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Every time we meet with a producer who is bringing a show to one of our theatres we ask –“Is anyone in the cast from Chicago?” Whether it be a two week run of a show on a national tour, a pre-Broadway try out or a long run I want to know. I have assumed that in every city that the producer is grilled about the cast members’ place of origin. Apparently, this is not so! Only in Chicago is show management cross examined this way.
We ask because we really care and love when our own are in Broadway In Chicago shows. Just in case you were wondering…
- Mandy Patinkin, co-star of AN EVENING WITH PATTI LUPONE AND MANDY PATINKIN, is, of course, from Chicago.
- On March 18, BILLY ELLIOT begins and Billy’s mum Susie McMonagle is from Chicago. PLUS Samuel Pergande & Blake Hammond (Billy’s Older Self and Mr. Braithwaite, respectively) are both Chicagoans.
- The producer of SHREK, Bill Damascke is from Chicago, and his parents still live here.
It is not that we think that people from Chicago are better, we just know that Chicago produces some of the best talent in North America and we want them all to have success. We are knowledgeable, not prejudiced, and cheerleaders for our own.
Who are your favorite Chicago actors/actresses that have been in Broadway In Chicago shows? The first five (accurate) responses will receive press night tickets for AVENUE Q… even though I don’t think any of the puppets were born and raised in Chicago.
-Gemma
