Chicago’s The Annoyance Theatre has a history of creating iconic comedic gems that audiences can’t get enough of. Over the years the company has been home to such long-running hits as “Co-Ed Prison Sluts”, “Shark Tank the Musical”, and “The Real Live Brady Bunch”.

A new comedy “The Little Orphan Boy” is promising to be the next big thing at The Annoyance. A musical parody of all orphans alone in the world making good stories such as “Annie”, “Oliver”, and “James and the Giant Peach”, this wacky comedic delight was such a hit that it's already on its second run and plans are in the works to bring it back again! Find out why!

On this episode of It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee, cast members Chris Dritsas, Andrew Freeland, and Zach Hacker join host Rikki Lee Travolta to describe what is making this show so popular! In addition to being in the cast, Chris and Zach are also co-writers of the script, with music by John Love.

“The Little Orphan Boy” plays at The Annoyance Theatre in Chicago every Saturday through May 25, 2024. For tickets visit www.TheAnnoyance.com.

Sarah Sapperstein is a premier leading lady in Chicago’s vibrant fine arts community. She has appeared in over 100 Chicago-area theatre, musical theatre, opera, and cabaret productions since transplanting to the Windy City.

On this episode of It's Showtime with Rikki Lee, the Life and Times Heartstrings Award-winning actress sits down with host Rikki Lee Travolta to explore her story as an artist. It’s a thought-provoking investigation that includes how she got her start, her approach to character development, and what attracts her to a project.

One area they also explore is how she is able to work in such diverse musical styles as musical theatre, opera, and rock opera. Of great importance in their talk is being true to yourself including when embracing nontraditional casting opportunities.

It's a fascinating interview with the star of such projects as Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Doubt, Ragtime, Music Man, Into the Woods, Cabaret, and Jesus Christ Superstar. Take this opportunity to get to know the human side of one of Chicago's top talents.

"Steel Magnolias" is an American comedy-drama play about a group of women who congregate at the local hair salon in the south – Louisiana to be specific. It opened Off-Broadway in 1987 and had a star-studded film adaptation in 1989 featuring Julia Roberts, Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, Dolly Parton, and Daryl Hannah.

Director Pat Henderson is now staging a dynamic production of "Steel Magnolias" at Steel Beam Theatre in St. Charles, IL. Featuring some of the Chicago suburbs strongest talents, the production manages to succeed as both a gripping tear-jerker and a playful comedy.

"Steel Magnolias" runs Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at Steel Beam Theatre through May 12. For tickets visit www.SteelBeamTheatre.com.

On this episode of It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee, host Rikki Lee Travolta is joined by director Pat Henderson and two of the stars of "Steel Magnolias" – Alexus Buford and Julie Utrup-O’Nan.

The group discusses what goes into casting and producing a production like this, the character development process, and why this powerful interpretation of "Steel Magnolias" is going to be so rewarding to audiences.