and this talented cast does not disappoint. Through July 14, 2019 at Stage 773.
Want to know what's happening in Chicago July, August and September 2019? Listen to this schedule of events with some insight regarding reocurring festivals and happenings that we have experienced in prior years. The podcast will give you an overview then visit our website to get full details.
Interview conducted by Chicago based journalist Brett Stewart with Blues authority Bill Dahl, author of “Art of the Blues – A Visual Treasury of Black Music’s Golden Age.”
An introduction to some of the authors we met at the 2019 Chicago Printers Row Lit Fest.
Steve Bellinger talks about his time-travel sci-fi novel “The Chronocar” set in the Chicago southside Bronzeville neighborhood and on the campus of Illinois Institute of Technology.
Theater review by Reno Lovison of an absurdist black comedy “The Memo” written by Vaclav Havel performed by Organic Theater Company in Chicago.
The Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents the energetic pop-concert musical “Six” by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss featuring the story of the six wives of the notorious King Henry VIII. Theater review by Reno Lovison. NOTE: This play has been extended to August 4, 2019.
A theater review by Reno Lovison of the world premiere of “The Adventures of Augie March” playing at Court Theatre, in Chicago through June 9, 2019.
A podcast review of “The Undeniable Sound of Right Now” at the Raven Theatre in Edgewater in Chicago. Highly Recommend by Reno Lovison
This podcast is an introduction to Foster Avenue Beach on Chicago's Northside and why we used the song of the same name by Scatterplot as the theme song for our podcast.
City Lit Theater in Chicago endstheir 39th theatrical season with “Two Days in Court: A Double-Header of Classic One Acts."
“The Devil and Daniel Webster” by Stephen Vincent Benet, and the farcical Gilbert & Sullivan operetta “Trial by Jury.”
Listen to a description and of these interesting plays and a review by Reno Lovison.
Photo by Steve Graue
Mike Rataj chats with "Pan-Global Food Artist" Roselle to talk about ice cream, French velvet crepes, baked empanadas and more.
“Magic Penthouse” is a date night fantasy for those looking for an elegant post-dinner night-on-the-town with unique entertainment and a convivial atmosphere.
There's plenty to like about this Broadway road tour theatrical extravaganza loosely based on the true-life story of a woman claiming to be the surviving daughter of Czar Nicholas II of Russia.
But don’t worry, this version of “Anastasia” has little to do with reality. While it refers to the historical tragedy it is scrubbed clean of most of the ugly unwanted parts, leaving behind the tale of a young, beautiful, and strong heroine striving to find her true identity while struggling to come to terms with her inner princess.
This podcast review by Reno Lovison is of the musical version of the of “A Bronx Tale” that includes music by Alan Menken and Lyrics by Glenn Slater and is a very successful adaptation appearing at The Nederlander Theater in Chicago as part of the National Touring Company.
Author Barbara Barnett talks about and reads from her book "Apothecary's Curse" set partly in the Chicago area and partly in Victorian London.
Bob (H.B. Ward) and Jennifer (Linda Reiter) Jones are surprised to meet their new neighbors who also share the same last name. In the end, the two couples have an ongoing series of absurd conversations that actually do get to the core of what they want to express while avoiding or at least minimizing any straightforward communication. Review by Reno Lovison (Photo by Evan Hanover)
In this podcast I give two recent Chicago theater reviews including "Dead Man's Cell Phone" and "Brooke Astor's Last Affair" which is part of the Chicago Musical Theater Festival.
“Photograph 51” written by Anna Ziegler and Directed by Vanessa Stalling at the Court Theatre, Chicago is a snapshot of the life of chemist Rosalind Franklin who had gone virtually un-credited for her contribution to the discovery revealing the structure of DNA to be a double helix. Theater review by Reno Lovison. (Photo credit Brosilow)
“Something Wonderful Rodgers and Hammerstein's Broadway Revolution” book by Todd Purdum.
Reno Lovison theater reviewer and executive producer at ChicagoBroadcastingNetwork.com provides a book review with a Chicago spin as well as his personal connection to the works for Rodgers and Hammerstein.
Hear my thoughts on the attractively updated version of “La Boheme” currently being presented at the Lyric Opera House, Chicago, through January 31, 2019.
Reno Lovison of ChicagoBroadcastingNetwork.com and Jodie Jacobs of ChicagoTheaterandArts.com discuss their 2018 Chicago theater experiences.
Reno Lovison of ChicagoBroadcastingNetwork.com and Jodie Jacobs of ChicagoTheaterandArts.com have a year-end review of the 2018 Chicago theater scene including what they found to be intelligent and thought-provoking as well as simply entertaining.
The world premiere of “La Ruta” at the Steppenwolf Theater, Chicago by playwright Isaac Gomez who has figuratively commandeered a bus transporting “maquila” workers to and from their jobs in Juarez, then pointed its headlights into the vast darkness exposing the despair and anguish of the mothers and sisters of hundreds of young women kidnapped, used as sex slaves, murdered and disposed of in the Mexican desert.
Music Theater Works in Evanston, IL (just outside Chicago) has put together a visually stunning production of Stephen Sondheim’s fairytale musical mashup “Into the Woods.”
