Displaying items by tag: Jake DiMaggio Lopez

The 1950s is easy to idealize. Men styled tailored suits, women dazzled in pleated dresses, and everything glimmered like it was in a commercial. Life’s troubles were solved with a talk from pop or a hug from mom – or that’s how it seemed. Drury Lane Theatre’s Father of the Bride transports audiences to that romanticized time, and it’s a welcome trip!

Published in 1949, Father of the Bride was adapted for the stage and screen, including two beloved movies starring Hollywood heavy-weights Elizabeth Taylor, Spencer Tracy, and, later, Steve Martin in 1991. While a wedding-gone-wrong may be a familiar story, director Michael Heitzman infused Drury Lane’s rendition with charm, laughter, and sincerity, making it feel fresh.

The play follows Stanley Banks, whose one-and-only daughter prepares for her big day, but she just wants a simple ceremony. Then again, she does want to invite all of her friends… and wants a beautiful dress… and well, by the time everything adds up, the small affair balloons into a whopping headache for dad.

Joe Dempsey’s portrayal of Banks, the set-in-his-ways father, is spot on, and his ad-libbed groans and physical comedy can’t help but make you laugh and empathize with poor, ol’ dad. He balances his old‑school bravado with the teddy-bear-interior so well, creating the heart of the story and avoiding the tired “dumb dad” troupes.

Aurora Penepacker and Jake DiMaggio Lopez in Father of the Bride. Photo by Justin Barbin.

Also making up the family is Rachel Sullivan, who plays the mother, Ellie Banks, with a gentle, confident air, and sons Ben and Tommy are portrayed by Kyle Ringley and Charlie Long, who bring charismatic Leave It to Beaver energy.

Aurora Penepacker plays Kay Banks, the soon-to-be bride with all of the charm of Elizabeth Taylor, and Jake DiMaggio Lopez is her moonstruck, in-over-his-head fiancée, Buckley Dunstan. Their chemistry is fun to watch as every emotion ping-pongs around as their nuptials draw near.

The ensemble also includes some fantastic performances. Michele Vazaquez portrays the tightly wound secretary, Miss Bellamy, who delivers a hilarious meltdown when every member of the family sabotages her efforts to finalize a guest list. Ed Kross brings quirky comedy as the caterer, Mr. Missoula, who steamrolls the Banks (and jumps like Super Mario), and Maya Hlava as Peggy Swift is an overzealous girl-next-door who plots to catch the bouquet.

The original compositions composed by Curtis Moore also deserve a shout-out. They serve as the perfect soundtrack during sequences which showed seasons changing or wedding gifts flooding in and add that extra something that makes you feel like you’re watching your favorite black-and-white sitcom.

Comedy can be tricky to tackle, but Father of the Bride makes ever beat work. It’s whimsical, playful, and a reminder that when things go awry, those you love will always be there. Father of the Bride is an invitation to a pure, wholesome evening, and it’s an invite you should not pass up.

Father of the Bride runs through May 31 at Drury Lane Theater. Click here for tickets and more information.

This review is proudly shared with our friends at www.TheatreInChicago.com. 

Drury Lane Theatre cordially invites you to the wedding of the season as it opens its 2026/2027 season with Father of the Bride, by Caroline Francke, directed by Michael Heitzman. Heitzman, who last directed Drury Lane's smash-hit production of 42^nd Street, helms this heartwarming comedy, running April 8 – May 31, 2026, at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace.

The cast of Father of the Bride includes Joe Dempsey (Stanley Banks), Aurora Penepacker (Kay Banks), Rachel Sullivan (Ellie Banks), Jake DiMaggio Lopez (Buckley Dunstan), Kyle Ringley (Ben Banks), and Charlie Long (Tommy Banks) with Jeannie Affelder (Mrs. Pulitzki), Braden Crothers (Pete), Mitchell J. Fain (Joe), Archer Geye (Buzz Taylor), Maya Hlava (Peggy Swift), Ed Kross (Mr. Missoula), Demitri Magas (Red), Abby Rose Merrill (Tim's Gal), and Michele Vazaquez (Miss Bellamy).

The creative team of Father of the Bride includes Michael Heitzman (Director), Lauren Nichols (Scenic Design), Emily Rebholz (Costume Design), Dalton Hamilton (Lighting Design), Sarah Ramos (Sound Design), Cassy Schillo (Properties Design), Erin Kennedy Lunsford (Wig, Hair & Makeup Design), Curtis Moore (Original Music Composer), Casie Morell (Production Stage Manager), and Rachel Campbell (Assistant Stage Manager).

