Experience World-Class Theater in Chicago This Fall

October 16, 2009 by  
Filed under VME

The Addams FamilyMany visitors to Chicago are unaware of its fantastic art scene. The theater district welcomes world-class off Broadway shows throughout the year. Past theater offerings have included Chicago and Mary Poppins. For the fall season, visitors have three fabulous show options to experience in Chicago.

The Addams Family

From a comic strip, to a television show, to the Broadway stage, The Addams Family is known as America’s creepiest and strangest family. The theater version features the outstanding talent of headline actors Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth as Gomez and Morticia, the leaders of this ghoul-some family. The play follows the trials and tribulations of the family as they react to Wednesday’s search for love. The Addams Family Musical was created by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elise, who also brought Jersey Boys to the stage.

Million Dollar Quartet

This musical is playing at the Apollo Theater in Chicago. The play retells the story of the night that four musical legends met: Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis. The impromptu recording session that night marked the birth of Rock ‘n’ Roll. The play features many of the popular songs from these artists, including Blue Suede Shows, Great Balls of Fire, and more. Million Dollar Quartet is directed by Eric Schaeffer and Floyd Mutrux.

Jersey Boys

This show gained acclaim when it debuted in New York, and now it is one of the most popular shows in Chicago. The musical has won four Tony awards, including the honor of Best Musical. Jersey Boys tells the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. The play follows the group from their start as blue collar boys in Jersey to their rise to fame as the most popular musical group in the nation. Set in the turbulent 1950s, Jersey Boys features the classic songs of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. This show combines the best of the 50s and the classic music of the original Jersey Boys.

Enjoy Famed Shows and Musicals in Chicago, IL This Summer

May 29, 2009 by  
Filed under VME

This summer presents the perfect time to visit one of the United State’s most illustrious cities – Chicago, Illinois! With sightseeing tours, theme parks, and a host of shopping options within the Chicago area, there is no shortage of activities to complete your family vacation. However, Chicago also has family vacation options that are perhaps less thought of. Chicago’s shows, musicals, and other live productions are enough to create a memorable stay in the Windy City.

Be prepared to be taken back to the primitive Middle Ages with an engrossing competition of skills and bravery. The Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament features six knights battling through jousting, hand-to-hand, and different stunt competitions to win the hand of a princess. And with a traditional four-course royal feast included with the performances, it’s easy to see why the show is regarded as one of the more popular dinner shows in the country. It may sound too violent for children, but in reality it is appropriate for every member of your family.

For the best in Chicago musical productions, it’s hard to beat Jersey Boys Chicago and Mary Poppins. The Jersey Boys show features a documentary-style theme to show the lives of the members of the 1960′s group The Four Seasons. The show specifically shows how four down-on-their-luck New Jersey boys emerged to became one of rock ‘n’ roll’s biggest sensations – all before they even reached 30 years old! For it’s success, the show has received a total of four Tony Awards, including one for Best Musical. The Second Tony Award-winning show in Chicago, Mary Poppins, features a mix of scenes and songs from P.L. Travers’s story and the full-length film. With such songs as Let’s Go Fly a Kite and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, you and your family will enjoy a world-renowned production that you won’t soon forget.

Movie Magic in The Big Apple

March 5, 2009 by  
Filed under VME

Sex and the City Hot Spot - The Magnolia BakeryFrom forming the backdrop of some of Hollywood’s most cherished films to presenting revised versions of timeless classics on Broadway, the magic of movies is well and alive in The Big Apple. And while visiting New York City, you can easily find a range of options including sightseeing tours, musicals and plays to help make your vacation a star-studded experience.

On Location Tours Featuring New York TV and Movie Sites

Both television and the movies will come to life during this encompassing tour that stops by sites from hits including Seinfeld, Spiderman and Friends. Whether snapping a few photos of the firehouse used in Ghostbusters or relaxing on the steps of the Cosby’s townhouse, all of the magic of the screen will become a reality with On Location Tours featuring New York TV and Movie Sites.

On Location Tours Featuring Central Park Movie Sites

Focusing solely on Central Park, this particular tour offers an encompassing look into both Central Park and the numerous film productions it has hosted over the years. When Harry Met Sally, Kramer vs. Kramer, Home Alone 2, and Ghostbusters are just a few of the famed movies that you will relive during the tour while simultaneously visiting popular Central Park locales including The Boathouse Cafe, Bandshell, Tavern on the Green, and Bethesda Fountain.

The Little Mermaid

First adapted from the timeless Hans Christian Andersen tale to the big screen, The Little Mermaid has now been adapted to the stage for a fun musical that the entire family can enjoy. Experience classic numbers including ‘Part of Your World,’ ‘Kiss the Girl,’ and ‘Under the Sea’ as all of the magic of the animated film is brought to life like only Broadway could do!

Shrek The Musical

Offering yet another performance that can be enjoyed by adults and children equally, Shrek The Musical is a perfect show for one and all. What’s more, the Broadway production is being overseen by DreamWorks, the same company that handled the production of the movie. From stunning costumes and set designs to moving musical numbers, every aspect is polished to ensure a performance that fully lives up to its namesake.