Backstage Chicago with Lisa Fielding

Who doesn't like a good dinosaur exhibit? Especially at Chicago's Field Museum? This month on Backstage with Lisa Fielding, we switch things up and talk with paleontologist and scientist Jingmai O'Connor about her work, Sue the dinosaur, and more. ----- Thanks to Jingmai O'Connor, Bill Simpson, Kate Goalembesske. Caleb Bohus, Sue the T-Rex and podcast producer Arielle Raveney for their contributions to this month's episode. 

In the latest episode, we talk with an iconic Chicago-based children's choir that was created in a direct response to the civil rights movements to bring people of all background together.  From the suburbs to the city proper, we hear from a student who's been performing since she was a child, the president of Uniting Voices of Chicago, a parent looking for enrichment for her daughter plus, a look at how this group continues their efforts to instill the arts into the youth of today. ----- Thanks to Josephine Lee, Judy Hanson, Mitchell Owens, and Ella and Donna Anello for their contribution to this month's episode Follow the UVC to stay up to date on their initiatives:  -Uniting Voices: FB, Insta, Twitter -Josephine Lee: Insta, Linktree -Mitchell Owens: Insta ----- Have an arts/culture/entertainment idea for us to cover in an upcoming Backstage episode? Tweet @Lisa_Fielding

In the latest episode, we talk to a circus power couple. He is a professional juggler, a AGT finalist, a family man, and proud Ukrainian. His wife, a world famous Mongolian contortionist. Viktor Kee and Ulzii Mergen talk about their experiences in the spotlight, her harrowing journey from war-torn Ukraine and their hopes for their new lives in Chicago. The podcast will continue on a monthly basis where we'll give you an inside look at the arts & culture scene around the Chicagoland area. ----- Thanks to Victor Kee, Ulzii Mergen, Broadway In Chicago, America's Got Talent, Cirque de Sole, Moulin Rouge and Cabaret Zazou "Luminaree" for their contribution to this month's episode.  Keep tabs on where Kee and Mergen are in the world: -Viktor Kee: Website, Insta, Twitter -Ulzii Mergen: Insta, YouTube, Facebook, Masterclass And check out their show: Cabaret Zazou, Broadway in Chicago ----- Have an arts/culture/entertainment idea for us to cover in an upcoming Backstage episode? Tweet @Lisa_Fielding

We're back! We're turning the lights on and opening up the curtains for Backstage Chicago with Lisa Fielding.  The podcast will continue on a monthly basis where we'll give you an inside look at the arts & culture scene around the Chicagoland area. In the latest episode, we spotlight the Chicago International Film Festival. We take you back to where it all began, we'll talk to up and coming directors, we'll tell you how films are chosen each year and how the event has become THE platform for new directors to showcase their work.  ----- Thanks to Michael Kutza, Mimi Plauche, Mercedes Kane, and Alex Thompson for talking with us for this episode. Stay up to date the the Chicago International Film Fest on their Twitter & Insta. And follow: -Mercedes Kane: Insta, Daisy May Films; "Art & Pep": Insta, FB -Alex Thompson: Insta; "Rounding": Review -Michael Kutza: Insta ----- Have an arts/culture/entertainment idea for us to cover in an upcoming Backstage episode? Tweet @Lisa_Fielding

This week on Backstage Chicago, She's one of the few women calling the shots backstage in the live performance industry. Rachel Tobias has been the stage manager for the Lyric Opera for 20 years. She calls herself the air traffic controller of every stage production. We'll talk to Rachel about being a mega multi-tasker and what it feels like when the curtain rises and falls and why the adrenaline rush arrives AFTER the show is over.

This week on Backstage Chicago, Lisa sits down with a group of performers bringing the first Cabaret Week to the city of Chicago May 6 - May 16. Each performer talks about the joys of live performance and the road to discovering their creative talents. 

This week on Backstage Chicago, Lisa travels to a hidden treasure in Wrigleyville called the Otherworld Theater. It's considered the premiere Sci Fi/Fantasy production company in North America and houses two stages, a bar, a dragon head and other oddities. Lisa sits down with the company’s founder to talk about the latest immersive sci fi whodunnit, the new improv, how Live Action Role Playing is taking off and how their mission is to unite gamers and theater nerds everywhere.

On this episode of Backstage Chicago, Lisa travels to Sway Dance studio on the north side to talk to three amazing burlesque dancers about the history of burlesque, their unique approach to the art form, and what people can learn about self-love. 

