CHICAGO – When two brothers confront the sins of each other and it expands into a psychology of an entire race, it’s at a stage play found in Chicago’s Invictus Theatre Company production of “Topdog/Underdog,” now at their new home at the Windy City Playhouse through March 31st, 2024. Click TD/UD for tickets/info.
Leonard Bernstein
On-Air Film Review: Bradley Cooper is the Conductor of ‘Maestro’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 1, 2023 - 5:32pmCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on November 30th, 2023, reviewing “Maestro,” co-written, directed by and starring Bradley Cooper as Leonard Bernstein. In theaters on December 1st, 2023.!—break—>
Podtalk: Director Douglas Tirola Climbs ‘Bernstein’s Wall’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 13, 2021 - 11:13amCHICAGO – Composer/conductor Leonard Bernstein was one of the most influential music icons of the 20th Century, that is never in dispute. The latest doc on his life, “Bernstein’s Wall,” is a philosophical overview bio told by creator/director Douglas Tirola. The film, with a Q&A with the director, will screen at the Chicago Critics Film Festival on November 13th, click LENNY for details.
Theater Review: Classic ‘West Side Story’ at Chicago's Lyric Opera
Submitted by PatrickMcD on May 14, 2019 - 7:56pmCHICAGO – “When you’re a Jet, you’re a Jet all the way … “ And there is no more appropriate way to lyrically pay tribute to a classic staging of the Leonard Bernstein/Stephen Sondheim musical, “West Side Story.” There is a new staging currently at Lyric Opera of Chicago, which runs through June 2nd, 2019. Click here for more details and tickets.
Blu-ray Review: Solid 50th Anniversary Package For ‘West Side Story’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 1, 2011 - 6:42pmCHICAGO – If you are looking for a sumptuous present for the film musical admirer in your life, look no further than the Blu-ray 50th Anniversary package of “West Side Story.” The classic Broadway-to-screen adaptation won 10 Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture.
Interviews: Stars of ‘West Side Story’ For 50th Anniversary
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 24, 2011 - 3:07pmCHICAGO – The legend of the 1961 film version of the Broadway sensation “West Side Story” grows as the years go by. Who better to remember that legend 50 years later than three of the stars of that Academy Award winning Best Picture – Rita Moreno (Anita), George Chakiris (Bernardo) and Russ Tamblyn (Riff).
Interview: Carl Sondrol, Music Scorer of Webby Award-Winning Shorts
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 13, 2010 - 8:31amCHICAGO – Carl Sondrol is on a huge winning streak. The musician, composer and soundtrack scorer for CollegeHumor.com is a vital part of the Webby Award winning shorts “Web Site Story” and “Pixar Intro Parody.” His work has also expanded into television, short films and feature films.