Paul Lisnek Behind the Curtain
330 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratingsPaul Lisnek Behind the Curtain on WGN Plus from WGN Radio in Chicago
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Episodes
Stage is set for spectacular Porchlight concert version of ‘Sunday in the Park With George’ only on May 11 and 12
April 19, 2024 12:55Paul 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’ at Steppenwolf, a show NOT to be missed plays through May 12th
April 11, 2024 20:20Purpose 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 […]
Magic and sleight of hand ‘card cheating’ techniques of Harry Milas wow audiences at Steppenwolf Garage Space through April 21st
April 08, 2024 23:20Paul goes Behind the Curtain with Magician and Card Cheating expert Harry Milas who discusses his amazing show playing through April 21st 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 […]
Magic and sleight of hand ‘card cheating’ techniques of Harry Milas wow audiences at Steppenwolf Garage Space through May 5th
April 08, 2024 23:20Paul goes Behind the Curtain with Magician and Card Cheating expert Harry Milas who discusses his amazing show playing through May 5th 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 […]
Magic and sleight of hand ‘card cheating’ techniques of Harry Milas wow audiences at Steppenwolf Garage Space through May 19th
April 08, 2024 23:20Paul 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 […]
A very personal look at Sondheim: A Tribute Review playing at Theo Ubique Theatre Plays through April 28th
April 04, 2024 19:37Sondheim 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 […]
Chicago landmark business Architectural Artifacts heads to Texas; meet owner Stuart Grannen
March 29, 2024 00:00Paul 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 […]
Ronnie Marmo returns to Chicago with ‘Bill W. and Dr. Bob,’ and ‘I’m not a Comedian, I’m Lenny Bruce’ at the Biograph Theater
March 21, 2024 21:20In 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 […]
The Band’s Visit at Writer’s Theatre is timely, moving and fantastic!
March 14, 2024 18:05In 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 […]
Billy Elliott is pure electricity at Paramount Theatre in Aurora through March 24th
March 11, 2024 19:09In 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 […]
Queer Eye’s Jai Rodriguez Cabaret performance at Venus Cabaret – ONE WEEKEND ONLY: March 15-17
March 09, 2024 08:43In 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 […]
Broadway hit Pretty Woman the Musical returns to Chicago for one week March 12-17th!
March 08, 2024 03:28In 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 […]
Lin Manuel Miranda’s Tony-winner ‘In the Heights’: A joy to experience at Marriott Lincolnshire through March 17th
March 05, 2024 00:05In 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 […]
Tom Skilling bids farewell to 45 years at WGN-TV with retirement… but not before talking with Paul Lisnek
February 28, 2024 15:42Paul 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 […]
Chef Art Smith shares magical American Southern cuisine at his latest: Reunion Restaurant at Navy Pier
February 23, 2024 18:36In 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 […]
The story of Joe Papp’s creation of the legendary Public Theater with Gail Papp, author of ‘Public/Private’
February 16, 2024 06:24Paul 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, […]
Dot-Marie Jones stars with Dana Delany in ‘Highway Patrol,’ at Goodman Theatre ONLY through February 18th
February 09, 2024 17:59Paul 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 […]
‘Anything Goes’ brings raves from audiences at Porchlight through March 10th
February 08, 2024 15:48Theater 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 […]
‘Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue’ plays a limited run at BIC’s Broadway Playhouse: February 6th – 25th
February 01, 2024 20:11Thank 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) […]
‘Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue’ plays a limited run at BIC’s Broadway Playhouse: February 6th – 25th AND May 15th – May 26th
February 01, 2024 20:11Thank 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) […]
Award-winning comedian Alex Edelman brings his acclaimed Broadway solo show to Steppenwolf, February 15-25
January 25, 2024 22:31Paul goes behind the curtain with award winning comedian/actor/writer Alex Edelman who brings his acclaimed solo show “Just for Us” to Steppenwolf Theatre for two weeks only: February 15-25th in the Downstairs Theater. Edelman has appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Late Night with Seth Meyers and Conan. The New York Times calls it “belly-laugh funny!” As Edelman talks about […]
HBO star of Somebody, Somewhere’s Jeff Hiller at the Den Theatre on Sunday, February 4th for one show only
