Tonight’s “Public Affairs”TV show in Highland Park features Mark Curran, the GOP nominee for the IL Supreme Court 2nd District seat in this November’s General Election. This show is Part 1 of show host Jeff Berkowitz’s two-part interview with S CT candidate Mark Curran (R-Libertyville).

The shows airs in Highland Park tonight and Wednesday at 8:30 pm on Ch 19.

Although Curran could not, due to the Canons of legal ethics, say or discuss how he would rule on any matters that might come before him as a Justice, he did discuss in Part 1 of the interview general issues relating to the law and abortion, his “Calling to run” for the IL Supreme Court & impartiality.

You can also watch 24/7 part 1 of Berkowitz’s interview with Curran, the former Lake County Sheriff (12 years) and Assistant State’s Attorney (8 years) by clicking here.

Part 2 of the the show airs in Chicago on Cable Ch 21 (CAN TV) :

–Tonight at 8:30 pm and midnight

-Tomorrow (Tuesday) at 9:02 pm (as the lead segment of the IL Channel 2 hr package

In Part 2, the discussion (Click here to Watch Part 2) turned to Curran’s gut views and gestalt on detention by the courts of defendants prior to their trial, skyrocketing crime, guns, the July 4th Highland Park tragic shooting, the IL Firearms Restraining Order Act, and the run-up to that awful July 4th massacre (which very possibly could have been avoided by certain segments of law enforcement being more pro-active over the last few years).

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is one of my favorite productions.  The first time I was introduced to it was in 1973 with the film version.  I was mesmerized by the way the story was told using rock music.  It was several years before I saw it on stage, and it was just as impactful.   Over the years different versions have come and gone, some were good, and some were not.  One of the nots was the TV version starring John Legend. Sorry, but it just didn’t do it.

Now, the 50th Anniversary Tour has come to the Cadillac Palace Theatre here in Chicago.  How did it hold up to my expectations? The Choreography was amazing, interesting and new with constant movement.  The band was spot on, but sometimes so loud it was hard to hear the lyrics to the songs. The voices were beyond good, and the cast was really great.

One of the cast members is Chicago born and raised in Markham, SandyRedd. SandyRedd’s role is Ensemble, Soul Singer, and Peter’s Accusers.  She is also the understudy for the role of Judas. Yes, I said Judas. She is the first female to perform the role in a Broadway production.  I asked her how she got the nerve to even ask to audition for the role.  She responded, “So I went to a couple of different key people. I was like, “Yo, I’m Judas. This is my role. I was born for Judas.” But, of course, with us being so comfortable with the different people that we’ve been touring with, I don’t necessarily think anybody took me seriously. So I got some advice from a dear friend of mine, and he was like, “Just put it on tape. Just put it on tape and send it. Once they see it, they can’t unsee it.” I think with any role where they don’t want to change the key, they don’t want to change the dynamic of the role, it’s hard for somebody to see a female play a very strong, very dominant male role.”

So, she sent the tape, didn’t change the key, blew them away, and got one of the understudy spots.  If you are able to see the show on Saturday, July 30th at the matinee performance you will see SandyRedd perform the role of Judas.

Now my thoughts on the production as a whole. With all the great voices, choreography, set, costumes, and music, the production feels more like a concert than a musical with a meaning.  There were only a few of the main characters that I felt any emotion.

Omar Lopez Cepero (Judas) and the company of the North American Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. Photo by Matthew Murphy, Evan Zimmerman, Murphymade

  Omar Lopez-Cepero as Judas was very good and even with the mic in hand, he showed emotion. I felt his dilemma in betraying Jesus.  Jenna Rubaii’s Mary was perfect. She was vulnerable and her voice is beautiful.  The character of Pilate is played by Tommy Sherlock. I have always loved that character in general because of the turmoil he goes through in condemning Jesus plus you see him change. 

Aaron Lavigne (Jesus) and the company of the North American Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. Photo by Matthew Murphy, Evan Zimmerman, MurphyMade

I would have loved Aaron LaVigne as Jesus if he could have been allowed to be Jesus and not some rock star. His voice is superb, however, every time he picked up the guitar to play, he wasn’t Jesus anymore, he was just some guy singing a song.  The magic for me and some others I spoke with is that the role of Jesus is different for all the other characters in the play.  In the film, we seek the actors to get off the bus and prepare to shoot a film, we know it isn’t real, however, in the end, everyone gets on the bus except the person who played Jesus.  You can see that the cast had been changed.  In stage plays I have seen that affected me was when Jesus was played in a way that he was a part of the show but still separate.  The way this production is directed, I felt nothing during the crucifixion, in fact, the band and moaning were so loud you couldn’t hear the words spoken on the cross. 