Father of the Bride is the classic comedy that has touched our hearts for decades. Based on the novel that inspired the Elizabeth Taylor and Steve Martin films, this hilarious yet bittersweet play reminds us that sometimes the greatest love a father can give to his daughter is to let her go.

Single tickets, priced $65-$125, are on sale now and are available online at www.drurylanetheatre.com, by phone at (630) 530-0111, or in person at the box office. Special discounted pricing available for Groups of 10 or more. A limited number of $45 rush tickets are available in person at the box office day of for every performance. New for the 26/27 season Drury Lane is offering 35 tickets for $35 for students, young professionals, and theatre lovers ages 35 and under for every performance.

About the Artists

MICHAEL HEITZMAN (Director) is delighted to return to Drury Lane where his critically acclaimed production of 42nd Street garnered him a Jeff Award nomination for Best Director. Other credits: Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat starring David Archuleta, Newsies, Big River, Legally Blonde, SHREK, The Little Mermaid (IRNE Award nominee, Best Director), VICES (Jeff Award nominee, Best Director). He resides in NYC, where he serves as the Artistic Director of New Musical Development at the Lortel Theatre. Next up: Beauty and the Beast São Paulo, Brazil. Member of SDC.

JOE DEMPSEY (Stanley Banks) returns to DLO where he previously performed in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Chicago Theatre: The First Lady of Television at Northlight, Judgment Day at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Paramount, Steppenwolf, Goodman, Court, Remy Bumppo, Theatre Wit. Regional Theatre: The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Centerstage (Baltimore), City Theatre (Pittsburgh). TV: Chicago PD, Somebody, Somewhere, Chicago Fire, Early Edition, E.R. Joe is an alum of the Neo-Futurists, American Blues Theater, and The Second City National Touring Company and a proud member of the Actors' Equity and SAG/AFTRA unions.

RACHEL SULLIVAN (Ellie Banks) is thrilled to be making her Drury Lane debut with "Father of the Bride."  Other Chicago credits include: Ideation (Jackalope Theater, Jeff Nom. Best Play & Ensemble) Dada Woof Papa Hot (Theater Wit/About Face). TV: "Chicago Fire," "The Chi," "Justified: City Primeval." Film: The Manifestation, Soul Sessions and Bird of Prey.

AURORA PENEPACKER (Kay Banks) is elated to return to Drury Lane! Previously appearing in A Christmas Carol (Martha) and The King and I (Ensemble/Tuptim understudy), other credits include Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 (Jeff nomination) at Writer's Theatre, Amélie (Jeff nomination) at Kokandy Productions, and Seagulls at Oak Park Festival Theatre, where she will return this summer as Cecily in The Importance of Being Earnest! Aurora graduated with a BFA from CCPA at RU and is represented by Stewart Talent. Rory is a Filipina-American actor, singer, and writer based in Chicago.

JAKE DIMAGGIO LOPEZ (Buckley Dunstan) is thrilled to make his return to the Drury Lane stage ! Prior credits include: Grease(Drury Lane Theatre) Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil(Goodman Theatre) Dear Evan Hansen, Cats, Disney's Frozen, Next to Normal, White Christmas, The Sound of Music(The Paramount Theatre Aurora) Jake received his BFA from Coastal Carolina University and is represented by Stewart Talent.

KYLE RINGLEY (Ben Banks, u/s Buckley Dunstan) is thrilled to be making his Drury Lane debut! Other Chicago credits: Holiday (Goodman Theatre) Kyle is a recent graduate of the MFA acting program at Northwestern University where he was seen in Museum, The Oregon Trail, and No Exit. TV/Film: Chicago Fire (NBC).

CHARLIE LONG (Tommy Banks) Drury Lane debut! Chicago area theatre credits include Falsettos (Court/Timeline), Fun Home (Porchlight), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Billy Elliot, School of Rock, The Sound of Music (Paramount), and The Music Man, Finding Nemo (Marriott Theatre). Charlie also plays the piano and french horn and is a proud member of the State Champion Marching Tigers.  Additional recognitions: Marquee Sports Network Chicago Cubs Jr. Broadcaster 2025, Leonard Bernstein Musicianship Award, ACDA National Honor Choir. 

