One of the most vibrant and well-executed productions I’ve seen done locally is currently playing at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. Co-directors and choreographers Morgan Kaplan and Andrew Maynerich and their creative, hard-working team have staged a non-stop, upbeat show that’s guaranteed to take audience members to their much-needed happy place. Not unlike walking […]
Mary Young
Mary Young was born and raised in Springfield and has been performing in, producing and directing live theater for decades. She's done film and voice-over work, performs occasionally with local bands and takes part in improv troupe The Portuguese Rodeo Clown Company.
Posted inArts & Culture
The circle of life at the Muni
The Muni closes out its summer season with its first junior production – an enchanting popular story that’s sure to inspire as well as entertain. With music and lyrics by Elton John and Tim Rice, The Lion King, Jr. is packed with memorable tunes, carefully crafted and colorful costumes, and a talented cast of kids. Based […]
Posted inArts Features
Persistence pays for local writer
A new jukebox musical, featuring the music of the iconic artist Cher, is on a hopeful trajectory for possible off-Broadway or better yet, Broadway fame. Before you say “not another jukebox musical” and ask, “Isn’t there already a Cher show?” this one follows a very different plot and interesting origin story. Writer Mike Sheedy is […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Live from Loomis at Theatre in the Park
Theatre in the Park at New Salem announced a change to its summer lineup. Due to the production of Hands on a Hard Body being postponed until 2027, three new performances have been scheduled. Popular impersonator Rick Dunham brought Elvis Himselvis to the park on July 11 for an evening of rock and rolls hits […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Live from Springfield
Entertainment offerings in the 217 just got an injection of original sketch comedy. A new, local ensemble called the Capital City Comix debuted its show “Friday Night Live” on July 10 to a sold-out crowd. It’s billed as “SNL, but local, louder, and way weirder,” and while it might not be as groundbreaking as SNL, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
1776: More than a musical history lesson
They say history often repeats itself. For director Gus Gordon, who has performed in or directed 1776 a half-dozen times, in this case, it’s about bringing back the perfect show to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence’s signing. “I’m old enough to remember our nation’s bicentennial and how emotional and exciting that […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Footloose meets Jailhouse Rock
When talking with All Shook Up director Kelly Robertson, she cleverly offers, “If you bring the wine and crackers, we’ll bring the cheese.” The show, a jukebox musical packed with Elvis songs and loosely based on Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare, indeed stands as a high-energy, crowd pleaser with lots of corny jokes and a campy storyline. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Follow this rainbow
“These last few weeks working with this group of beautiful Black women and this amazing staff has healed me in ways I can’t even put into words! We don’t usually get opportunities like this. This is so much more than a show. It’s poetry, it’s art, it’s truth, it’s life!” – excerpt from Brianna Gude-Price’s […]
Posted inSummerguide
Drama, comedy and family fun await
Theatre in the Park (TIP) in Petersburg has another unique and exciting season planned for summer. If you’re considering a return trip to be surrounded by history and nature or planning a first-time visit to this well-kept secret for performers and audience members alike, here’s a glimpse into what’s in store. I Remember Mama May […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Nightmare at Camp Killamanbimbo
Continuing on her journey through the decades, local playwright Courtney Wick brings the third story in her trilogy of plays to a colorful conclusion with Nightmare at Camp Killamanbimbo. Billed as “a gnarly prequel to her previous murder mysteries, Nightmare at the Sweet Dreams Inn and Nightmare at the Hot Mess Hair Salon, Camp Killamanbimbo […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Disaster!: A jukebox musical
Most people of a certain age can probably say they’ve at least heard of, if not watched many popular disaster films of the 1970s such as Airport, The Towering Inferno, Earthquake and The Poseidon Adventure. Personally, I couldn’t get enough when I was a kid. They were epic. These films boasted major special effects for […]
Posted inArts Features
The Trojan Women, a Greek tragedy
In one of those rare but welcome departures from local norms, a play is being performed in Springfield that probably hasn’t been done in years, if ever. While Greek tragedy might not be high up on everyone’s list, I hope you make the time to see this one. The story and the production expertly explore […]