I did love the ending with Jesus and Judas.  It was different and a topic for conversation.  Was Judas forgiven?  You will have to see the production for yourself. Visit www.broadwayinchicago.com for more information on the show. 

All in all, I give the 50th Anniversary Tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR 4 out of 5 winks of the EYE!

Until next time, keep your EYE to the sky!

CHICAGO COMEDIANS IN THE NEWS:

There’s a great interview with Ray Chao in the July 11 edition of Shout Out L.A. Ray talks about how he went from courtroom to comedy, and Chicago to Los Angeles where he is a comedian and actor, and creator and director of two film festivals.

Second City alum Quinta Brunson will play Oprah in Roku’s upcoming Weird Al biopic. Quinta also made history this month as the first Black woman to be nominated in three Primetime Emmy categories all in the same year and at 32, the youngest ever nominated in comedy acting. She is also nominated for writing and overall outstanding comedy series, all for Abbott Elementary which she created. Watch the 74th Emmy Awards on September 12.

Craig Robinson is safe after a scary active shooter situation during a July 16th show in Charlotte, North Carolina. As the comedian prepared to go onstage, the suspect entered the Comedy Zone, threatened the audience with a gun and fired several shots. Fortunately, no one was harmed and the club’s staff was able to get everyone to safety. More on Craig’s Instagram here.

The storied Comedy Shrine in Aurora needs your support! Please check out the GoFundMe here.

Jay Chandrasekhar directs and appears in Jo Koy’s new movie Easter Sunday, which will be released on August 5. Easter Sunday is described as “a love letter to the Filipino community.”

Amanda Cohen’s The Battle of the Capitol is quite timely! Thank you to Mark Klaber for posting it!

TICKET ALERTS

Every Tuesday in August: Bobcat Goldthwait works out new material at Lincoln Lodge

August 4: Gwen La Roka premieres her one-woman show Mi Casa Es Tu Casa at Aguijon Theater

August 19-20: Gianmarco Soresi at The Comedy Bar

August 19-20:  Dan Aykroyd and James Belushi at Blues Brothers Convention at Old Joliet Prison

August 21: Susan Messing with Jimmy and Johnnie at Bughouse Theater

August 25: Rudy Ruiz album recording Alopecian American at Two Brothers Roundhouse, Aurora

September 23: JB Smoove at North Shore Center for Performing Arts, Skokie

October 6: Steven Wright at North Shore Center for Performing Arts, Skokie

October 21-22: Michael Ian Black at The Den Theatre

November 10-12: Jon Lovitz at The Improv, Schaumburg

December 8: Nigel Ng at Thalia Hall

THIS WEEK:

Zanies Rosemont: New Material Night, Carolanne Milijavac, Jamie Lissow

Zanies Chicago: Casey Frey, Super 6 Showcase, Nathan MacIntosh, Sean Patton, Calvin Evans, Anthony Bonazzo

Riddles: Open Mic with Will Hill, Stephan the Christian Comedian, Dave J, Howie Bell, Mike Samp Birthday Weekend, Sean Larkins, Robert Kane

The Improv: Guy Torry

FOLLOWING is just a fraction of all the original comedy happening only in Chicago this week. Since we’re still in a plandemic, please confirm all details before leaving home!

MONDAY, JULY 25

The Late Nite Mic at the Comedy Bar, 8:00 p.m. DJ Rybski hosts the Comedy Bar’ favorite comedians followed by a one-on-one interview.

Laughs in Lakeview at Shaker’s On Clark, 8:00 p.m. “Where great jokes get developed.” Hosted by Derrick J.

Discount Therapy at Pearl’s Southern Comfort, 8:00 p.m. Hosted by Joe Medoff, Sara Snyder and Tori Kilkenny.

TUESDAY, JULY 26

Freshly Squeezed at Bughouse Theater, 7:30 p.m. Pulp and friends present a juicy night of improv.