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Shakespeare Theatre on Chicago’s Navy Pier puts a slightly modern twist to an old favorite.
Review by Reno Lovison Executive Producer at ChicagoBroadcastingNetwork.com and theater reviewer for Chicagotheaterandarts.com
This popular play by Will Kern is comprised of a number of vignettes all taking place within the confines of a cab trolling the streets of Chicago during an evening leading up to the Christmas holiday.
There are highs and lows, happiness and sadness, violence and love. Some people are in good cheer, others not so much. Through each experience, the stoic cabbie (in this case played by Regina Linn) absorbs the emotional impact of each encounter.
Review by Reno Lovison.
To read more reviews visit http://chicagotheaterandarts.com
To listen to reviews and find more podcasts and videos related to Chicago visit http://chicagobroadcastingnetwork.com
If you are ready to get into the Christmas spirit you can’t do much better than the American Blues Theater’s staged radio show version of Frank Capra’s classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
In this production, the theater is set up to give the illusion that you are part of the studio audience for a live radio broadcast in 1944 at WABT Studio on Belmont Avenue in Chicago.
This is indeed a bon a fide radio-style performance with each person playing several characters in different voices, aided by requisite sound effects to augment the dialog in lieu of visual cues.
Playing at Stage 773, 1225 W Belmont, Chicago through January 5, 2019. For information visit http://stage773.com
To read more reviews visit http://chicagotheaterandarts.com
To listen to reviews and find more media related to Chicago visit http://chicagobroadcastingnetwork.com
This world premiere slice of life drama is sure to strike close to home.
For many, the place they have lived and raised a family is more than an assembly of bricks and wood, it is a repository of memories and the physical manifestation of a life’s work. When it comes time to consider leaving it behind there are more considerations than a change of address.
Review by Reno Lovison Executive Producer at ChicagoBroadcastingNetwork.com for ChicagoTheaterandArts.com.
At its core, this is a comedic drawing room mystery, but it is also a thought-provoking exploration of humanity through concepts of truth, chaos versus order, discovery and rediscovery, the meaning of time, and our desire to improve on an already perfect universe.
Performances at Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago runs through December 16, 2018.
Review by Reno Lovison for ChicagoTheaterandArts.com and ChicagoBroadcastingNetwork.com
Manual Cinema’s homage to the 100th anniversary of Mary Shelley's gothic classic “Frankenstein” is a singular theatrical experience that mixes live action, silhouettes, puppets, shadow puppetry, masks, video, slide projection and all manner of theatrical techniques, ancient and modern to create a captivating monochromatic video mash-up.
At the Court Theater on the campus of the University of Chicago through December 2, 2018.
Review by Reno Lovison for ChicagoTheaterandArts.com and ChicagoBroadcastingNetwork.com
Firebrand Theatre's production of “Caroline, or Change” playing at the Den Theater in Chicago is an emotionally charged story about the power of money and fear of change. Podcast by Reno Lovison, Executive Producer at ChicagoBroadcastingNetwork.com and reviewer for ChicagoTheaterandArts.com
Photo credit: Front, Rashada Dawan, Back left to right Emma Sipora Tyler and Tyler Symone. (Photo by Marisa KM)
A quest for success, what is legal, what is fair and ultimately, what is right and what is wrong.
Real estate developer Harmond Wilks who has aspirations of becoming mayor finds himself at odds with his wife and his business partner after encountering a couple of guys from his old neighborhood who bring him closer to his own history and the roots of his community.
Great theater skillfully written by August Wilson and produced by the Court Theatre on the campus of the University of Chicago in Hyde Park.
Podcast by Reno Lovison, Executive Producer at ChicagoBroadcastingNetwork.com and reviewer for ChicagoTheaterandArts.com
The “Taste of Polonia” mega-event held over the Labor Day weekend at the Copernicus Center on Milwaukee Avenue in the Jefferson Park neighborhood of Chicago is an annual ritual gathering of the area’s Polish diaspora.
Featuring food and entertainment by Gentlemen of Leisure, Andrzej Rosiewicz, and pianists Pawel Checinski and Piotr Pawlak. Also films “The Fourth Partition" and Polish language indie cinema costume drama,”W SŁUŻBIE OJCZYŹNIE I NAUCE” a short episode in the life of Maria Skłodowska-Curie.
*Correction: I said my "mother's grandparents" and I meant to say "my mother's parents" my grandparents.
Review by Reno Lovison for ChicagoBroadcastingNetwork.com
Reno Lovison of Reno Lovison Marketing, author of "Turn Your Business Card Into Business" speaks with Jeff Williams of Bizstarters who specializes in assisting individuals interested in starting a business over the age of 50. In this episode of Jeff's podcast "Running a Great Business After 50" the two speak about using face-to-face networking to expand your sphere of influence and grow your business. Also the challenges small business owners face managing resources; using social media to stay top of mind as well as the importance of understanding the overall marketing objective when making a good promotional business video.
Self publishing has put the decision of whether a book is published into the hands of the author. Similarly media distribution options such as Youtube, digital TV and video-podcasting give authors and other content creator the ability to self broadcast. Take control of your message. Audio article written and narrated by Reno Lovison, Executive Producer at AuthorsBroadcast.com