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 Porchlight Music Theatre at the Studebaker Theater ONLY on Sa

‘Purpose’ at Steppenwolf, a show NOT to be missed plays through May 12th

14 days ago

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 politically and culturally influential Jasper family which has

Magic and sleight of hand ‘card cheating’ techniques of Harry Milas wow audiences at Steppenwolf Garage Space through May 19th

17 days ago

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. Milas brings his highly acclaimed show from Australia for this U

A very personal look at Sondheim: A Tribute Review playing at Theo Ubique Theatre Plays through April 28th

21 days ago

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 Pre-existing Side by Side by Sondheim, for example), subject

Chicago landmark business Architectural Artifacts heads to Texas; meet owner Stuart Grannen

28 days ago

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 for the temperate climate of Round Top, Texas (located about

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

Mar 21st, 2024

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 city but now performing that role in rep with a new show: “Bill

The Band’s Visit at Writer’s Theatre is timely, moving and fantastic!

Mar 14th, 2024

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 Zi Alikhan, along with cast members Armand Akbari (Haled), So

Billy Elliott is pure electricity at Paramount Theatre in Aurora through March 24th

Mar 11th, 2024

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. Joining in the conversation are Trent Stork (Director) and

Queer Eye’s Jai Rodriguez Cabaret performance at Venus Cabaret – ONE WEEKEND ONLY: March 15-17

Mar 9th, 2024

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. The EMMY Award winner played Angel in the Broadway Musical “R

Broadway hit Pretty Woman the Musical returns to Chicago for one week March 12-17th!

Mar 8th, 2024

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 brought to the musical stage by theater legend Jerry Mitchell and

Lin Manuel Miranda’s Tony-winner ‘In the Heights’: A joy to experience at Marriott Lincolnshire through March 17th

Mar 5th, 2024

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 the chat are Paola Hernandez (Vanessa), Crissy Guerrero (Ab

Tom Skilling bids farewell to 45 years at WGN-TV with retirement… but not before talking with Paul Lisnek

Feb 28th, 2024

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 such extensive tributes and honors for anyone in media who

Chef Art Smith shares magical American Southern cuisine at his latest: Reunion Restaurant at Navy Pier

Feb 23rd, 2024

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 big time while so many chefs dream of having the life and ca

The story of Joe Papp’s creation of the legendary Public Theater with Gail Papp, author of ‘Public/Private’

Feb 16th, 2024

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 1965, became Director of New Works Development for the Public

Dot-Marie Jones stars with Dana Delany in ‘Highway Patrol,’ at Goodman Theatre ONLY through February 18th

Feb 9th, 2024

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 the story of a 13-year old fan named Cam dealing with a seriou

‘Anything Goes’ brings raves from audiences at Porchlight through March 10th

Feb 8th, 2024

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 conversation are the incredible Meghan Murphy (playing Reno

‘Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue’ plays a limited run at BIC’s Broadway Playhouse: February 6th – 25th AND May 15th – May 26th

Feb 1st, 2024

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 Girls tribute shows. Ryan Bernier who plays Dorothy and Jaso

Award-winning comedian Alex Edelman brings his acclaimed Broadway solo show to Steppenwolf, February 15-25

Jan 25th, 2024

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 15-25th in the Downstairs Theater. Edelman has appeared on T

HBO star of Somebody, Somewhere’s Jeff Hiller at the Den Theatre on Sunday, February 4th for one show only

Jan 19th, 2024

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 Jeff would say, you’d recognize him as the waiter in every

The amazing, surprising and sometimes forgotten buildings and locations in ‘Amazing Chicago’

Jan 12th, 2024

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 often strange but true stories of Chicago’s architectural sp

Meet the newly renovated Fine Arts Building and Studebaker Theatre, a Chicago crown jewel

Jan 5th, 2024

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 Anniversary is truly stunning and a must-see historic site in

‘STOMP’: Bringing music to everyday objects

Jan 3rd, 2024

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 dan

Where theater meets circus: A magical evening of ‘Love, Chaos and Dinner’ at Teatro ZinZanni

Dec 29th, 2023

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 in the heart of the Loop Theater District. Known from her pow

Hamilton continues to amaze at Nederlander Theatre through January 28th

Dec 28th, 2023

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. Jared talks about playing various roles he’s played in the

The amazing magic of Jamie Allan at Rhapsody Theater through January 7th

Dec 22nd, 2023

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; it’s a production…. a story from open to close that weaves wa