In celebration of seeing Yeast Nation tonight, let’s talk about one of my favorite Chicago dramatic actresses: Barbara Robertson. Seven-time Jeff Award winning Robertson, who is featured in Yeast Nation, is one of those actresses whose work is so diverse, it’s almost impossible not to have caught her in at least a show or two [...]
A perfect birthday gift
Just announced: E. Faye Butler will be doing a night of music with her band at the Marriott Theatre on November 16 at 7:30 p.m. The evening of my 30th birthday. (((sigh))) E. Faye, who I saw in Court Theatre’s Caroline, or Change last Fall (she will win the 2009 Jeff Award — mark my [...]
Diva Friday: Carolee Carmello
Let’s turn our attention to the fabulous Carolee Carmello this Diva Friday. Carolee, along with Rachel York and Marin Mazzie, is part of a trifecta of Brodway divas who can play any role and do anything. They are all stunning women with leading lady presence, strong dramatic and comedic chops, and power voices. It’s no wonder [...]
A diva responds
It’s always exciting and unexpected when a Diva reaches out to touch the masses. In this case, said Diva is Rachel York, and the masses is me, touched via this little blog. Last night she wrote a lovely note, cleared up a pesky rumor, and informed me of her next gig: Cruella DeVil in the [...]
Diva Friday: Marin Mazzie
Hello Readers! Herr Roberto is on vacation in Colorado Springs for a spell, and has asked me to fill in and contribute a diva tribute. As I adore the ‘Diva Friday’ series, I was happy to oblige~! My selection? The one and only… Marin Mazzie. (marinmazzie.com) The Mesmerizing Marin Mazzie is an astonishing singer. And [...]
Patti LuPone and Debbie Reynolds
I’m capturing the weekend the only way I know how: grainy camera phone pictures and half-baked commentary. Patti and the CSO presented a very tasteful evening of Kurt Weill songs, featuring his rarely performed “Seven Deadly Sins.” Truthfully, “Sins” was a bit of a snore. Originally a ballet, it’s a terribly modern piece with two [...]
Diva Friday: Ruthie Henshall
Lets take a trip to over the pond to the West End for this week’s Diva Friday, shall we? Ruthie Henshall. She’s the brunette soubrette who can’t seem to land a hit show of late. I would compare her West End career to that of Bette Midler’s relationship with Hollywood: Supremely talented women, disappointing career [...]
Beyoncé @ United Center
So, Beyoncé flew over the audience on Friday night. I was a slightly slackjawed, as I’m a sucker for aerialics: But, as with most things, I lost interest shortly thereafter. Lots of screaming, stretch pants, metallic tube dresses and Baby Phat shoes. It didn’t help that we arrived at 7pm, and she didn’t perform until [...]
Diva Friday: Beyoncé
I’ve been slacking on my Diva Friday obligations. So, let’s bring it back with a bang and celebrate that black bodacious R&B beauty: Beyoncé. Beyoncé in full on Dreamgirls mode. And I’m seeing her tonight at the United Center! Excited! Like I need to tell any of you who she is. I’m a relatively new [...]
Upcoming excursions
If inbound commuter traffic doesn’t suck as hard as it has lately, these are my upcoming events: Tomorrow: Thursday: Friday: I like to think this is a nice cross-section of commercialism, camp and celebrity. Expect a report on all three!
Diva Friday: Ann Hampton Callaway
Let’s swing into the long weekend with my favorite bluesy cabaret chanteuse — Ms. Ann Hampton Callaway. She has a voice that melts butter, and then, with just a turn of a phrase, sizzles. She could fry an egg with her voice, essentially.
Diva Friday: Alexandra Billings
As I lay languishing for a leading lady to lavish with my literary laudations (don’t mind me, it’s been a long week), I got the following text from my friend Sarah: “Guess who’s Grand Marshal of the Pride Parade on Sunday? Alexandra Billings!” And so that was it. This Diva Friday, let’s rejoice the singular [...]
Wednesday discovery: Classic “Rosie” clips
I don’t know who bdtb is, but I want to hug him/her. They’ve managed to capture some of the best performances from the old Rosie O’Donnell daytime talk show (and other talk shows, too!), including some fantastic Broadway numbers and belting divas. Having been a fan of Rosie’s show, and having recorded (I thought!) every [...]
Diva Friday: Dee Hoty
For my fourth installment of Diva Friday, let’s discuss the fabulous Dee Hoty, shall we? You want a leading lady with dazzling cheekbones and flawless poise? Dee’s your gal. Furthermore, she has a leading lady belt, and knows how to sell it.
Helen Lawson’s twittering!
Helen Lawson has started twittering, and I think it’s only our duty as fans that we should all follow her. From her twitter page: Name Helen Lawson Location Center stage, in the spotlight Bio Hello, pipsqueaks. Simply trying to keep up with my fans using web 2.0. Should you see that wench Neely O’Hara, let [...]
Welcome to [CTA]
- Hi. My name's Bob Bullen and I'm a Chicago Theatre Addict [CTA]. Learn more here. Please leave comments — I'd love to hear what you think, and promise to do my best to reply.
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