Ronnie Ray & the Underdogs of Comedy at Brauer House, Lombard, 8:00 p.m. Starring Ronnie Ray and featuring Eric “Mitch” Mitchell, Kim KB Marion, Alex Tsakanikas, Big Country.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27

OnlyFans Presents LMAOF at The Den Theatre, 8:00 p.m. Hosted by OnlyFans creator Lyssa Laird. Featuring Chris Higgins, Sarah Perry, Calvin Evans and Just Nesh.

Tornado Presents: Loppalapooza Official Pre-After Party Show, Presented by TORNADO at The Hideout, 9:30 p.m. A Lollapalooza-themed comedy variety show featuring Heet Deth, Mr. and Mrs. Wednesday Night, Masked Animals, The III, Jamie Shriner, Jolly Bean, Mount Rushmore and more TBA.

THURSDAY, JULY 28

My Best Friend is Black at Lincoln Lodge, 8:00 p.m. “A live comedy variety show that focuses on providing a platform for Black performers. Of course, we encourage people of all backgrounds to come out and laugh with us!”

FRIDAY, JULY 29

Kristen Toomey at The Comedy Bar, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Kristen Toomey is a nationally touring headliner and Chicago favorite. In New City Stage, Zach Freeman wrote, “Toomey’s hilarious 2019 album Mother. Fucker. provides ample examples of how she seamlessly blends crowd work with written material, roasting audience members relentlessly while always ultimately turning herself into the butt of the joke. Read the interview here.

Daphnique Springs at The Den Theatre, 7:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Daphnique Springs appeared at Just For Laughs New Face comedy festival in Montreal and stars on Amazon’s Inside Jokes. She has been featured on late night and won New York’s She-Devil Festival and the American Black Film Festival “Comedy Wings Competition” sponsored by HBO.

Celeste Barber at The Chicago Theatre, 7:00 p.m. The Australian Queen of Comedy.

SATURDAY, JULY 30

Paper Machete at Green Mill, 3:00 p.m. Lineup TBA, but it’s always excellent, filled with Chicago and visiting talent.

Ghost Baby at Bughouse Theater, 7:30 p.m. A comedy variety show.

Baby Wants Candy at Second City, 7:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. The internationally celebrated ensemble is at Second City for a limited engagement.

SUNDAY, JULY 31

Anthony Bonazzo at Zanies Chicago, 7:00 p.m. “Recording his Debut Special Northside/Southside where one set will be a set refined from working on the Northside of Chicago, and one will be a set refined on the Southside.” Mike Sampson hosts with a guest appearance by Steven Springer and featuring Prateek Srivastava. I’m sure these tickets will sell out very quickly. Advance purchase recommended.

Tonight’s “Public Affairs”TV show in Highland Park features Mark Curran, the GOP nominee for the IL Supreme Court 2nd District seat in this November’s General Election. This show is Part 1 of show host Jeff Berkowitz’s two-part interview with S CT candidate Mark Curran (R-Libertyville).

The shows airs in Highland Park tonight and Wednesday at 8:30 pm on Ch 19.

Although Curran could not, due to the Canons of legal ethics, say or discuss how he would rule on any matters that might come before him as a Justice, he did discuss in Part 1 of the interview general issues relating to the law and abortion, his “Calling to run” for the IL Supreme Court & impartiality.

You can also watch 24/7 part 1 of Berkowitz’s interview with Curran, the former Lake County Sheriff (12 years) and Assistant State’s Attorney (8 years) by clicking here.

Part 2 of the the show airs in Chicago on Cable Ch 21 (CAN TV) :

–Tonight at 8:30 pm and midnight

-Tomorrow (Tuesday) at 9:02 pm (as the lead segment of the IL Channel 2 hr package

In Part 2, the discussion (Click here to Watch Part 2) turned to Curran’s gut views and gestalt on detention by the courts of defendants prior to their trial, skyrocketing crime, guns, the July 4th Highland Park tragic shooting, the IL Firearms Restraining Order Act, and the run-up to that awful July 4th massacre (which very possibly could have been avoided by certain segments of law enforcement being more pro-active over the last few years).

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is one of my favorite productions.  The first time I was introduced to it was in 1973 with the film version.  I was mesmerized by the way the story was told using rock music.  It was several years before I saw it on stage, and it was just as impactful.   Over the years different versions have come and gone, some were good, and some were not.  One of the nots was the TV version starring John Legend. Sorry, but it just didn’t do it.

Now, the 50th Anniversary Tour has come to the Cadillac Palace Theatre here in Chicago.  How did it hold up to my expectations? The Choreography was amazing, interesting and new with constant movement.  The band was spot on, but sometimes so loud it was hard to hear the lyrics to the songs. The voices were beyond good, and the cast was really great.