January 19, 2024 16:25Paul goes behind the curtain with the co-star of the HBO hit series: ‘Somebody, Somewhere.” Jeff also created the iconic character/murderer Mr. Whitely on American Horror Story, and as Jeff would say, you’d recognize him as the waiter in every sitcom you’ve ever watched…. He comes to the Den Theatre with his stand-up act for […]
The amazing, surprising and sometimes forgotten buildings and locations in ‘Amazing Chicago’
January 12, 2024 01:00Paul goes behind the curtain with the author of “Amazing Chicago: The City of Big Shoulders, Murder and Mayhem,” written by David Anthony Witter. The book uncovers the fascinating and often strange but true stories of Chicago’s architectural splendor, creativity and famous folks. From gangsters and murderers to the beginnings of deep dish pizza, tacos and Italian […]
Meet the newly renovated Fine Arts Building and Studebaker Theatre, a Chicago crown jewel
January 05, 2024 00:42Paul goes behind the curtain with the Managing Artistic Director of the Fine Arts Building and Studebaker Theater, Jacob Harvey. The renovation of the structure for its recent 125th Anniversary is truly stunning and a must-see historic site in Chicago. Who knew that the history of this site included performances by Bob Hope, Vincent Price, Yul Brenner, Henry […]
‘STOMP’: Bringing music to everyday objects
January 03, 2024 16:59Musician and one of the many talented performers in the hit show ‘STOMP’ Declan Hayden joins Paul Lisnek, in for Lisa Dent, to talk all things STOMP. Listen in while Hayden shares how they bring music to everyday objects and how STOMP bring dance, music and theatrical performance together in one electrifying rhythm. To get […]
Where theater meets circus: A magical evening of ‘Love, Chaos and Dinner’ at Teatro ZinZanni
December 29, 2023 05:02Paul goes behind the curtain with two of the stars of the longtime Chicago mainstay hit: “Teatro Zinzanni: Love, Chaos, and Dinner” now playing on the 14th Floor of the Cambria Hotel in the heart of the Loop Theater District. Known from her powerful work on The Voice, Sa’Rayah and renowned magician Carisa Hendrix (known on […]
Hamilton continues to amaze at Nederlander Theatre through January 28th
December 28, 2023 06:26Paul goes behind the curtain with Jared Howelton who plays the incredibly challenging roles of Marquis de LaFayette AND Thomas Jefferson in the now classic and legendary show Hamilton. Jared talks about playing various roles he’s played in the show over the years as he was part of the extended sit down of the Chicago […]
The amazing magic of Jamie Allan at Rhapsody Theater through January 7th
December 22, 2023 05:23Paul goes behind the curtain with master magician Jamie Allan, who brings his world renowned show “Amaze” to the Rhapsody Theater through January 7th. This is more than a magic show; it’s a production…. a story from open to close that weaves warmth, emotion and family in the presentation of fantastic magic. Playing at the Rhapsody Theater […]
Boop: The Betty Boop Musical comes alive at the CIBC through December 24th
December 16, 2023 12:23Paul goes behind the curtain with the director/choreographer of Boop, Jerry Mitchell (“Kinky Boots,” Pretty Woman”) and legendary composer David Foster about the creative process behind making this world premiere musical. Based on the popular cartoon of almost a century ago, this magical musical travels from the black and white page to full colors of today. […]
Boop! The Betty Boop Musical comes alive at the CIBC through December 24th
December 16, 2023 12:23Paul goes behind the curtain with the director/choreographer of Boop, Jerry Mitchell (“Kinky Boots,” Pretty Woman”) and legendary composer David Foster about the creative process behind making this world premiere musical. Based on the popular cartoon of almost a century ago, this magical musical travels from the black and white page to full colors of today. […]
Legendary composer Paul Williams creates magic in ‘Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas’ at Studebaker Theater through December 31st
December 15, 2023 01:58Paul goes behind the curtain with legendary composer and lyricist Paul Williams who has written the score for “Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas.” Williams known for a myriad of classics thru the decades (“”Rainbow Connection,” “Evergreen,” We’ve Only Just Begun,” Rainy Days and Mondays,” An Old Fashioned Love Song,”….and SO many more classics)…has been awarded an Academy Award, multiple Grammys, […]
Beautiful: The Carol King Musical is indeed beautiful at the Marriott Theatre through January 7th
December 15, 2023 01:53Paul goes behind the curtain with the cast of Beautiful: The Carol King Musical which tells the story of Carol’s amazing career and the larger than life star who never sought the spotlight of the stage. Joining in the conversation is Kaitlyn Davis (who plays Carol King), Andrew Mueller (who plays Carol’s husband Gerry Goffin) and […]
Timeline Theatre’s Lifespan of a Fact is a must see but only until December 23rd!
