Stealing the Show: Stage veterans paired with 11-year-old for Drury Lane's 'Oliver!'

Actress Heidi Kettenring is enjoying being part of the stage family for favorite family-friendly audience productions.

Elizabeth Lanza Shows How To "Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair"

Elizabeth Lanza (left) shows how she can "Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair" in one of the signature musical numbers of "South Pacific" now playing Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, Ill. until June 2, 2013.

Actress shares pizza recipe topped with zucchini

When it comes to kitchen talents, actress Summer Smart sees herself as "the breakfast girl."

'Cinderella' a fine holiday treat

It's not often audiences are treated to the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical version of "Cinderella."

OFFBEAT: Marriott completing 2012 stage season with 'My One and Only'

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

"My One and Only" at Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire

The stage musical "My One and Only" is playing at Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire now until Dec. 31.

Fairy Tale Reflection: Rodgers & Hammerstein's 'Cinderella' comes to the Marriott Theatre

Matt Raftery, originally from Park Forest, Ill., and now one of Chicago theater's young and promising directors and choreographers, is his own Chicago's South Side "Cinderella" story.

OFFBEAT: 'Mary Poppins' and 'South Pacific' among Marriott's 2013 season

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Heidi Kettenring (left) as Jane with Erich Bergen in the title role in "Hero" at Marriott Theatre

Heidi Kettenring (left) plays Jane with Erich Bergen in the title role as Hero Batowski in the world premiere of "Hero" running through Aug. 19 at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. Alex Goodrich (behind) plays Kirk and Dara Cameron is Susan.

OFFBEAT: World premiere 'Hero' at Marriott Theatre stage both strong and weak

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Creators Aaron Thielen and Michael Mahler of the New Stage Musical "Hero"

Aaron Thielen and Michael Mahler, sporting their "Clark Kent glasses," are the imaginations and creative forces behind the new stage musical "Hero," having its world premiere run at Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire June 20 to Aug. 19, 2012.

Kevin Earley as The Pirate King in "The Pirates of Penzance" at Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire

Kevin Earley is riding high as The Pirate King in 'The Pirates of Penzance' at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, Ill., through June 10, 2012.

OFFBEAT: Marriott's 'Pirates of Penzance' steals audience applause and affection

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Blonde Ambition: 'Legally Blonde' actor having fun with role that teases stage typecasting

Actor Cole Burden admits he was eager to kick off his holidays joining the cast of Marriott Theatre's new production of "Legally Bonde."

Actor Cole Burden and actress Chelsea Packard in "Legally Blonde"

Actor Cole Burden and actress Chelsea Packard are the starring leads in "Legally Blonde" opening this week at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire and running through April 1.

Tapping the talent for '42nd Street'

Steven Spanopoulos is a true song-and-dance man.

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

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

A wooden puppet comes to life

How do you stage a wooden puppet coming to life? How do you stage Pinocchio and his creator Geppetto being swallowed by the same giant whale?

An 'Island' tale of the power of love

"It's a fable, a fantasy with authentic elements of real life on a Caribbean island. It's a life lesson about the power of love over death" says "Once on Thus Island" director David Bell.