One of the cast members is Chicago born and raised in Markham, SandyRedd. SandyRedd’s role is Ensemble, Soul Singer, and Peter’s Accusers.  She is also the understudy for the role of Judas. Yes, I said Judas. She is the first female to perform the role in a Broadway production.  I asked her how she got the nerve to even ask to audition for the role.  She responded, “So I went to a couple of different key people. I was like, “Yo, I’m Judas. This is my role. I was born for Judas.” But, of course, with us being so comfortable with the different people that we’ve been touring with, I don’t necessarily think anybody took me seriously. So I got some advice from a dear friend of mine, and he was like, “Just put it on tape. Just put it on tape and send it. Once they see it, they can’t unsee it.” I think with any role where they don’t want to change the key, they don’t want to change the dynamic of the role, it’s hard for somebody to see a female play a very strong, very dominant male role.”

So, she sent the tape, didn’t change the key, blew them away, and got one of the understudy spots.  If you are able to see the show on Saturday, July 30th at the matinee performance you will see SandyRedd perform the role of Judas.

Now my thoughts on the production as a whole. With all the great voices, choreography, set, costumes, and music, the production feels more like a concert than a musical with a meaning.  There were only a few of the main characters that I felt any emotion.

Omar Lopez Cepero (Judas) and the company of the North American Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. Photo by Matthew Murphy, Evan Zimmerman, Murphymade

  Omar Lopez-Cepero as Judas was very good and even with the mic in hand, he showed emotion. I felt his dilemma in betraying Jesus.  Jenna Rubaii’s Mary was perfect. She was vulnerable and her voice is beautiful.  The character of Pilate is played by Tommy Sherlock. I have always loved that character in general because of the turmoil he goes through in condemning Jesus plus you see him change. 

Aaron Lavigne (Jesus) and the company of the North American Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. Photo by Matthew Murphy, Evan Zimmerman, MurphyMade

I would have loved Aaron LaVigne as Jesus if he could have been allowed to be Jesus and not some rock star. His voice is superb, however, every time he picked up the guitar to play, he wasn’t Jesus anymore, he was just some guy singing a song.  The magic for me and some others I spoke with is that the role of Jesus is different for all the other characters in the play.  In the film, we seek the actors to get off the bus and prepare to shoot a film, we know it isn’t real, however, in the end, everyone gets on the bus except the person who played Jesus.  You can see that the cast had been changed.  In stage plays I have seen that affected me was when Jesus was played in a way that he was a part of the show but still separate.  The way this production is directed, I felt nothing during the crucifixion, in fact, the band and moaning were so loud you couldn’t hear the words spoken on the cross. 

I did love the ending with Jesus and Judas.  It was different and a topic for conversation.  Was Judas forgiven?  You will have to see the production for yourself. Visit www.broadwayinchicago.com for more information on the show. 

All in all, I give the 50th Anniversary Tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR 4 out of 5 winks of the EYE!

Until next time, keep your EYE to the sky!

CHICAGO COMEDIANS IN THE NEWS:

There’s a great interview with Ray Chao in the July 11 edition of Shout Out L.A. Ray talks about how he went from courtroom to comedy, and Chicago to Los Angeles where he is a comedian and actor, and creator and director of two film festivals.

Second City alum Quinta Brunson will play Oprah in Roku’s upcoming Weird Al biopic. Quinta also made history this month as the first Black woman to be nominated in three Primetime Emmy categories all in the same year and at 32, the youngest ever nominated in comedy acting. She is also nominated for writing and overall outstanding comedy series, all for Abbott Elementary which she created. Watch the 74th Emmy Awards on September 12.

Craig Robinson is safe after a scary active shooter situation during a July 16th show in Charlotte, North Carolina. As the comedian prepared to go onstage, the suspect entered the Comedy Zone, threatened the audience with a gun and fired several shots. Fortunately, no one was harmed and the club’s staff was able to get everyone to safety. More on Craig’s Instagram here.

The storied Comedy Shrine in Aurora needs your support! Please check out the GoFundMe here.

Jay Chandrasekhar directs and appears in Jo Koy’s new movie Easter Sunday, which will be released on August 5. Easter Sunday is described as “a love letter to the Filipino community.”

Amanda Cohen’s The Battle of the Capitol is quite timely! Thank you to Mark Klaber for posting it!

