Displaying items by tag: Jake DiMaggio Lopez

The 1950s is easy to idealize. Men styled tailored suits, women dazzled in pleated dresses, and everything glimmered like it was in a commercial. Life’s troubles were solved with a talk from pop or a hug from mom – or that’s how it seemed. Drury Lane Theatre’s Father of the Bride transports audiences to that romanticized time, and it’s a welcome trip!

Published in 1949, Father of the Bride was adapted for the stage and screen, including two beloved movies starring Hollywood heavy-weights Elizabeth Taylor, Spencer Tracy, and, later, Steve Martin in 1991. While a wedding-gone-wrong may be a familiar story, director Michael Heitzman infused Drury Lane’s rendition with charm, laughter, and sincerity, making it feel fresh.

The play follows Stanley Banks, whose one-and-only daughter prepares for her big day, but she just wants a simple ceremony. Then again, she does want to invite all of her friends… and wants a beautiful dress… and well, by the time everything adds up, the small affair balloons into a whopping headache for dad.

Joe Dempsey’s portrayal of Banks, the set-in-his-ways father, is spot on, and his ad-libbed groans and physical comedy can’t help but make you laugh and empathize with poor, ol’ dad. He balances his old‑school bravado with the teddy-bear-interior so well, creating the heart of the story and avoiding the tired “dumb dad” troupes.

Aurora Penepacker and Jake DiMaggio Lopez in Father of the Bride. Photo by Justin Barbin.

Also making up the family is Rachel Sullivan, who plays the mother, Ellie Banks, with a gentle, confident air, and sons Ben and Tommy are portrayed by Kyle Ringley and Charlie Long, who bring charismatic Leave It to Beaver energy.

Aurora Penepacker plays Kay Banks, the soon-to-be bride with all of the charm of Elizabeth Taylor, and Jake DiMaggio Lopez is her moonstruck, in-over-his-head fiancée, Buckley Dunstan. Their chemistry is fun to watch as every emotion ping-pongs around as their nuptials draw near.

The ensemble also includes some fantastic performances. Michele Vazaquez portrays the tightly wound secretary, Miss Bellamy, who delivers a hilarious meltdown when every member of the family sabotages her efforts to finalize a guest list. Ed Kross brings quirky comedy as the caterer, Mr. Missoula, who steamrolls the Banks (and jumps like Super Mario), and Maya Hlava as Peggy Swift is an overzealous girl-next-door who plots to catch the bouquet.

The original compositions composed by Curtis Moore also deserve a shout-out. They serve as the perfect soundtrack during sequences which showed seasons changing or wedding gifts flooding in and add that extra something that makes you feel like you’re watching your favorite black-and-white sitcom.

Comedy can be tricky to tackle, but Father of the Bride makes ever beat work. It’s whimsical, playful, and a reminder that when things go awry, those you love will always be there. Father of the Bride is an invitation to a pure, wholesome evening, and it’s an invite you should not pass up.

Father of the Bride runs through May 31 at Drury Lane Theater. Click here for tickets and more information.

This review is proudly shared with our friends at www.TheatreInChicago.com. 

I’ll just say it - Cats is going to blow your mind. Now running at the Paramount Theatre, this spectacular production elevates the famous musical to magnificent new heights—both figuratively and literally. While Cats has always been an extravagant, surreal whirlwind of theatrical magic, this version cranks up the spectacle with breathtaking Cirque-inspired gymnastics and aerial acrobatics. Part fever dream, part feline fantasy, and entirely unforgettable, this is Cats like you’ve never seen before.

Inspired by T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the show transports audiences into the world of the Jellicle cats, a mysterious tribe that gathers once a year for their sacred Jellicle Ball. During this mystical night, their wise leader, Old Deuteronomy, perfectly played by Lorenzo Rush Jr., selects the worthiest feline to ascend to the Heaviside Layer—a realm of renewal and rebirth, where a cat is granted a magical, new life. It’s a premise unlike any other in musical theater.

Anakin Jace White plays Skimbleshanks the Railway Cat, riding astride his Railway Car in Paramount Theatre’s circus-inspired production of Cats.

Cats is an indulgence in music, movement, and character-driven storytelling. Rather than following a traditional narrative, the musical is more of a series of dazzling introductions featuring larger-than-life feline personas like the mischievous Rum Tum Tugger (Donovan Hoffer), the cunning Macavity (Matthew Weidenbener), and the forlorn Grizabella (Emily Rohm). Each cat has its moment in the spotlight, showcasing spectacular choreography and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s infectious melodies. The pinnacle of the show’s emotional depth, of course, is “Memory,” an achingly nostalgic ballad incredibly performed by Rohm as Grizabella, the once glamour cat now outcast, who longs for her lost youth, beauty and forever home. Sung with heart-wrenching intensity it’s no wonder that it has become one of musical theater’s most iconic songs—soaring with raw emotion. This hauntingly nostalgic ballad doesn’t just tug at heartstrings—it resonates far beyond the stage and has cemented itself as an anthem of longing and transformation.