JEANNIE AFFELDER (Mrs. Pulitzki, u/s Miss Bellamy & Tim's Gal) is thrilled to make her Drury Lane debut. She has been on stage at many Chicago-area theatres: Steppenwolf, Writers, TimeLine, First Folio, New Theatre Project, Eclipse, and Theatre at the Center, and she originated roles in The Good Times Are Killing Me (City Lit) and To Master the Art (TimeLine). Jeannie played the title role in the critically acclaimed production of Dear Elizabeth directed by Joann Green Breuer at the Martha's Vineyard Playhouse. She's been on Somebody Somewhere, Chicago Med, Chicago PD, and The Onion.

BRADEN CROTHERS (Pete, u/s Buzz Taylor & Red) is thrilled to return to Drury Lane, where he was previously seen as Louis in The King and I and Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol. Regional credits include Scut Farkus in A Christmas Story (Marriott Theatre) and Peter Cratchit/Boy Scrooge in A Christmas Carol (Milwaukee Rep). A junior in high school, Braden has also appeared as Bruce in Matilda, Sky in Mamma Mia!, and most recently as Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid at his school. Television and film credits include Chicago P.D. (NBC) and Saint Francis (dir. Alex Thompson). 

MITCHELL J. FAIN (Joe, u/s Mr. Missoula) has been a working actor/director/storyteller in Chicago for 30+ years. He has previously worked at Timeline, Northlight; Marriott, Lookingglass; The Second City, Chicago Shakespeare, The Actor's Theatre of Louisville, LaJolla Playhouse, Theater Wit, The Midnight Circus; and many others. Most recently he appeared in the Time Line Theater\Broadway-in-Chicago co-production of "The Lehman Trilogy" (Jeff Award winner for supporting performance); and as proud member of the #GrelleyDuvallUniverse, he appeared in "StepMom; At the Old Ethan Allen Space" at Steppenwolf.

ARCHER GEYE (Buzz Taylor, u/s Tommy Banks & Pete) is thrilled to be making his Drury Lane Theatre debut! Recent credits include The Shape of the Bones (The New Theatre Project at Theatre Wit); Billy Elliot (Paramount Theatre); Big Fish and The Sound of Music (Marriott Theatre); A Christmas Carol and Ragtime (Metropolis Performing Arts Center); and Junior Claus and Snow White: An Original Musical (Citadel Theatre).

MAYA HLAVA (Peggy Swift) is thrilled to be returning to Drury Lane. She was previously seen in Little Mermaid, Christmas Carol, Shrek, White Christmas and Bye Bye Birdie. Additional Chicago credits include, Come Back Little Sheba, Things With Friends (American Blues Theater); Prayer for the French Republic (Northlight Theatre); The Penelopiad (Goodman Theatre); Happy Days Are Here (Again) and Zurich (Steep Theatre); The Best Damn Thing (The Understudy Cafe); Dory Fantasmagory and Last Stop On Marketplace (YPPT/Greenhouse Theater); Spring Awakening (Porchlight Theater); Act 5, The Killing Game and The Nether (A Red Orchid Theatre); Oklahoma (Marriott Theatre); Violet (Griffin Theater); Trevor (Writers Theatre); The Secret Garden (Court Theatre); The Wheel (Steppenwolf Theatre); Film and Television Credits include  Will Trent, The Perpetrator, Chicago Med, The Chi, and The Big Leap. Maya is represented by Stewart Talent

ED KROSS (Mr. Missoula, u/s Stanley Banks) was last seen at Drury Lane in Hazel. Other credits include Little Shop Of Horrors and 1776 (Marriott Theatre), Fiddler On The Roof and West Side Story (Lyric Opera), The Jungle Book and Animal Crackers (The Goodman), Sister Act and Shear Madness (Mercury Theater), I Love Lucy (Broadway Playhouse), as well as productions at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Northlight, Peninsula Players, and Second City Theatricals. On camera he's appeared in over 75 commercials, had guest roles on "Chicago Med," "Fargo," "Patriot," "Chicago Fire," "Sirens," "Boss," and shares one-on-one scenes with Tom Hanks in Road To Perdition and George Clooney in Ocean's 12.  Ed is a 28-year ensemble member of American Blues Theater.

DEMITRI MAGAS (Red, u/s Ben Banks & Joe) is thrilled to return to Drury Lane! Demitri is a graduate from Millikin University's 2024 BFA Acting class and made his first Chicago theatre debut in 2023 as Robert in Jeff and Shelly (Theatre Wit). Last winter, Demitri worked as an understudy for Drury Lane's A Christmas Carol and is a member of The Conspirators (a Chicago neo-commedia dell'Arte troupe) and has appeared in Chicago Cop Macbeth, Ayn Rand's It's A Wonderful Life, and Commedia Divina: It's Worse Than That (Otherworld Theatre).