TICKET ALERTS

Every Tuesday in August: Bobcat Goldthwait works out new material at Lincoln Lodge

August 4: Gwen La Roka premieres her one-woman show Mi Casa Es Tu Casa at Aguijon Theater

August 19-20: Gianmarco Soresi at The Comedy Bar

August 19-20:  Dan Aykroyd and James Belushi at Blues Brothers Convention at Old Joliet Prison

August 21: Susan Messing with Jimmy and Johnnie at Bughouse Theater

August 25: Rudy Ruiz album recording Alopecian American at Two Brothers Roundhouse, Aurora

September 23: JB Smoove at North Shore Center for Performing Arts, Skokie

October 6: Steven Wright at North Shore Center for Performing Arts, Skokie

October 21-22: Michael Ian Black at The Den Theatre

November 10-12: Jon Lovitz at The Improv, Schaumburg

December 8: Nigel Ng at Thalia Hall

THIS WEEK:

Zanies Rosemont: New Material Night, Carolanne Milijavac, Jamie Lissow

Zanies Chicago: Casey Frey, Super 6 Showcase, Nathan MacIntosh, Sean Patton, Calvin Evans, Anthony Bonazzo

Riddles: Open Mic with Will Hill, Stephan the Christian Comedian, Dave J, Howie Bell, Mike Samp Birthday Weekend, Sean Larkins, Robert Kane

The Improv: Guy Torry

FOLLOWING is just a fraction of all the original comedy happening only in Chicago this week. Since we’re still in a plandemic, please confirm all details before leaving home!

MONDAY, JULY 25

The Late Nite Mic at the Comedy Bar, 8:00 p.m. DJ Rybski hosts the Comedy Bar’ favorite comedians followed by a one-on-one interview.

Laughs in Lakeview at Shaker’s On Clark, 8:00 p.m. “Where great jokes get developed.” Hosted by Derrick J.

Discount Therapy at Pearl’s Southern Comfort, 8:00 p.m. Hosted by Joe Medoff, Sara Snyder and Tori Kilkenny.

TUESDAY, JULY 26

Freshly Squeezed at Bughouse Theater, 7:30 p.m. Pulp and friends present a juicy night of improv.

Ronnie Ray & the Underdogs of Comedy at Brauer House, Lombard, 8:00 p.m. Starring Ronnie Ray and featuring Eric “Mitch” Mitchell, Kim KB Marion, Alex Tsakanikas, Big Country.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27

OnlyFans Presents LMAOF at The Den Theatre, 8:00 p.m. Hosted by OnlyFans creator Lyssa Laird. Featuring Chris Higgins, Sarah Perry, Calvin Evans and Just Nesh.

Tornado Presents: Loppalapooza Official Pre-After Party Show, Presented by TORNADO at The Hideout, 9:30 p.m. A Lollapalooza-themed comedy variety show featuring Heet Deth, Mr. and Mrs. Wednesday Night, Masked Animals, The III, Jamie Shriner, Jolly Bean, Mount Rushmore and more TBA.

THURSDAY, JULY 28

My Best Friend is Black at Lincoln Lodge, 8:00 p.m. “A live comedy variety show that focuses on providing a platform for Black performers. Of course, we encourage people of all backgrounds to come out and laugh with us!”

FRIDAY, JULY 29

Kristen Toomey at The Comedy Bar, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Kristen Toomey is a nationally touring headliner and Chicago favorite. In New City Stage, Zach Freeman wrote, “Toomey’s hilarious 2019 album Mother. Fucker. provides ample examples of how she seamlessly blends crowd work with written material, roasting audience members relentlessly while always ultimately turning herself into the butt of the joke. Read the interview here.

Daphnique Springs at The Den Theatre, 7:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Daphnique Springs appeared at Just For Laughs New Face comedy festival in Montreal and stars on Amazon’s Inside Jokes. She has been featured on late night and won New York’s She-Devil Festival and the American Black Film Festival “Comedy Wings Competition” sponsored by HBO.

Celeste Barber at The Chicago Theatre, 7:00 p.m. The Australian Queen of Comedy.

SATURDAY, JULY 30

Paper Machete at Green Mill, 3:00 p.m. Lineup TBA, but it’s always excellent, filled with Chicago and visiting talent.

Ghost Baby at Bughouse Theater, 7:30 p.m. A comedy variety show.

