OFFBEAT: PBS Lakeshore TV celebrating 25, 'Streetlamp' ready for new special

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: Star Plaza's 'Streetlamp' singer Shonn Wiley ready for Broadway

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: Charlie Blum inks deal to bring Frankie Valli back to Chicago Theatre

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

These Gentlemen rule

There's a new musical entity on the scene.

Gentleman's Rule

The new singing group Gentleman's Rule will launch in Chicago in November, as well as tour with the quartet Under the Streetlamp as a future double-bill act.

OFFBEAT: Star Plaza's Charlie Blum and Dan Ponce producing new singing group

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Fans still love Frankie Valli

Original Jersey Boy Frankie Valli was in the house and cranking out the hits June 2 at The Chicago Theatre.

OFFBEAT: Under the Streetlamp a sizzling success with tour launch, Chicago Park West concerts

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: 'Hair-raising' winners announced in 'Hairspray' contest

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Hairspray stars honored to take advice from a 'Monkee'

MERRILLVILLE | Not long before 'The Monkees' took center stage for their 45th Anniversary Tour at Star Plaza Theatre on June 30, Micky Dolenz took the time to give pointers to the two leads of Star Productions regional theater production of 'Hairspray.'

Gina Guarino, Charlie Blum and Frank Hattula star in Star Productions' "Hairspray"

"Hairspray" cast (from left): Gina Guarino, who plays Tracy Turnblad; Charlie Blum, who plays Tracy's father; and Frank Hattula, dressed in drag and playing Tracy's mom Edna, pose for a family photo on Wednesday during a dress rehearsal for the musical opening July 30 at the Star Plaza Theat…

Strong audience hold: Star Plaza stage all set for 'Hairspray' run showcasing local talent

Gina Guarino considers playing plucky Tracy Turnblad, the teased-hair heroine of funny stage and screen story "Hairspray," as "her role of a lifetime." Guarino is one of the starring cast members for Star Plaza Theatre and Star Productions two-weekend run of "Hairspray," playing July 31 and …