Ken Payne
Avenged Sevenfold and Burn Halo Highlight Huge Night at Allstate Arena
Friday night was a night to remember for music fans that like it hard and heavy, as the Allstate Arena shook nonstop from one thunderous act after another. Burn Halo, featuring singer James Hart (formerly of Eighteen Visions) played as the ticket’s opener and was quick to show they were ready to take on an arena crowd.
The Alan-Bailey Continuum Makes Splash with New Release
The Alan-Bailey Continuum celebrated a new CD Release and their first anniversary at Subterranean on December 10th. The new album, titled Can't Let Go, is a collection of nine of Alan's songs, each unique in their music, lyrics, and inspiration.
Queensryche Tops Heaven and Hell Tour
Queensryche is currently touring their new DVD release, which contains a performance of Operation Mindcrime I & II in their entirety live at the Moore Theatre in Seattle, where the band originated. Pamela Moore, though she did not perform with the band, was on hand at the Sears Center to watch as Queensryche once again...
Christina Aguilera and Pussycat Dolls
As if the fans did not get their fill from the Pussycat Dolls, Christina Aguilera’s “Back to Basics” show was nothing short of a spectacular climax to the evening’s event. Christina entered with class standing atop a lighted stairwell, dressed in white, before being joined by a host of talented dancers that escorted her...
Live Dazes the Riviera
As Live played on, fans reacted with a sea of waving arms while singing along with most of the bands songs. Live’s successful formula of - now we’re quiet – NOW WE’RE LOUD – ssshhh...we’re quiet again – NOW WE’RE LOUD AGAIN – wait, we’re bringing it down again, proved itself in flying colors as the band really seemed...
What is Kinky Notti?
“At times you think there’s progress, but at other times you think that people are on the same shit. It’s just a little bit more disguised now, but overall many people are still on the same vibe. We should be over that by now. Why should we have to continually retro-gress? We need to stop teaching our kids that shit. Peace...
Jay-Z Joined by Kanye West at House of Blues
Still, while plugging his hip hop pal’s new release, Def Jam Record’s president Jay-Z let everyone in the sold-out House of Blues crowd know why he is still the undisputed “King of the Rap Scene” as he aggressively unleashed tracks from his brand new Gangster. With fury and top-notch showmanship, the 37-year-old Jay-Z...
Blizzard Doesn’t Stop Goo Goo Dolls...
Rzeznik’s voice was album perfect, the songs were tight and the two added touring musicians did add a lot to their live sound that I best compare to Bon Jovi meets Eddie Money. For every rock ballad the Goo Goo Dolls dished out they balanced it with a more upbeat, rocking number including three in which Robby Takac...
Ion Vein Leads Metal March on Hallow's Eve
It was hard rock madness this past Saturday night at Chicago City Limits where Ion Vein led the charge in celebrating Halloween with a high energy set of loud, abrasive, in-your-face metal.
Keaton Simons “Getting Better” All the Time
It was an amazing night of music and fun Saturday night at Martyr’s (3855 N. Lincoln), where Keaton Simons, on tour with Pete Francis of Dispatch, treated Chicago to a lively set of the inspirational, fun-loving numbers for which he is getting known. The very charismatic Keaton, on tour in support of his latest release Can You Hear Me...
Cast and creative team announced for SENTINELS, a play with music celebrating the contributions of women over the past 80 years
15 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreCPA Theatricals and Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre today announced casting for their co-production of the play with music SENTINELS, which…
EUREKA DAY WILL PLAY BROADWAY IN CHICAGO’S BROADWAY PLAYHOUSE AT WATER TOWER PLACE JANUARY 13 – FEBRUARY 22, 2026
13 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is pleased to announce Chicago’s acclaimed TimeLine Theatre Company is returning to the Broadway Playhouse at Water…
“Twihard! A Twilight Musical Parody” Sinks Its Teeth Into Limited Engagement At the Apollo Theater
12 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreOtherworld Theatre Company, the premier sci-fi and fantasy live theater production company in North America, today announced its smash hit…
Don't Wait Until It's Too Late: Kimberly Akimbo a Must See at CIBC Theatre
12 June 2025 in Theatre ReviewsI like to think that I am hip and with it (insert millennial Gif here). I like to think that…
42 Balloons Soaring High at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
11 June 2025 in Theatre in ReviewIt’s 1982 and Larry Walters approaches his lawn chair. On either side are bags and containers full of various items…
Hell in a Handbag's QUEEN FOR A DAY - July 9 – August 3, 2025 at the Bramble Arts Loft - World Premiere!