Baby Wants Candy at Second City, 7:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. The internationally celebrated ensemble is at Second City for a limited engagement.

SUNDAY, JULY 31

Anthony Bonazzo at Zanies Chicago, 7:00 p.m. “Recording his Debut Special Northside/Southside where one set will be a set refined from working on the Northside of Chicago, and one will be a set refined on the Southside.” Mike Sampson hosts with a guest appearance by Steven Springer and featuring Prateek Srivastava. I’m sure these tickets will sell out very quickly. Advance purchase recommended.

Tonight’s “Public Affairs”TV show in Highland Park features Mark Curran, the GOP nominee for the IL Supreme Court 2nd District seat in this November’s General Election. This show is Part 1 of show host Jeff Berkowitz’s two-part interview with S CT candidate Mark Curran (R-Libertyville).

The shows airs in Highland Park tonight and Wednesday at 8:30 pm on Ch 19.

Although Curran could not, due to the Canons of legal ethics, say or discuss how he would rule on any matters that might come before him as a Justice, he did discuss in Part 1 of the interview general issues relating to the law and abortion, his “Calling to run” for the IL Supreme Court & impartiality.

You can also watch 24/7 part 1 of Berkowitz’s interview with Curran, the former Lake County Sheriff (12 years) and Assistant State’s Attorney (8 years) by clicking here.

Part 2 of the the show airs in Chicago on Cable Ch 21 (CAN TV) :

–Tonight at 8:30 pm and midnight

-Tomorrow (Tuesday) at 9:02 pm (as the lead segment of the IL Channel 2 hr package

In Part 2, the discussion (Click here to Watch Part 2) turned to Curran’s gut views and gestalt on detention by the courts of defendants prior to their trial, skyrocketing crime, guns, the July 4th Highland Park tragic shooting, the IL Firearms Restraining Order Act, and the run-up to that awful July 4th massacre (which very possibly could have been avoided by certain segments of law enforcement being more pro-active over the last few years).

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is one of my favorite productions.  The first time I was introduced to it was in 1973 with the film version.  I was mesmerized by the way the story was told using rock music.  It was several years before I saw it on stage, and it was just as impactful.   Over the years different versions have come and gone, some were good, and some were not.  One of the nots was the TV version starring John Legend. Sorry, but it just didn’t do it.

Now, the 50th Anniversary Tour has come to the Cadillac Palace Theatre here in Chicago.  How did it hold up to my expectations? The Choreography was amazing, interesting and new with constant movement.  The band was spot on, but sometimes so loud it was hard to hear the lyrics to the songs. The voices were beyond good, and the cast was really great.

One of the cast members is Chicago born and raised in Markham, SandyRedd. SandyRedd’s role is Ensemble, Soul Singer, and Peter’s Accusers.  She is also the understudy for the role of Judas. Yes, I said Judas. She is the first female to perform the role in a Broadway production.  I asked her how she got the nerve to even ask to audition for the role.  She responded, “So I went to a couple of different key people. I was like, “Yo, I’m Judas. This is my role. I was born for Judas.” But, of course, with us being so comfortable with the different people that we’ve been touring with, I don’t necessarily think anybody took me seriously. So I got some advice from a dear friend of mine, and he was like, “Just put it on tape. Just put it on tape and send it. Once they see it, they can’t unsee it.” I think with any role where they don’t want to change the key, they don’t want to change the dynamic of the role, it’s hard for somebody to see a female play a very strong, very dominant male role.”

So, she sent the tape, didn’t change the key, blew them away, and got one of the understudy spots.  If you are able to see the show on Saturday, July 30th at the matinee performance you will see SandyRedd perform the role of Judas.

Now my thoughts on the production as a whole. With all the great voices, choreography, set, costumes, and music, the production feels more like a concert than a musical with a meaning.  There were only a few of the main characters that I felt any emotion.

Omar Lopez Cepero (Judas) and the company of the North American Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. Photo by Matthew Murphy, Evan Zimmerman, Murphymade

  Omar Lopez-Cepero as Judas was very good and even with the mic in hand, he showed emotion. I felt his dilemma in betraying Jesus.  Jenna Rubaii’s Mary was perfect. She was vulnerable and her voice is beautiful.  The character of Pilate is played by Tommy Sherlock. I have always loved that character in general because of the turmoil he goes through in condemning Jesus plus you see him change. 

