He played a pivotal role in “Downton Abbey.” Now he takes the throne as King Charles. English actor Robert Bathurst is here to talk about royalty, “Downton” and the stage.

The culture wars are heating up again, one duel at a time.

Judy Garland was one of the most distinctive American entertainers of the 20th Century. A new play looks at the extreme highs and lows of a legendary life in showbiz that ended at age 47. Hedy Weiss reviews that show, plus four other productions in and around Chicago.

The influence of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking musical has extended beyond the stage: New courses at Northwestern University delve into the true history of Alexander Hamilton and the cultural phenomenon that is the hit musical.

Illusions of grandeur take center stage at two Chicago shows and may make you question reality. See what tricks two local theaters have up their sleeves.

Comedian Peter Kim talks about the state of stand-up comedy, and why he recently left a hit show at The Second City.

Second City cast members report racist audience outbursts, and some cast and management have left the venerable theater. We take a closer look at recent changes with theater critic Chris Jones.

The story behind a new stage adaptation of an infamous–and fatal–boxing match that was televised in the 1960s.

“Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda talks about Chicago, “Sesame Street” and his theatrical blockbuster.

“In the Heights” hits the stage in a homegrown Chicago production. Hedy Weiss reviews the first show by the creator of “Hamilton,” plus musicals at the Goodman Theatre and three suburban theaters.

It's been more than a  decade since there's been a major revival of the Tony Award-winning musical comedy. Director Mary Zimmerman tells us about the show.

The Chicago Sun-Times theater critic reviews a Pulitzer prize-winning play at Steppenwolf Theatre, a pair of one-man shows and two Tony award-winning actresses.

Actors and other theater professionals have banded together in Chicago to fight sexual harassment. We meet one of the founders of the advocacy group Not In Our House.

A critically acclaimed stage production by Albany Park Theater Project makes its television debut on WTTW Thursday night.

“Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin” returns to Chicago’s Royal George Theatre this week. Pianist and actor Hershey Felder joins us in conversation and performance to demonstrate the timeless appeal of the great American songwriter. 

Chicago Sun-Times theater critic Hedy Weiss appraises the first performance staged in the recently opened Writers Theatre and the humorous one-man show, “Where Did We Sit on the Bus?” Get her take on these plays and others on currently on stage in Chicago.