10 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreHell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to conclude its 2024/25 Season with the world premiere of QUEEN FOR A DAY written by…
Review: Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre at Ruth Page Center for the Arts
09 June 2025 in Dance in ReviewThis performance by Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre (CRDT) at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts directly addressed and refuted…
Review: Iraq, But Funny at Lookingglass Theatre
09 June 2025 in Theatre in Review“Ripe material for a comedy,” chuckles Atra Asdou, writer and star of ‘Iraq, but Funny” now playing at Lookingglass Theatre.…
Chasing the White Rabbit into Ballet Brilliance: Joffrey Ballet’s Mesmerizing 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'
07 June 2025 in Dance in ReviewWowza! If you're searching for one of Chicago’s must-see summer events, look no further. The Joffrey Ballet has done it…
Elizabeth McGovern's AVA: The Secret Conversations to play in Chicago
06 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreFollowing an acclaimed run at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles and NY City Center in New York, AVA: The Secret…
A Remarkable Story Based on Real Events: 'Six Men Dressed Like Stalin'
04 June 2025 in Theatre in Review“Six Men Dressed Like Stalin,” now at A Red Orchid Theatre in Chicago and directed by dado, draws upon the…
THE DEN THEATRE ANNOUNCES JULY COMEDY SHOWS
01 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreThe Den Theatre today announced upcoming July 2025 shows at the theatre's Wicker Park stages at 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., including Sammy…
OPERA FESTIVAL OF CHICAGO ANNOUNCES THE CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM FOR PAGLIACCI, JUNE 27 AND 29 AT THE NORTH SHORE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
01 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreThe Opera Festival of Chicago announces the cast and creative team for Pagliacci by Ruggero Leoncavallo, directed by Sasha Gerritson, conducted by…
It's Funny What Can Happen on a "Neighborhood Watch," Now Running at Jackalope Theatre
31 May 2025 in Theatre in ReviewYou’ll want to join this “Neighborhood Watch," a fast-paced comedy having its world premiere in Jackalope Theatre’s performance space in…
Kokandy Productions Presents the Chicago Premiere of AMÉLIE
28 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreKokandy Productions invites you to spend the summer in Paris (Montmartre, to be exact), as it kicks off its 2025 Season with…
MJ THE MUSICAL is On Sale Wednesday May 28th!