ABBY ROSE MERRILL (Tim's Gal, u/s Kay Banks & Peggy Swift) is thrilled to return to Drury Lane! Favorite regional credits include Grease at Drury Lane; Nunsense at The New Theater; and the Alice Bliss workshop at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley directed by Mark Brokaw. Abby has also appeared on Netflix's House of Cards and NBC's Chicago Med. She is a graduate of Stanford University and represented by Stewart Talent.

MICHELE VAZAQUEZ (Miss Bellamy, u/s Ellie Banks & Mrs. Pulitzki) is an actor, director, and teaching artist based in the Chicago area. She has appeared Off-Broadway at The Cherry Lane Theatre and The Pearl Theatre Company, and performed nationally with The Old Globe, Arena Stage, A.C.T., Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Aquila Theatre, and Goodman Theatre, as well as internationally at the International Shakespeare Festival in Neuss, Germany. Her television credits include Emperor of Ocean Park, Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and As the World Turns. Michele holds an MFA from The Old Globe/University of San Diego and a BFA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She's a proud member of Actors' Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA.

Season and Membership Information

The 2026/2027 season includes the wedding of the season in Father of the Bride (April 8 – May 31, 2026); holy hilarity with the Little Sisters of Hoboken in Nunsense (June 10 – August 2, 2026); the toe-tapping tribute to a rock'n'roll pioneer Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story (August 19 - October 11, 2026); the heartwarming family classic Annie (November 4, 2026 – January 10, 2027); and the musical office rebellion in heels 9 to 5 (January 27 - March 21, 2027).

Drury Lane Theatre's performance schedule for the 2025/2026 season is as follows: Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m., Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Fridays at 7:00 p.m., Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Lock in your seats for a season of spectacular theatre with Drury Lane's Membership Program! Members have exclusive access to uniquely tailored benefits designed to enrich their Drury Lane experience, all at a cost savings of up to 50% off single ticket prices. Membership includes Premium or Tier One seating for all five Drury Lane Theatre productions, free ticket exchanges, dedicated dining credits at Lucille Restaurant, one complimentary Champagne Brunch, exclusive event invitations, Member pre-sales and 25% off additional single ticket. Membership prices range from $254 - $285. For more information, Call Memberships at 630-570-7280 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Group tickets start at $45 and Student group tickets start at just $35. On-site dining is available at Lucille Restaurant with convenient pre-show or post-show prix fixe menus. To book a group of 10 people or more, call Group Services at 630-570-7272 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Rush tickets are available the day of performance at the box office for $45. Limit of 4 rush tickets per person and must be purchased in person at the box office.

35 tickets for $35 for students, young professionals and theatre lovers age 35 and under are available for every performance. Limit two per person, per performance. Use code "35FOR35" to purchase these tickets online at www.drurylanetheatre.com, in person at the box office, or call (630) 570-0111.

Gift certificates to Drury Lane can be purchased in any denomination, never expire, and can be used for performances, at Lucille Restaurant or for Drury Lane Events. Gift certificates can be purchased online at drurylanetheatre.com/gift-certificates or by calling the box office.

Dining and Special Events

Excellence isn't limited to the stage at Drury Lane! Before or after the show, theatergoers can indulge in delicious onsite dining at Lucille Restaurant featuring seasonal pre-fixe menus and an elevated atmosphere to complete their experience. Boasting over a century of collective expertise in hospitality, the dedicated team ensures that you will be cared for with freshly prepared meals, handcrafted cocktails, and exceptional service. At Drury Lane, everything is in one place, so you will never be late for your performance.

Father of the Bride

By: Caroline Francke

Directed by: Michael Heitzman

Featuring: Joe Dempsey (Stanley Banks), Aurora Penepacker (Kay Banks), Rachel Sullivan (Ellie Banks), Jake DiMaggio Lopez (Buckley Dunstan), Kyle Ringley (Ben Banks), and Charlie Long (Tommy Banks) with Jeannie Affelder (Mrs. Pulitzki), Braden Crothers (Pete), Mitchell J. Fain (Joe), Archer Geye (Buzz Taylor), Maya Hlava (Peggy Swift), Ed Kross (Mr. Missoula), Demitri Magas (Red), Abby Rose Merrill (Tim's Gal), and Michele Vazaquez (Miss Bellamy).

