Kitchen Spotlight: 'Book of Mormon' actress cooks from the soul

Syesha Mercado's love for Southern cuisine and Soul Food was ignited by her mother's talents with those styles of cooking.

OFFBEAT: High praises for Broadway in Chicago 'Book of Mormon'

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

A prayer answered: 'Book of Mormon' singing praise with Chicago tickets sold-out through March

It's Christmas come early for actor James Vincent Meredith.

Faith in Broadway: 'Book of Mormon' and creators singing stage praise with Chicago tickets sold-out through March

It's Christmas come early for Broadway in Chicago and Trey Parker, Matt Stone and Robert Lopez, the combined forces for Broadway in Chicago's holiday stage hit The Book of Mormon.

Well heeled: Chicago audiences get first look at Cyndi Lauper's 'Kinky Boots' before Broadway

Cyndi Lauper says it's so easy for audiences to connect to her new musical stage project with co-writer Harvey Fierstein and director Jerry Mitchell, because "it's about real people."

Chicago audiences get first look at Cyndi Lauper's 'Kinky Boots' before Broadway

When actor Billy Porter joined singer Cyndi Lauper for the August sneak preview of the highly anticipated fall world premiere of Lauper's new Broadway musical Kinky Boots, the duo knew exactly which songs from the show to perform to get the audience excited.

OFFBEAT: 'Jersey Boy' Nick Cosgrove happy to be 'home' for Broadway in Chicago run

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: Easy to fall in love with 'Jersey Boys' stage charm again and again

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: Dolly Parton saluted with weekend birthday tribute on Baltimore Radio Station

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: Tharp's new Sinatra stage salute 'Come Fly Away' short and sweet

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

New musical flying high in Chicago this month

There's plenty of pressure that comes with producing a new stage musical dedicated to the songs of the late, great Frank Sinatra. But having Twyla Tharp as choreographer makes everything seem a little easier.

Flying high: New Sinatra-inspired musical by Indiana's Twyla Tharp in Chicago this month

There's plenty of pressure that comes with producing a new stage musical dedicated to the songs of the late, great Frank Sinatra.

OFFBEAT: Broadway's 'Jersey Boys' bad language still brings banter from around the globe

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

George Hamilton stars in Broadway tour of La Cage Aux Folles

Hamilton is headlining the new national Broadway tour of the musical comedy stage favorite "La Cage Aux Folles," playing through January 1 at Chicago's Bank of America Theatre.

Man, oh man: Handsome George Hamilton starring in Broadway tour of La Cage Aux Folles

Just a flash of his famous smile, and it's easy to see actor George Hamilton likes to have fun.

Heart of Texas: Actress Holland Taylor's stage story introducing audiences to Texas star Gov. Ann Richards

Veteran star of film and television Holland Taylor knows just how convincing her acting craft can be.

OFFBEAT: Broadway's 'Next to Normal' a compelling and important stage experience

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

The Merchant of Venice

Actor F. Murray Abraham (right) plays Shylock, a money-lender who agrees to help Antonio, played by Tom Nelis (left), much to the fear of the latter's friend Bassanio, played by Lucas Hall (center).