Chicago Broadcasting Network

“Falling for Make Believe” purports to be “The Real Story Behind the Music of Rodgers and Hart,” but might more accurately be called the real story behind the suffering of Lorenz Hart. Listen to the entire review. “Falling for Make Believe” is at the Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave in Downtown Skokie through Oct 16, 2022. Running time is about 2 hours including a short intermission. Tickets can be purchased online at SkokieTheatre.org or by calling 847-677-7761. 

The popular musical composed by Jerry Herman based on Thornton Wilder’s hit play “The Matchmaker” is a perfect wedding of story and music.No doubt the original 1964 production was inspired by the feminist movement of its time, reminding women of the limitations their grandmothers endured. “Hello Dolly” is a gentle and entertaining look back at how far we have come and perhaps a cautionary glimpse at where we might return.“Hello Dolly” is at the Marriott Theatre, in the Chicago suburb of Lincolnshire, IL through October 16, 2022. Running time is two and a half hours with one 15 minute intermission. For tickets and information visit marriotttheatre.com  or phone: (847) 634-0200.

I had a little tongue in cheek melodramatic fun with this review/announcement of the world premiere hybrid radio drama, Orson Welles’ Dracula onstage at the Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark St., Chicago through September 25, 2022. Ticket information is available at glassappletheatre.com The The Glass Apple Theatre cast includes: Andrew Bosworth as Dracula . . . with Connor Brennan, Chris Jensen, Madeline Logan, Sam Martin, Katie O’Neill and Howard Raik.Note: Music and sound effects are the fabrication of podcast host and editor Reno Lovison and not that of the theater producers who likely have a much higher artistic standard.

Review of "Hala" an indie film written and directed by Minhal Baig, a female Pakistani-American, inspired by her experiences growing up on the far Northside of Chicago.

If you have your own recollections of Maxwell Street or just want a glimpse at a piece of the not too distant Chicago past, I highly recommend the documentary film “And This Is Free: The Life and Times of Chicago's Legendary Maxwell Street” available online at Tubi.tv 

Sighted and visually impaired members of the Chicago Uptown Lions Club  take a special accessibility and inclusion tour of the newly renovated Lion House at Lincoln Park Zoo. The state-of-the-art habitat has been renamed the Pepper Family Wildlife Center and is home to a pride of African Lions.

I got a sneak preview of “Belfast” one of the highlights of the 57th Chicago International Film Festival. This podcast includes my review followed by some pre-movie comments from the writer/director Sir Kenneth Branaugh who was present to introduce his semi-autobiographical film."Belfast" is told from the viewpoint a nine year-old boy as his world is turned upside down by the 1969 turmoil of Northern Ireland that consumed his neighborhood and ultimately his innocence.

Connie Wilson talks with Rebecca Hall the the director of "Passing" on the red carpet at The 57th Chicago International Film Festival. 

 “Oscar Micheaux -The Superhero of Black Film Making” is a useful documentary film contribution to the library of Black History subjects placing Micheaux into the pantheon of individuals who contributed to the rise of twentieth century African American culture and ultimately, in a more “woke” sense, to the fabric of American culture as a whole.

The 57th Annual Chicago Film Festival brought together two interestingly similar subjects, Mayor Harold Washington who became Chicago’s first African American mayor and Mayor Pete Buttigieg who was the mayor of nearby South Bend, Indiana who went on to become the first openly gay candidate for United States President.“Punch 9 for Harold Washington” and “Mayor Pete” are each in their own way stories of outsiders who triumphed over adversity and a look at our ever shifting political climate and changing social values.

Physically debilitated due to a childhood injury purposely inflicted by his mentally impaired father, an aspiring pianist is virtually paralyzed on one side of his body and unable to use his right hand. “For the Left Hand” an inspiring documentary is available for virtual viewing as part of the Chicago International Film Festival.

Pre-opening preview review of “Broadcast Signal Intrusion” inspired by a true Chicago mystery and capsule reviews of SHORTS 1 a collection of 8 short subjects produced by filmmakers with ties to the Chicago area. Featuring works Winning in America, Close Ties to Home Country, Sink, Monochromatic Dreams, Get Well Soon, Speck of Dust, By the Time I Reach Him, and The Year I Went Looking for Birds by Amrita Singh, Akanksha Cruczynski, Curtis Matzke, Ashley Thompson, Simo Ezoubeiri, Kristen Butile, JP Olsen, Brian Zahm, Meg Walsh, and Danny Carroll.

In this Chicago based documentary “The Road Up” Mr. Jesse  part teacher, part preacher, part drill sergeant guides a class of mostly middle aged job seekers through a training course designed to raise their self-esteem and hone their skills to improve their readiness for employment. Winner of the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Chicago International Film Festival 2020. 

“Live at Mr. Kelly’s” is a bit of Chicago history that with each passing day fades further into obscurity. Thankfully this film has made an effort to stop the clock and capture a snapshot of the past from a few of those who were there to witness it in its heyday.

There's plenty to love about this "Pagliacci" production with its backstage views and enjoyable melodies. Available for viewing online. Listen to this podcast review to learn more.