December 11, 2023 21:13Paul goes behind the curtain with the cast of Lifespan of a Fact at Timeline Theatre. The play, which had a Broadway run in 2018, addresses the relationship between truth and facts… Is it ever ok to embellish when it means manipulation of the truth? The play is thought-provoking and also hilarious as it is superbly performed […]
Tony Awards winner Stephanie J. Block receives Sarah Siddons Society Award and announces her new and first Christmas CD
December 08, 2023 03:05Paul goes behind the curtain with Tony Award winning actress Stephanie J. Block to talk about her recent honor as the recipient of the Sarah Siddons Society Award. The society which is dedicated to funding scholarships to promising theater arts students at top Chicago area universities honored Block with hits 2023 Award. Then, along with […]
Sarah Siddons Society and Tony Award winning Stephanie J. Block releases new Christmas CD!
December 08, 2023 03:05Paul goes behind the curtain with Tony Award winning actress Stephanie J. Block to talk about her recent honor as the recipient of the Sarah Siddons Society Award. The society which is dedicated to funding scholarships to promising theater arts students at top Chicago area universities honored Block with hits 2023 Award. Then, along with […]
Steppenwolf’s POTUS brings the house down in laughter with every performance through Dec 17th
December 02, 2023 00:30Paul goes behind the curtain with the cast of “POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive.” Joining the conversation are Steppenwolf Ensemble members: Celeste M. Cooper (Chris), Sandra Marquez (Harriet), Caroline Neff (Stephanie) Karen Rodriguez (Jean) and making her Steppenwolf debut: Chloe Baldwin (Dusty). This American farce is […]
The award-winning and longest-running Magic Parlour is still magical in its new Goodman/Petterino’s location
November 23, 2023 01:05Paul goes behind the curtain with master magician Dennis Watkins. After years of sharing his magic at The House Theatre of Chicago and a decade housed in the historic Palmer House Hotel, the new home of The Magic Parlour now offers warmth, intimacy and a great close-up view of the magic being performed right before […]
We Love Lucy!! And Groucho! Gregg Oppenheimer talks new projects about these beloved legends (with a surprise guest!)
November 17, 2023 03:33Paul goes Behind the Curtain with Gregg Oppenheimer, son of Jess Oppenheimer, the creator of I Love Lucy, the most popular sitcom of all time. Dad Jess wrote the book, “Laughs, Luck…and Lucy: How I Came to Create the Most Popular Sitcom of All Time,” with the assistance of son Gregg. And now, Gregg has produced, directed and edited the Audiobook […]
Young Frankenstein has them rollin’ in the aisles at Mercury Theater through December 31st
November 10, 2023 06:09In this new podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain with cast members of “Young Frankenstein,” a Mel Brooks classic. Joining the conversation are Sean Fortunato (Dr. Frederick Frankenstein), Andrew MacNaughton (The Monster) and Mary Robin Roth (Frau Blucher). The classic Frankenstein story picks up a generation later when Frankenstein Grandson believes that his grandfather never […]
‘American Psycho the Musical’ excites Audiences at Chopin Studio Theatre through November 26th
November 02, 2023 17:11Paul goes Behind the Curtain with the star and director of “American Psycho The Musical,” which has been exciting audiences at the Chopin Studio Theatre and plays until November 26th. Kyle Patrick’s portrayal of Patrick Bateman (played by Christian Bale in the movie) has received RAVE reviews from critics. His performance is so iconic that […]
Sondheim’s reimagined ‘Company’ at Cadillac Palace through Nov 12th!
