Paul Lisnek Behind the Curtain

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 […]

In this new podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain with the star of Pretty Woman the Musical, Chase Wolfe (who plays Edward Lewis). The classic Julia Roberts/Richard Gere film was brought to the musical stage by theater legend Jerry Mitchell and boasts of a score by the comic genius Garry Marshall and a new score […]

In this new podcast, Paul chats with the cast of Lin Manuel Miranda’s wonderful and heartwarming show, “In the Heights” playing at the Marriott Lincolnshire through March 17th. Joining the chat are Paola Hernandez (Vanessa), Crissy Guerrero (Abuela Claudia), Yasir Muhammad (Benny) and Jordan Arredondo (Sonny). The story takes place in Washington Heights, a community […]

Paul goes behind the curtain for a very special “exit” interview with Tom Skilling, the undeniable G.O.A.T (greatest of all time) among meteorologists worldwide! Chicago has never seen such extensive tributes and honors for anyone in media who has entered retirement…but then again, Chicago has never seen the likes of Tom Skilling! Paul asks Tom the questions that […]

In this new podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain for an informal and informational chat with one of Chicago’s and the country’s most famous chefs: Art Smith. How did Chef Art hit the big time while so many chefs dream of having the life and career that he has created in his own life. Well beyond the menu items […]

Paul goes behind the curtain with Gail Papp, widow and partner of the legendary Joseph Papp, Founder of The Public Theatre. Gail joined Joseph Papp’s New York Shakespeare Festival in 1965, became Director of New Works Development for the Public Theater and was responsible for some of theater’s greatest productions: The Normal Heart, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Angels in America, […]

Paul goes behind the curtain with actress Dot-Marie Jones (yep, Coach Beaste in Glee) to discuss the play, “Highway Patrol” playing now at the Goodman Theatre through Feb 18th. It’s the story of a 13-year old fan named Cam dealing with a serious medical condition who catches the attention of Emmy Award winning actress Dana […]

Theater lovers looking for a fantastic time will NOT want to miss “Anything Goes” with a phenomenal Porchlight Music Theatre cast and music by the legendary Cole Porter. Joining in the conversation are the incredible Meghan Murphy (playing Reno Sweeney), Luke Nowakowski (playing Billy Crocker), Steve McDonagh (playing Moonface Martin) and Jackson Evans (a riot […]

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) […]