Pat Boone ready to celebrate early birthday with Drury Lane audiences

With a nearly 60-year career performing, entertainer Pat Boone said he's not sure how he managed to never be booked for a concert at any of the Drury Lane theaters in Chicagoland.

Don Richard (left) with Christine Sherrill and Will Ray in Drury Lane's "Sunset Boulevard"

Don Richard (left) with Christine Sherrill and Will Ray in Drury Lane's "Sunset Boulevard" playing until March 24, 2013.

Ron Hawking NYE concert at Theatre at the Center promises all-star tribute

Entertainer Ron Hawking is adding some new famed vocal stylings to his all-star stage repertoire salute to great names.

Actress Melissa Van Der Schyf stars as Lina Lamont with Catherine Lord as Vocal Coach

Actress Melissa Van Der Schyf stars as Lina Lamont, practicing her vocals with a frustrated vocal coach played by Catherine Lord in Drury Lane Theatre Oakbrook's production of "Singin' in the Rain."

High flying Starship singer to fightin' Irish favorite

Midwest music veteran Cathy Richardson gives a rare solo performance tonight during a short break from a world tour as lead singer of the legendary Jefferson Starship.

Debbie Reynolds excited about ''Liberace' film and Drury Lane return

Hollywood royalty Debbie Reynolds says she's still not "exactly sure" why the producers of the new HBO film about Las Vegas showman pianist Liberace cast her to be their film.

Carol Knish framed by "Lawrence Welk Show" Dancers Elaine Balden and Bobby Burgess

Carol Knish, of Munster, center, strikes her "polka pose" with dancer Bobby Burgess at Drury Lane Theatre last week following her dance with him on stage, allowing his longtime performing partner Elaine Balden (right) a break between sets.

OFFBEAT: Great Night for Regional Theatre at this Week's Jeff Awards Ceremony

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: Drury Lane 'Sound of Music' hits a high note with strong cast, talent

Most people equate "The Sound of Music" with the 20th Century Fox 1965 film starring Julie Andrews and Christropher Plummer, but its first incarnation was a hit stage musical.

Actor Larry Adams a father figure of stage for Drury Lane 'Sound of Music' run

Actor Larry Adams has played the plum role of Captain von Trapp as the lead in productions of "The Sound of Music" in the past.

"Xanadu"

"Xanadu," a cult-status film from 1980, became a "bubble gum hit" on Broadway in 2007, launched a national 2009 tour in Chicago and now will be staged for a 2012 run at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook, Ill.

Lucky Guy: Area native Matt Raftery makes directorial debut with 'Guys and Dolls' at Marriott Lincolnshire

Actor Matt Raftery loves a theatrical challenge.

Spamalot

Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook is unveiling the regional premiere of "Monty Python's Spamalot," opening in previews this weekend and running through March 6.

OFFBEAT: Publicist's Chicago firm celebrating a decade of stage and client connections

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: Reader excited about actor Brian Dennehy's Chicago Jeff nomination

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Baking up Fun

BAKING UP FUN - - Legendary actress Angela Lansbury portrayed brutal baker Mrs. Lovett in the original 1979 broadway stage run of "Sweeney Todd." Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook, Ill. is staging its own production in 2011.

OFFBEAT: Frankie Avalon filling Debbie Reynolds' shoes at Drury Lane this season

When I had to write about the sad news that the Drury Lane Theater in Evergreen Park, Ill. would close in January 2004 to make way for a new WalMart, I called one of the venue's favorite regular headliners for a comment.