October 30, 2023 21:47In this new podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain with two cast members from the hit revival of Company, a new production of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s classic. This version re-imagined by director Marianne Elliott (War Horse and Angels in America) brings us Bobbie’s 35th birthday party except this time around, the character of Bobbie […]
‘The Lehman Trilogy’ at Broadway Playhouse through Nov 26th – an amazing drama
October 27, 2023 20:52In this podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain with the 3 stars of The Lehman Trilogy. This 2022 Tony Award winner for Best Play is discussed by Mitchell Fain (who portrays Henry Lehman) Joey Slotnick (playing Mayer Lehman) and Anish Jethmalani (playing Emanuel Lehman). The story weaves together 146 years of a family history from […]
‘Sex and the City’ author Candace Bushnell comes to City Winery on November 11th for 2 stage shows!
October 20, 2023 02:31In this podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain with New York Times Best Selling author Candace Bushnell. You know her book, “Sex and the City,” plus there are many more which followed including the current bestseller: Is There Still Sex in the City?” And yes, it is Candace’s work that led to the creation of the classic iconic […]
‘A Wonderful World’ – The life of Louis Armstrong at the Cadillac Palace Theater until October 29th
October 15, 2023 15:20In this new podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain with two of the stars of “A Wonderful World” providing a look at the legendary jazz legend, Louis Armstrong. This Broadway bound musical stars James Monroe Iglehart (Genie in Aladdin) and chatting with Paul are Jennie Harney-Fleming who plays Armstrong’s wife Lil, and DeWitt Fleming, Jr who plays […]
Legendary ICON Ben Vereen on his life, career, and the issues facing society today
October 13, 2023 00:44In this podcast, Paul Goes behind the Curtain with the legendary Ben Vereen. The Tony award winning actor is known for his roles in Pippin, Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Wicked, and so much more. He created the unforgettable role of Chicken Little in “Alex Hailey’s Roots” and portrayed Louis Armstrong in a biographical film on […]
Chicago Firehouse Restaurant: Where city history meets great food
October 08, 2023 09:12In this new podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain with Shannon Tauschman, General Manager and Resident Historian, for the landmark Chicago restaurant, Chicago Firehouse. This landmarked location was actually a Firehouse built in 1905 as Engine Company 104 to protect the well-to-do home owners of Prairie Avenue such as The Pullman Marshall Field Families among others. The interior […]
Michael Feinstein, Protector of the Great American Songbook and Hollywood Museum President present: ‘From Hollywood to the World: Rediscovered Recordings and Career of Jose Iturbi’
September 29, 2023 03:15In this new podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain with legendary protector of the American Songbook, Michael Feinstein, and Hollywood Museum Founder and President Donelle Dadigan to discuss the amazing career of Jose Iturbi. Feinstein does not do many interviews was happy to join in this important discussion to bring a name back to the […]
NYT best selling author Luke Russert on his book: ‘Look for Me There, Grieving My Father, Finding Myself’
September 21, 2023 21:48In this new podcast, Paul chats with the NYT best selling author of “Look for Me There: Grieving My Father, Finding Myself,” Luke Russert. Luke is the son of legendary political analyst and host of NBC’s Meet the Press, Tim Russert who died so young and unexpectedly in the heat of the 2008 election. The book chronicles Luke’s […]
‘Laugh In’ creator George Schlatter’s new book, ‘Still Laughing’, plus, a surprise guest, Lily Tomlin, joins in!
September 15, 2023 02:18In this special new podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain with the legendary creator of “Laugh In,” and so much more, George Schlatter. Schlatter, now 93, has related his many stories and memories in a new book, “Still Laughing: A Life in Comedy.” Filled with amazing accounts, he shares the history of how Laugh In came to […]
NYT best selling author Miles Taylor on his latest book, ‘Blowback,’ tracking his time in the Trump years and beyond, and his new podcast, ‘The Whistleblowers: Inside the Trump Administration’
September 07, 2023 23:15In this new podcast, Paul chats with the NYT best selling author of “A Warning,’ Miles Taylor about his latest book: “Blowback: A Warning to Save Democracy From The Next Trump.” Taylor is an expert on national security and public policy and served as Chief of Staff with the US Department of Homeland Security. His […]