Paul Lisnek Behind the Curtain

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons created the soundtrack of a generation that still lives today. And Mercury theater Chicago makes the magic happen with its production of the Jersey Boys after a decade long wait for the rights to be released. Joining in the conversation are all four of the “boys:” Joining the conversation are Michael Metcalf […]

Chicago is home to close- up magic and the latest magician to “wow” audiences at the Chicago Magic Lounge every Wednesday night at 7pm (through June 26th is the amazing Ondrej Psenicka who comes to Chicago from the Czeck Republic! He fooled Penn & Teller THREE times on their popular show “Fool Us,” so odds are he will fool […]

It’s unlike any theatrical experience. Attending The Choir of Man is like going to the neighborhood pub (in Ireland or England, for sure) complete with beer, snacks, music and a really great time! Joining in the conversation are 5 of the 9 cast members all of whom can sing, dance and play a myriad of instruments: Chicago’s own RJ Griffiths (playing “Hardman”), Shane McDaid (playing […]

Second City is truly a jewel in the crown of Chicago’s comedy scene attaining international recognition and respect. Many of the greats have come from Second City including Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Gilda Radner, Chris Farley and the list goes on and on. This interview brings together one of Second City’s […]

It’s always exciting when a pre-Broadway show comes to Chicago to test the waters and learn from our sophisticated audiences what will make a show a smash hit on Broadway! “Death Becomes Her” is the next and current production treat for Chicago audiences. Based on the classic cult movie starring Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn, this new […]

Who didn’t love the movie Mean Girls? It’s became a part of our cultural experience and history. Among the movie’s stars is Daniel Franzese who played the gay character, Damian, and who appears at the Venus Cabaret to do stand-up the weekend of June 7th – 9th. But this interview illustrates that there is so much more to […]

There are many popular TV series these days (certainly among the younger crowd) which can be labeled “coming of age,” with focus on character, family and the challenges of growing older. These series have strong appeal for viewers young and older. But things have evolved a bit in society and now, a new series (that […]

Thank you for being a friend! Paul goes behind the curtain with two of the stars of “Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue,” a parody and uproarious stage show that is unique among Golden Girls tribute shows. Ryan Bernier who plays Dorothy and Jason Bowen who plays both Dorothy’s ex-husband Stan and a character called Burt […]

Paul goes behind the curtain with an interview that will charm Marx Brothers fans in a big way. Joining in the conversation about the legendary comedic brothers and geniuses is Groucho’s Grandson, Andy Marx who is an award-winning photographer, writer and musician in his own right. Not only was Groucho his grandfather, but his other grandfather was […]

It’s back! The incredibly popular jukebox musical, Mamma Mia brings it’s 25th Anniversary tour to Chicago’s Nederlander Theatre ONLY through May 19th! This new podcast presents a conversation with the production stars: Chicago native Christine Sherrill (who plays Donna Sheridan) and Jalynn Steele (playing her friend Tanya) who chat about the plot of the show and why […]

Who is not a huge fan of the music of the legendary Simon & Garfunkel? No one! This immersive concert-style show truly brings back the magic of Simon & Garfunkel in a way that will have you thinking you are listening to the amazing duo once again. The show features nearly 30 songs including their biggest hits and […]

Paul goes behind the curtain with the stars and director for the upcoming in-concert performances of the Sondheim/LaPine classic: “Sunday in the Park with George,” to be presented by Porchlight Music Theatre at the Studebaker Theater ONLY on Saturday, May 11th and Sunday, May 12th. Joining in the conversation are the show’s stars: Sean Allan Krill (Broadway’s […]

Purpose is a powerful new work by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, directed by the legendary Phylicia Rashad (who played Claire Huxtable on “The Cosby Show”). The story revolves around the politically and culturally influential Jasper family which has for decades been a pillar of Black American Politics including in civil rights. But like every family, there are cracks […]

Paul goes Behind the Curtain with Magician and Card Cheating expert Harry Milas who discusses his amazing show playing through May 19th at Steppenwolf’s Merle Reskin Garage Space. Milas brings his highly acclaimed show from Australia for this U.S. debut. “The Unfair Advantage” discloses the sleight of hand techniques utilized by those who cheat at cards. The hour-long show is […]

Sondheim is the best and these days Tribute Reviews are the thing to do especially since the Sondheim estate has allowed theater companies to craft individualized reviews (unlike the Pre-existing Side by Side by Sondheim, for example), subject to certain restrictions (Sondheim must have written both music and lyrics, no more than 3 songs from any one show and no show dialogue […]

Paul goes behind the curtain with the owner of the legendary business, Architectural Artifacts, Stuart Grannen. Located in Chicago for 37 years, Stuart chose to leave our cold winters for the temperate climate of Round Top, Texas (located about an hour from Austin or Houston, TX). Grannen is an archaeologist by training, loved spending his childhood weekends […]

In this new podcast, Paul visits with actor/director/playwright Ronnie Marmo who became a fixture in Chicago with the play, “I’m Not a Comedian, I’m Lenny Bruce.” He returns to the city but now performing that role in rep with a new show: “Bill W. and Dr. Bob” which is a gripping and true story about the founders […]

In this new podcast, Paul chats with the cast and director of The Band’s Visit about the power of this musical now playing through March 24th. Joining in the conversation is Director Zi Alikhan, along with cast members Armand Akbari (Haled), Sophie Madorsky (Dina) and Rom Barkhordar (Tewfiq). It’s the story of an Egyptian military […]

In this new podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain with the cast and director of “Billy Elliott” the amazing musical currently playing at Paramount Theatre in Aurora through March 24th. Joining in the conversation are Trent Stork (Director) and cast members: Michelle Aravena (Mrs. Wilkinson), Spencer Davis Milford (playing Billy’s brother Tony) and Ron E. Rains (playing Billy’s […]

In this new podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain with Jai Rodriquez, best known as the Culture Guy (one of the Fab Five) from the original “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” on Bravo. The EMMY Award winner played Angel in the Broadway Musical “Rent” and has been seen in shows including Grey’s Anatomy, Bones, The Rookie […]