[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZSIScCh3Po?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] 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 P…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrPI4eN2UsI?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] 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 poli…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlOj3Qei3eY?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] 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. Mila…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63w7er8DhyQ?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] 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 P…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUwIRj67KNo?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] 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 …

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrAiWlX2IkM?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] 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 cit…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zs8ly0biJrA?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] 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 Z…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMbexznPbSI?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] 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.…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMO8Ye84fOE?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] 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. T…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ESDkETzxDw?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] 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 broug…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LRDmPoJCWo?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] 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…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e03kG5fRM5w?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] 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…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dY0oENdqhx0?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] 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 …

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q31dtVJGfOs?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] 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 1…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ph67NVolllo?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] 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 th…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seX0MvcsPew?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] 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…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmxnt8bp20c?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] 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 …

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwSUeypZUc8?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Paul 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 …

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Sc4oF-JnWY?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Paul 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…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YftagWECq9w?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Paul 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 …

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlXhEtCve6w?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Paul 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 An…

Musician 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. https://serve.castfire.com/audio…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuwgDd3Zs7w?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Paul 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 i…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpKJiMKwP50?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Paul 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.…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwXrr1yKGjI?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Paul 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; i…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ip6Hk93VC4s?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Paul 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 behin…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deU7DDRnuC4?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Paul 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 myri…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKJEQckD-JY?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Paul 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 spotl…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-WwdICSmck?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Paul 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…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPCEePeWz9U?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Paul 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…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fngNLg4kYmc?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Paul 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 member…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJon_fL1zYg?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Paul 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 Hote…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faI-_ICWB8Y?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Paul 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…an…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofu1unLG3lE?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] In 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 Frankenste…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jS5BhDH1u9g?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Paul 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. …

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHNUkJqh_8Y?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] In 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 r…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pE9Wlp4wEuc?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] In 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…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjPVXgUCzkQ?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] In 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 i…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYa0whD3BLQ?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] In 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 music…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Tzn95r50Zg?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] In 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…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kXBVY5udRE?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] In this new podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain with Shannon Tauschman, General Manager and Resident Historian, for the landmark Chicago restaurant, Chicago Firehouse. This landmarke…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B87oY596hA?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] In 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 di…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgTAEqxE5oE?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] In 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 analys…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgWfRR9M7e8?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] In 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 …

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBrw9xTWe1E?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] In 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…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVpLcNRm6QA?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] On this podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain with author Jonathan Eig to discuss his latest book, “King: A Life,” truly the definitive biography of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Wi…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-doys7pJL6I?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] In this new podcast, Paul visits with the star of “I’m Not a Comedian, I’m Lenny Bruce,” directed by multi-award winner Joe Mantegna. Ronnie transforms into Lenny Bruce in this one man…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-fsBBy4H3c?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] In this new podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain with author Alex Prud’homme a freelance writer and author about this new book on what Presidents ate from the time of Washington until…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9KS4moFUSI?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] In this new podcast, Paul chats with an amazing and talented magician, mentalist, and performer, Henok Negash appearing every Wednesday on the Main Stage at Chicago Magic Lounge. Henok…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhBOCFRjENI?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] In this new podcast, Paul chats with the cast of 6 time Tony Award Winning “Kinky Boots” produced by the Highland Park Players. The leading players are all here: Anania Williams (Lola)…