But Cats isn’t just about one song—it’s an entire universe, brimming with movement, mystery, and spectacle. Traditionally, the stage morphs into a sprawling junkyard, but in this production, it transforms into an abandoned circus tent—a hauntingly whimsical playground where feline characters leap, twirl, prowl and perform aerial stunts through mesmerizing choreography. The environment is immersive and fantastic, pulling audiences into a world where the ordinary rules of storytelling dissolve, leaving only the magic of dance, music, and theatrical wonder. What sets Cats apart is its fearless originality—an entirely sung-through musical without a conventional storyline, instead relying on a kaleidoscope of feline personalities brought to life through magnetic direction and expressive movement. It’s a high-energy spectacle packed with soaring melodies, iconic characters, and a trancelike atmosphere that keeps audiences spellbound. Whether you find yourself hypnotized by the haunting strains of “Memory” or captivated by the playful antics of Rum Tum Tugger, one thing is certain: Cats isn’t just a musical, it’s an experience—one that has pounced its way into the hearts of millions for good reason.

Alexandra Palkovic plays Demeter in Paramount Theatre’s circus-inspired production of Cats.

Luminously directed by Trent Stork with wild imagination, Paramount’s hypnotic choreography, shimmering feline costumes, and a stunning atmosphere that teeters between enchanting and dreamlike, Cats is less of a conventional production and more of a theatrical experience that defies expectations. This show is sure to leave audiences awe-struck; it remains a singular, extraordinary phenomenon in the world of musical theater.

But this isn’t just Cats—it’s Cats 2.0, a turbo-charged, high-octane reinvention of the classic musical. Paramount Theatre goes all out, delivering a one-of-a-kind, show-stopping spectacle that takes the experience to exhilarating new heights. From the moment the curtain rises, Cats launches into a dazzling display of jaw-dropping acrobatics and gravity-defying stunts that never let up. Theatergoers are instantly swept into the whirlwind of movement, perching on the edge of their seats as the enchanting performance unfolds. But beyond the sheer athleticism, it’s the clever feline nuances—the subtle catisms—woven seamlessly into each performance that add an extra layer of charm, making this production both thrilling and delightfully amusing.

This production doesn’t just purr—it roars.

Guided by the expertise of Circus Captain Hayley Larson, Dance Captain Christopher Kelley, and Flight Captain Matthew Weidenbener, the performance unfolds as a mesmerizing visual masterpiece, leaving audiences breathless with wonder. Yet, it’s the extraordinary cast that truly ignites this enthralling production, seamlessly weaving every awe-inspiring moment into an unforgettable event. The breathtaking vocal performances perfectly complement the hypnotic dance sequences, high-flying maneuvers, and breathtaking aerial acrobatics, creating a spectacle that is as beautiful to hear as it is to watch.

In addition to the aforementioned ensemble actors, Chicago stage veterans like Gene Weygandt and Allison Sill add their brilliance to this exceptional, multi-talented cast. Alongside them, standout performers such as Tiffany Topol, Alexandra Palkovic, Jake DiMaggio Lopez, Selena Robinson, Christopher Kelley, Sophie Liu David and a host of other gifted artists help bring this production to life with energy, skill, and undeniable stage presence. Unforgettable musical moments like “Magical Mister Mistoffelees,” “Gus: The Theatre Cat,” and “Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats” are just a few of the amazing numbers that will stay with you long after the final bow. With their infectious melodies and gripping performances, these songs make Cats an experience that lingers far beyond the theater doors.

Circus artist Ryan Huemmer (Coricopat) flies through the air with the greatest of ease in Paramount Theatre’s circus-inspired production of Cats.

Long before Cats made its grand entrance onto the Paramount stage, this legendary musical had already clawed its way into theater history, leaving a trail of wide-eyed audiences and notable performances in its wake. Since its West End debut in 1981, Cats has dazzled, bewildered, and utterly enchanted theatergoers with its boundary-pushing theatrical appeal.

Despite early skepticism, Cats scratched its way to legendary status, running for 21 years in London and 18 years on Broadway, making it one of the longest-running musicals in history. It helped usher in the era of the "megamusical," paving the way for grand theatrical productions like The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables, which would go on to define modern musical theater.

Beyond its record-breaking success, Cats sprang onto pop culture, leaving an impressive legacy. Its intricate choreography inspired generations of performers, its distinctive aesthetic became the subject of countless parodies, and its impact spread into film, television, and even internet culture. Whether adored or furiously debated, Cats remains one of the most influential—and delightfully eccentric—productions in musical theater history.

That being said, it’s truly exhilarating to see Cats return to the Chicagoland area—especially in such a grand, spectacular fashion. This production doesn’t just bring the beloved musical back; it elevates it to dazzling new heights.

Paramount’s production of Cats is an excellent homage to the legendary stage musical, staying true to its spirit while adding its own unique flair. This rendition not only honors the show’s original magic but elevates it with fresh creative choices, making it an even more extraordinary experience.

Cats is being performed at Paramount Theatre in Aurora, IL through June 15th. For tickets and/or more show information, click here.

Highly recommended for audiences of all ages!

*This review is also featured on https://www.theatreinchicago.com/!