Creatives: Lauren Nichols (Scenic Design), Emily Rebholz (Costume Design), Dalton Hamilton (Lighting Design), Sarah Ramos (Sound Design), Cassy Schillo (Properties Design), Erin Kennedy Lunsford (Wig, Hair & Makeup Design), Curtis Moore (Composer), Casie Morell (Production Stage Manager), and Rachel Campbell (Assistant Stage Manager).

Dates:                                                  April 8 – May 31, 2026

Schedule:                                          Wednesdays: 1:30 p.m.

                                                            Thursdays: 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

                                                            Fridays: 7:00 p.m.

                                                            Saturdays: 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

                                                            Sundays: 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.                                

Location:                                             Drury Lane Theatre at 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace

Tickets:                                               Tickets range from $65 - $125

Group discounts available to groups of 10 or more

Dining and show packages available

Senior discounts available

Box Office:                                          100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace

                                                            (630) 530-0111

                                                            Monday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm

                        or visit DruryLaneTheatre.com

About Drury Lane Theatre    

Built from scratch. Built in Oakbrook. Built for you. 

Founded by Anthony DeSantis over 70 years ago, Drury Lane remains a family-run organization under the leadership of President Kyle DeSantis. Drury Lane Theatre continues as a major force in the Chicagoland theatre scene, producing world-class theatre in collaboration with some of the nation's leading actors, directors, and creative minds. Drury Lane Theatre produces the highest quality theatrical experience that immerses and supports artists and audiences in the exploration of what it means to be human and to experience the transcending power of the performing and visual arts. Drury Lane strives to create an environment in which every individual or group is welcomed, respected, supported, valued and able to fully experience and participate in this transformative art form. 

The theatre has staged more than 2,000 productions and has been nominated for over 360 Joseph Jefferson Awards. Drury Lane proudly employs thousands of professional actors, musicians, designers, and crew members to entertain upwards of nine million audience members and counting.

I’ll just say it - Cats is going to blow your mind. Now running at the Paramount Theatre, this spectacular production elevates the famous musical to magnificent new heights—both figuratively and literally. While Cats has always been an extravagant, surreal whirlwind of theatrical magic, this version cranks up the spectacle with breathtaking Cirque-inspired gymnastics and aerial acrobatics. Part fever dream, part feline fantasy, and entirely unforgettable, this is Cats like you’ve never seen before.

Inspired by T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the show transports audiences into the world of the Jellicle cats, a mysterious tribe that gathers once a year for their sacred Jellicle Ball. During this mystical night, their wise leader, Old Deuteronomy, perfectly played by Lorenzo Rush Jr., selects the worthiest feline to ascend to the Heaviside Layer—a realm of renewal and rebirth, where a cat is granted a magical, new life. It’s a premise unlike any other in musical theater.

Anakin Jace White plays Skimbleshanks the Railway Cat, riding astride his Railway Car in Paramount Theatre’s circus-inspired production of Cats.

Cats is an indulgence in music, movement, and character-driven storytelling. Rather than following a traditional narrative, the musical is more of a series of dazzling introductions featuring larger-than-life feline personas like the mischievous Rum Tum Tugger (Donovan Hoffer), the cunning Macavity (Matthew Weidenbener), and the forlorn Grizabella (Emily Rohm). Each cat has its moment in the spotlight, showcasing spectacular choreography and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s infectious melodies. The pinnacle of the show’s emotional depth, of course, is “Memory,” an achingly nostalgic ballad incredibly performed by Rohm as Grizabella, the once glamour cat now outcast, who longs for her lost youth, beauty and forever home. Sung with heart-wrenching intensity it’s no wonder that it has become one of musical theater’s most iconic songs—soaring with raw emotion. This hauntingly nostalgic ballad doesn’t just tug at heartstrings—it resonates far beyond the stage and has cemented itself as an anthem of longing and transformation.

But Cats isn’t just about one song—it’s an entire universe, brimming with movement, mystery, and spectacle. Traditionally, the stage morphs into a sprawling junkyard, but in this production, it transforms into an abandoned circus tent—a hauntingly whimsical playground where feline characters leap, twirl, prowl and perform aerial stunts through mesmerizing choreography. The environment is immersive and fantastic, pulling audiences into a world where the ordinary rules of storytelling dissolve, leaving only the magic of dance, music, and theatrical wonder. What sets Cats apart is its fearless originality—an entirely sung-through musical without a conventional storyline, instead relying on a kaleidoscope of feline personalities brought to life through magnetic direction and expressive movement. It’s a high-energy spectacle packed with soaring melodies, iconic characters, and a trancelike atmosphere that keeps audiences spellbound. Whether you find yourself hypnotized by the haunting strains of “Memory” or captivated by the playful antics of Rum Tum Tugger, one thing is certain: Cats isn’t just a musical, it’s an experience—one that has pounced its way into the hearts of millions for good reason.