Aaron Lavigne (Jesus) and the company of the North American Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. Photo by Matthew Murphy, Evan Zimmerman, MurphyMade

I would have loved Aaron LaVigne as Jesus if he could have been allowed to be Jesus and not some rock star. His voice is superb, however, every time he picked up the guitar to play, he wasn’t Jesus anymore, he was just some guy singing a song.  The magic for me and some others I spoke with is that the role of Jesus is different for all the other characters in the play.  In the film, we seek the actors to get off the bus and prepare to shoot a film, we know it isn’t real, however, in the end, everyone gets on the bus except the person who played Jesus.  You can see that the cast had been changed.  In stage plays I have seen that affected me was when Jesus was played in a way that he was a part of the show but still separate.  The way this production is directed, I felt nothing during the crucifixion, in fact, the band and moaning were so loud you couldn’t hear the words spoken on the cross. 

I did love the ending with Jesus and Judas.  It was different and a topic for conversation.  Was Judas forgiven?  You will have to see the production for yourself. Visit www.broadwayinchicago.com for more information on the show. 

All in all, I give the 50th Anniversary Tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR 4 out of 5 winks of the EYE!

Until next time, keep your EYE to the sky!

CHICAGO COMEDIANS IN THE NEWS:

There’s a great interview with Ray Chao in the July 11 edition of Shout Out L.A. Ray talks about how he went from courtroom to comedy, and Chicago to Los Angeles where he is a comedian and actor, and creator and director of two film festivals.

Second City alum Quinta Brunson will play Oprah in Roku’s upcoming Weird Al biopic. Quinta also made history this month as the first Black woman to be nominated in three Primetime Emmy categories all in the same year and at 32, the youngest ever nominated in comedy acting. She is also nominated for writing and overall outstanding comedy series, all for Abbott Elementary which she created. Watch the 74th Emmy Awards on September 12.

Craig Robinson is safe after a scary active shooter situation during a July 16th show in Charlotte, North Carolina. As the comedian prepared to go onstage, the suspect entered the Comedy Zone, threatened the audience with a gun and fired several shots. Fortunately, no one was harmed and the club’s staff was able to get everyone to safety. More on Craig’s Instagram here.

The storied Comedy Shrine in Aurora needs your support! Please check out the GoFundMe here.

Jay Chandrasekhar directs and appears in Jo Koy’s new movie Easter Sunday, which will be released on August 5. Easter Sunday is described as “a love letter to the Filipino community.”

Amanda Cohen’s The Battle of the Capitol is quite timely! Thank you to Mark Klaber for posting it!

TICKET ALERTS

Every Tuesday in August: Bobcat Goldthwait works out new material at Lincoln Lodge

August 4: Gwen La Roka premieres her one-woman show Mi Casa Es Tu Casa at Aguijon Theater

August 19-20: Gianmarco Soresi at The Comedy Bar

August 19-20:  Dan Aykroyd and James Belushi at Blues Brothers Convention at Old Joliet Prison

August 21: Susan Messing with Jimmy and Johnnie at Bughouse Theater

August 25: Rudy Ruiz album recording Alopecian American at Two Brothers Roundhouse, Aurora

September 23: JB Smoove at North Shore Center for Performing Arts, Skokie

October 6: Steven Wright at North Shore Center for Performing Arts, Skokie

October 21-22: Michael Ian Black at The Den Theatre

November 10-12: Jon Lovitz at The Improv, Schaumburg

December 8: Nigel Ng at Thalia Hall

THIS WEEK:

Zanies Rosemont: New Material Night, Carolanne Milijavac, Jamie Lissow

Zanies Chicago: Casey Frey, Super 6 Showcase, Nathan MacIntosh, Sean Patton, Calvin Evans, Anthony Bonazzo

Riddles: Open Mic with Will Hill, Stephan the Christian Comedian, Dave J, Howie Bell, Mike Samp Birthday Weekend, Sean Larkins, Robert Kane

The Improv: Guy Torry

FOLLOWING is just a fraction of all the original comedy happening only in Chicago this week. Since we’re still in a plandemic, please confirm all details before leaving home!

MONDAY, JULY 25

The Late Nite Mic at the Comedy Bar, 8:00 p.m. DJ Rybski hosts the Comedy Bar’ favorite comedians followed by a one-on-one interview.

Laughs in Lakeview at Shaker’s On Clark, 8:00 p.m. “Where great jokes get developed.” Hosted by Derrick J.

