A big week with comedian Tom Dreesen who joined us for a fascinating look back at the early days of the Tim and Tom show and a conversation about the finer points of developing a stand-up routine during a recent visit.

The theatrical world is mourning the passing of Sam Shepard and Mariann Mayberry. Our FTA conversation with Shattered Globe Artistic Director Sandy Shinner was recorded last fall in advance of the most recent Chicago production of Shepard's True West.

Ann Hampton Callaway is at City Winery tonight, Bridges of Madison County continues at Marriott Lincolnshire, the Ignition Festival at Victory Gardens is on this weekend, and just a few days left to see the American Blues Theater production of Beauty's Daughter.

Noteworthy: Porchlight Music Theatre has announced their largest cast ever for Billy Elliot, the opening production of the 2017/2018 Season. Our Conversations Contest winner for July is Judy Graf. Sign up to receive our newsletter and be eligible to win an American Express gift certificate! And check out our new feature PicksInSix,

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NOW PLAYING

Mercury Theater - Hair through September 17th
American Blues Theater - Beauty's Daughter through August 5th
Marriott Theatre - The Bridges of Madison County through August 13th
Drury Lane - The Gin Game through August 13th
Goodman Theatre - La Havana Madrid Through August 20th
Steppenwolf Theatre - Hir through August 20th
Grippo Stage Company - The God of Isaac Piven Theatre through August 27th
Chicago Shakespeare Theater - Shakespeare in the Parks through August 27th and Madagascar
Lookingglass Theatre – Moby Dick through September 3rd
Cirque Du Soleil - Luzia at the United Center through September 3rd
Royal George Theatre - Spamilton through forever
Music, movies, dance at Millennium Park
Monday Night Live at Petterino's with Denise McGowan Tracy & Beckie Menzie

COMING UP