This week on Backstage Chicago, Lisa sits down with Jeff Haydon, President and CEO of Ravinia to talk about its history and how excited they are to be back after a three-year hiatus.  This episode gives our listeners a first look at the official lineup for the 2022 festival. Stay tuned next week as Lisa talks about everything Burlesque! 

On this episode of Backstage Chicago, Lisa visits The Second City's UP Comedy Club to discuss the World Comedy Expo's debut, with Kerry Sheehan (Business Director), Saku Yanagawa (Artistic Director), and Kelly Leonard (The Second City). Together they talk how laughter unites us and why Chicago is the comedy capital of the world.  Next week, we'll visit the oldest outdoor music festival in North America: Ravinia Festival! https://worldcomedyexpo.com/ Subscribe on the Audacy App or Apple Podcasts!  Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @WBBMPodcasts

This week on Backstage Chicago, we visit the MOMENTA dance space in Oak Park and talk to the folks from 3Arts. Esther Grimm (3Arts Executive Director), Robby Lee Williams (dance artist), and Brian Balcom (theater artist) share how this nonprofit has made all the difference for deaf and disabled performers in Chicago. For more information visit: 3Arts.org  Thanks for listening to the first season of Backstage Chicago!   

This week on Backstage Chicago, we travel to Wheaton College to chat with Dr. John William Trotter (artistic director), Trevor Mitchell (tenor) and Emily Price (mezzo soprano) of Chicago a cappella. Their new program, Coming Out of the Dark, is a return to live performances for the group, and will feature original compositions from their 'Her Voice' program for emerging women composers from around the globe. 

On this week's episode of Backstage Chicago, we hoof it with the dancers of Chicago Tap Theatre, Chris Large (Apprentice) and Mark Yonally (Founder and Artistic Director). We talk about the history of the dance, why it’s so popular, and returning to in-person performances. Next week, we'll visit the Chicago Children's Choir to learn about this decades-old institution.  Don't forget to subscribe on the Audacy App or wherever you get your podcasts!

This week on Backstage Chicago, we sit down with two musicians, Bill Buchman (Bassoon) and Max Rami (Viola), from one of the oldest and greatest orchestras in the world: The Chicago Symphony Orchestra. We talk about its 131-year history and its impact on the arts and culture community, not only in Chicago but around the world. Tune in next week when we visit the Chicago Tap Theatre!       This episode's featured music courtesy of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra:  MASCAGNI Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana Chicago Symphony Orchestra Riccardo Muti, conductor CSO Resound 2018   STRAVINSKY III. Scherzino: Allegro from Pulcinella Chicago Symphony Orchestra Pierre Boulez, conductor CSO Resound 2010   MAHLER Symphony No. 1 in D Major IV. Stürmisch bewegt – Energisch Chicago Symphony Orchestra Bernard Haitink, conductor CSO Resound 2009  

This week on Backstage Chicago, we visit the Chicago Puppet Studio inside the historic fine arts building. We talk to some of the artists who use creativity and storytelling through puppetry. We'll also get a sneak peak of the upcoming Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival. https://chicagopuppetfest.org/ Tune in next week when we visit the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Center. 

On this week's edition of Backstage Chicago, Lisa travels down to Joliet to the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum where Founder and Executive Director Ron Romero gives us the scoop on building this road to rock on the historic Route 66.  For more information on the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum, visit: Roadtorock.org Stay tuned for next week when we visit one of the most influential puppetry organizations in the world.     

This week on Backstage Chicago, we go behind the scenes with some of the cast members of Teatro ZinZanni, an international ensemble of singers, dancers, clowns, acrobats, and aerialists who've been wowing crowds at the Cambria Hotel for more than 2 years.  Next week, Lisa travels to Joliet, Illinois and visits the Rock and Roll Museum. 

This week on Backstage Chicago, Lisa sits down with magician Dennis Watkins inside the Magic Parlour at the historic Palmer House to discuss card tricks, mind blowing mentalism, and how hot magic is right now. Next week, we take a trip to the Cambria Hotel and talk to the cast of Teatro Zinzanni.

This week on Backstage Chicago, Lisa catches up with the cast and crew of Disney's: Frozen The Musical now playing at the Cadillac Palace Theater in Chicago.    Next week, Lisa sits down with Magician Dennis Watkins.  

This week, we took a trip to the iconic Black Ensemble Theater to hear from the founder Jackie Taylor and producing managing director Darryl Brooks about their history and plans for the future. Tune in next week as we catch up with the cast and crew of Frozen The Musical about their show at the Cadillac Palace Theatre.