Discount Therapy at Pearl’s Southern Comfort, 8:00 p.m. Hosted by Joe Medoff, Sara Snyder and Tori Kilkenny.

TUESDAY, JULY 26

Freshly Squeezed at Bughouse Theater, 7:30 p.m. Pulp and friends present a juicy night of improv.

Ronnie Ray & the Underdogs of Comedy at Brauer House, Lombard, 8:00 p.m. Starring Ronnie Ray and featuring Eric “Mitch” Mitchell, Kim KB Marion, Alex Tsakanikas, Big Country.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27

OnlyFans Presents LMAOF at The Den Theatre, 8:00 p.m. Hosted by OnlyFans creator Lyssa Laird. Featuring Chris Higgins, Sarah Perry, Calvin Evans and Just Nesh.

Tornado Presents: Loppalapooza Official Pre-After Party Show, Presented by TORNADO at The Hideout, 9:30 p.m. A Lollapalooza-themed comedy variety show featuring Heet Deth, Mr. and Mrs. Wednesday Night, Masked Animals, The III, Jamie Shriner, Jolly Bean, Mount Rushmore and more TBA.

THURSDAY, JULY 28

My Best Friend is Black at Lincoln Lodge, 8:00 p.m. “A live comedy variety show that focuses on providing a platform for Black performers. Of course, we encourage people of all backgrounds to come out and laugh with us!”

FRIDAY, JULY 29

Kristen Toomey at The Comedy Bar, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Kristen Toomey is a nationally touring headliner and Chicago favorite. In New City Stage, Zach Freeman wrote, “Toomey’s hilarious 2019 album Mother. Fucker. provides ample examples of how she seamlessly blends crowd work with written material, roasting audience members relentlessly while always ultimately turning herself into the butt of the joke. Read the interview here.

Daphnique Springs at The Den Theatre, 7:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Daphnique Springs appeared at Just For Laughs New Face comedy festival in Montreal and stars on Amazon’s Inside Jokes. She has been featured on late night and won New York’s She-Devil Festival and the American Black Film Festival “Comedy Wings Competition” sponsored by HBO.

Celeste Barber at The Chicago Theatre, 7:00 p.m. The Australian Queen of Comedy.

SATURDAY, JULY 30

Paper Machete at Green Mill, 3:00 p.m. Lineup TBA, but it’s always excellent, filled with Chicago and visiting talent.

Ghost Baby at Bughouse Theater, 7:30 p.m. A comedy variety show.

Baby Wants Candy at Second City, 7:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. The internationally celebrated ensemble is at Second City for a limited engagement.

SUNDAY, JULY 31

Anthony Bonazzo at Zanies Chicago, 7:00 p.m. “Recording his Debut Special Northside/Southside where one set will be a set refined from working on the Northside of Chicago, and one will be a set refined on the Southside.” Mike Sampson hosts with a guest appearance by Steven Springer and featuring Prateek Srivastava. I’m sure these tickets will sell out very quickly. Advance purchase recommended.

Tonight’s “Public Affairs”TV show in Highland Park features Mark Curran, the GOP nominee for the IL Supreme Court 2nd District seat in this November’s General Election. This show is Part 1 of show host Jeff Berkowitz’s two-part interview with S CT candidate Mark Curran (R-Libertyville).

The shows airs in Highland Park tonight and Wednesday at 8:30 pm on Ch 19.

Although Curran could not, due to the Canons of legal ethics, say or discuss how he would rule on any matters that might come before him as a Justice, he did discuss in Part 1 of the interview general issues relating to the law and abortion, his “Calling to run” for the IL Supreme Court & impartiality.

You can also watch 24/7 part 1 of Berkowitz’s interview with Curran, the former Lake County Sheriff (12 years) and Assistant State’s Attorney (8 years) by clicking here.

Part 2 of the the show airs in Chicago on Cable Ch 21 (CAN TV) :

–Tonight at 8:30 pm and midnight

-Tomorrow (Tuesday) at 9:02 pm (as the lead segment of the IL Channel 2 hr package

In Part 2, the discussion (Click here to Watch Part 2) turned to Curran’s gut views and gestalt on detention by the courts of defendants prior to their trial, skyrocketing crime, guns, the July 4th Highland Park tragic shooting, the IL Firearms Restraining Order Act, and the run-up to that awful July 4th massacre (which very possibly could have been avoided by certain segments of law enforcement being more pro-active over the last few years).