Alexandra Palkovic plays Demeter in Paramount Theatre’s circus-inspired production of Cats.

Luminously directed by Trent Stork with wild imagination, Paramount’s hypnotic choreography, shimmering feline costumes, and a stunning atmosphere that teeters between enchanting and dreamlike, Cats is less of a conventional production and more of a theatrical experience that defies expectations. This show is sure to leave audiences awe-struck; it remains a singular, extraordinary phenomenon in the world of musical theater.

But this isn’t just Cats—it’s Cats 2.0, a turbo-charged, high-octane reinvention of the classic musical. Paramount Theatre goes all out, delivering a one-of-a-kind, show-stopping spectacle that takes the experience to exhilarating new heights. From the moment the curtain rises, Cats launches into a dazzling display of jaw-dropping acrobatics and gravity-defying stunts that never let up. Theatergoers are instantly swept into the whirlwind of movement, perching on the edge of their seats as the enchanting performance unfolds. But beyond the sheer athleticism, it’s the clever feline nuances—the subtle catisms—woven seamlessly into each performance that add an extra layer of charm, making this production both thrilling and delightfully amusing.

This production doesn’t just purr—it roars.

Guided by the expertise of Circus Captain Hayley Larson, Dance Captain Christopher Kelley, and Flight Captain Matthew Weidenbener, the performance unfolds as a mesmerizing visual masterpiece, leaving audiences breathless with wonder. Yet, it’s the extraordinary cast that truly ignites this enthralling production, seamlessly weaving every awe-inspiring moment into an unforgettable event. The breathtaking vocal performances perfectly complement the hypnotic dance sequences, high-flying maneuvers, and breathtaking aerial acrobatics, creating a spectacle that is as beautiful to hear as it is to watch.

In addition to the aforementioned ensemble actors, Chicago stage veterans like Gene Weygandt and Allison Sill add their brilliance to this exceptional, multi-talented cast. Alongside them, standout performers such as Tiffany Topol, Alexandra Palkovic, Jake DiMaggio Lopez, Selena Robinson, Christopher Kelley, Sophie Liu David and a host of other gifted artists help bring this production to life with energy, skill, and undeniable stage presence. Unforgettable musical moments like “Magical Mister Mistoffelees,” “Gus: The Theatre Cat,” and “Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats” are just a few of the amazing numbers that will stay with you long after the final bow. With their infectious melodies and gripping performances, these songs make Cats an experience that lingers far beyond the theater doors.

Circus artist Ryan Huemmer (Coricopat) flies through the air with the greatest of ease in Paramount Theatre’s circus-inspired production of Cats.

Long before Cats made its grand entrance onto the Paramount stage, this legendary musical had already clawed its way into theater history, leaving a trail of wide-eyed audiences and notable performances in its wake. Since its West End debut in 1981, Cats has dazzled, bewildered, and utterly enchanted theatergoers with its boundary-pushing theatrical appeal.

Despite early skepticism, Cats scratched its way to legendary status, running for 21 years in London and 18 years on Broadway, making it one of the longest-running musicals in history. It helped usher in the era of the "megamusical," paving the way for grand theatrical productions like The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables, which would go on to define modern musical theater.

Beyond its record-breaking success, Cats sprang onto pop culture, leaving an impressive legacy. Its intricate choreography inspired generations of performers, its distinctive aesthetic became the subject of countless parodies, and its impact spread into film, television, and even internet culture. Whether adored or furiously debated, Cats remains one of the most influential—and delightfully eccentric—productions in musical theater history.

That being said, it’s truly exhilarating to see Cats return to the Chicagoland area—especially in such a grand, spectacular fashion. This production doesn’t just bring the beloved musical back; it elevates it to dazzling new heights.

Paramount’s production of Cats is an excellent homage to the legendary stage musical, staying true to its spirit while adding its own unique flair. This rendition not only honors the show’s original magic but elevates it with fresh creative choices, making it an even more extraordinary experience.

Cats is being performed at Paramount Theatre in Aurora, IL through June 15th. For tickets and/or more show information, click here.

Highly recommended for audiences of all ages!

*This review is also featured on https://www.theatreinchicago.com/!