27 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreProducers Lia Vollack, John Branca, and John McClain and Broadway In Chicago are thrilled to announce that individual tickets for the highly anticipated return engagement of…
Evanston Salt Costs Rising: Stormy souls on salted streets at First Floor Theater
26 May 2025 in Theatre in ReviewRecent Chicago-area winters have been relatively easy ones. Lest we forget howling blizzards or subzero temperatures, Will Arbery’s Evanston Salt…
Corn Productions has a new original play premiering in June - Support Group For The End Of The World
26 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreCorn Productions announces the world premiere of “Support Group For The End Of The World” Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, June…
History. Passion. Power. A Love That Changed an Empire - Scandalous Boy at
25 May 2025 in Theatre in ReviewI’m a geek, I admit it; I love seeing theatre that’s … well … real. Like SCANDALOUS BOY – you’ve…
Writers Theatre concludes its 2024/25 Season with the World Premiere of Dhaba on Devon Avenue
22 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreWriters Theatre, under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Artistic Director Braden Abraham, concludes its…
TimeLine Theatre Company announces milestone 2025-26 season, culminating with inaugural production at its new home in Uptown
22 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreTimeLine Theatre Company, celebrated for its powerful and provocative productions that connect past, present, and future, announces a landmark 29th…
RAVEN THEATRE ANNOUNCES 43rd SEASON - Dave Malloy's A Capella Musical OCTET and Terry Guest's OAK Get Chicago Premieres; TOP GIRLS Explores Feminism Through History
22 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreChicago's Raven Theatre Company today announced its 43rd season, with productions appearing on its Edgewater stages at 6157 N. Clark St. in…
Marriott Theatre Continues 50th Anniversary Season with Vibrant New Jukebox Musical, Always Something There…
21 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreFor a dose of summer fun, theatergoers are invited to grab their Walkman, cue up their favorite 80s mix tape,…
Lucid Theater to stage comedy BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY by WELLS AND WELLES playwright Amy Crider, August 1-17 at the Edge Theatre
21 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreLucid Theater announced today it will present the world premiere of BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY by Chicago playwright Amy Crider, whose WELLS…
Review: HONEYPOT: BLACK SOUTHERN WOMEN WHO LOVE WOMEN at Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre in Evanston
20 May 2025 in Theatre in ReviewHONEYPOT originated as a creative nonfiction book by E. Patrick Johnson, Dean of the School of Communication at Northwestern University.…
The Title Says it All in Conspirators Remarkable ‘Chicago Cop Macbeth’
20 May 2025 in Theatre in ReviewIt was a dark and stormy night as I motored to The Conspirators “Chicago Cop Macbeth,” with a fog of…
HAMILTON returns to Chicago in 2026
19 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago announced today that HAMILTON will return to Chicago for a multi-week engagement beginning March 4, 2026 through April 26,…
Hiplet Ballerinas: A Daring Dance Revolution at Auditorium Theatre
18 May 2025 in Dance in ReviewAn electrifying evening of artistic fusion unfolded at the Auditorium Theatre as Hiplet Ballerinas, the professional company of the Chicago…
Blank Theatre’s SWEET CHARITY Charms with Talented Cast and Standout Choreography
17 May 2025 in Theatre in ReviewWe are inside the Pompeii Club. From everything Charity has told us, the club is the place to be, and…
The Antiquities: A Thought-provoking Look at Today from the Future
13 May 2025 in Theatre in ReviewWith AI and other technological advancements continuing to change the landscape of how we work and interact with one another,…
Latest Articles
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“Twihard! A Twilight Musical Parody” Sinks Its Teeth Into Limited Engagement At the Apollo Theater
Written by Buzz Center StageOtherworld Theatre Company, the premier sci-fi and fantasy live theater production company in North America, today announced its smash hit original musical, "TWIHARD! A Twilight Musical Parody" will begin a special six-week limited engagement at the Apollo Theater (2550 N… -
Hell in a Handbag's QUEEN FOR A DAY - July 9 – August 3, 2025 at the Bramble Arts Loft - World Premiere!
Written by Buzz Center StageHell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to conclude its 2024/25 Season with the world premiere of QUEEN FOR A DAY written by ensemble member Tyler Anthony Smith* and directed by Stephanie Shaw. This gay fantasia on national themes... wait, wrong play. This one-act comedy/drama/cry for help…
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EUREKA DAY WILL PLAY BROADWAY IN CHICAGO’S BROADWAY PLAYHOUSE AT WATER TOWER PLACE JANUARY 13 – FEBRUARY 22, 2026
Written by Buzz Center StageBroadway In Chicago is pleased to announce Chicago’s acclaimed TimeLine Theatre Company is returning to the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (following previous hit productions OSLO and THE LEHMAN TRILOGY) with this sharply funny Tony Award®-winning hit satire of progressivism, parenting, and…
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Cast and creative team announced for SENTINELS, a play with music celebrating the contributions of women over the past 80 years
Written by Buzz Center StageCPA Theatricals and Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre today announced casting for their co-production of the play with music SENTINELS, which imagines a secret society of women that supports and promotes each other’s talents in the same way secret societies have…
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*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.