Paul W. Thompson, a contributor to BroadwayWorld.com since 2007, is a Chicago-based singer, actor, musical director, pianist, vocal coach, composer and commentator. His career as a performer, teacher and writer is centered at Paul W. Thompson Music, located in Chicago’s historic Fine Arts Building, where he teaches the great songs of Broadway to the next generation of musical theater performers. A native of Nashville, Tennessee, Paul was raised in a family of professional musicians and teachers, steeped in classical, gospel, country, pop, sacred and show music. Dubbed a “thin, winsome lad” at the age of 13 by a critic for the Nashville Banner, he earned two degrees in musical theater (a B.F.A. with Honors from Baylor University and an M.M. from the University of Miami, Florida), plus an M.B.A. with Distinction from DePaul University. Paul’s memberships include Actors’ Equity Association, the American Guild of Musical Artists, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (proud voter for the Grammy Awards!), the National Association of Teachers of Singing and New York’s Drama League.
Moving easily between the worlds of classical music, religious music, classic pop and musical theater, Paul has appeared onstage or in the orchestra pit in concerts, musicals, operettas and operas in 30 states and in Europe, in a career spanning more than 35 years. His Chicagoland stage credits include “Forever Plaid” at the Royal George Theater and twenty mainstage productions at Light Opera Works. Paul joined the Chicago Symphony Chorus in 1995 (he was Tenor I Section Leader for four years and sings on two Grammy-winning recordings), and is one of Chicago’s foremost liturgical singers, marking 20 years as a member of the choir at St. James Cathedral (Episcopal) in 2011.He has composed and arranged a number of anthems, hymns and songs for worship and concert use, and collaborates on the creation of new works of musical theater. Paul can be found on Monday nights watching showtune videos at the world-famous Sidetrack nightclub, the inspiration for his weekly column, “The Showtune Mosh Pit.” His proudest achievement is that he has seen the original Broadway production of every Tony Award-winning Best Musical since “Cats.” No, really. Since “Cats!”
 'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for May 15th, 2013
May 15, 2013
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. RIP 'Smash,' plus the seven local shows closing soon, replaced by BET's 'Howlin Wolf' show, LOW's 'Pinafore' and the five fall touring shows, plus benefits for Midwest New Musicals, Porchlight, Pride Plays and more!
 'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for May 8th, 2013
May 8, 2013
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Will 'Big Fish' swim? 'Buddy,' the Bee Gees, 'Flashdance' and the new 'Phantom,' plus our own 'South Pacific,' Waa-Mu, 'A New Brain,' a showtune showdown and more!
 BWW Reviews: What a Glorious Feeling - Getting a Glimpse Into the Silver Screen's SINGIN' IN THE RAIN
May 7, 2013
Now through June 2, 2013, at the Theatre at the Center in Munster, Indiana (and not as far away as you might think) is a new play that gives us an interesting look into the making of one of the most enduring work of art produced by Hollywood in its Golden Age of Movie Musicals, the 1952 classic MGM film, "Singin' in the Rain."
 'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for May 1st, 2013
May 1, 2013
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Oklahoma!' opens, a new 'Porgy,' a one-night 'Tommy,' improvised Sondheim, Darren Criss, 'The Jungle Book' has been cast, two new revues, my Tony perspective and more!
 'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for April 24th, 2013
April 24, 2013
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. The Jeff nominations are out, 'Big Fish' is open, 'Anything Goes' and 'Mormon' perform, plus Jessie Mueller's 'Carousel,' BoHo's 'Spider Woman, new season announcements and those two new Spanish opera productions!
 'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for April 17th, 2013
April 17, 2013
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'American Idiot' pays a visit, Circle's 'Death Takes A Holiday,' Porchlight's 'Pal Joey,' TMTC's 'Pajama Game,' plus a piano show, two children's shows, Seth Rudetsky and more, including an unbelievable roundup of current shows!
 'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for April 10th, 2013
April 10, 2013
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'The Jungle Book' heats up, 'Oklahoma!' and 'South Pacific,' 'Oliver!' and 'Barnum,' plus 'Stomp,' some interesting student productions and more!
 'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for April 3rd, 2013
April 3, 2013
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Big doings at Broadway In Chicago, 'Othello: The Remix,' world premieres from Pride Plays, The Second City and two from composer Kevin O'Donnell, 'Spamalot,' 'I Can Get It For You Wholesale' and so much more!
 'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for March 27th, 2013
March 27, 2013
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Catch Me' a 'Big Fish' in the Loop, 'Barnum' and 'Sweet Charity' keep Coleman in the spotlight, 'The Pajama Game' up north, 'Oliver! out west, two from Theo Ubique and more!
 BWW REVIEWS: World Premiere Musical UNDER A RAINBOW FLAG Sheds Light On A Forgotten Chapter Of WWII
March 25, 2013
Running almost every Wednesday through Sunday between now and April 21, 2013, is a world premiere musical that is certainly worth seeing. It's "Under A Rainbow Flag," with book, music and lyrics by Chicagoan Leo Schwartz, and based on the recollections of the now 91-year-old Jon Phillips, living in retirement in Evanston and present on opening night. The show is running in the Profiles Theatre Main Stage space at 4139 N. Broadway, in Chicago's Buena Park neighborhood, in the Uptown community area.
 BWW INTERVIEWS: Kate Baldwin, Bobby Steggert, Andrew Lippa and John August of the Pre-Broadway Tryout of BIG FISH in Chicago
March 21, 2013
On Wednesday, March 20, 2013, BroadwayWorld's Chicago Regional Editor, Paul W. Thompson, sat down for exclusive talks with co-star Bobby Steggert, with the writing team of Andrew Lippa (music and lyrics) and John August (book) and with co-star Kate Baldwin in the balcony lobby of Chicago's Oriental Theatre. Here is his report:
 'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for March 20th, 2013
March 20, 2013
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'South Pacific' at the Marriott, two shows with Gene Kelly's vibe, cabarets from Porchlight, Brown Paper Box and Darrian Ford, 2014 premieres from Marc Blitzstein and Alan Schmuckler, lots of Doug Peck and more!
 Anthony de Mare's “LIAISONS Project” Continues Nationwide Tour in Chicago on April 7th
March 15, 2013
A special tribute concert to Stephen Sondheim, including 17 premieres of commissioned works inspired by his songs, will be taking place at "Music in the Loft" in Chicago's historic Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Avenue, Suite 801, on April 7, 2013 at 3:00 pm. Pianist Anthony de Mare will be premiering/performing some of the 36-piece "LIAISONS Project" featuring Sondheim-inspired pieces by composers ranging from Nico Muhly and Steve Reich to Duncan Sheik and Jason Robert Brown.
 'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for March 13th, 2013
March 13, 2013
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Fiddler' and the Paramount triumph and make plans, two Sondheim shows next year from Gary Griffin, the return of 'Hank Williams' and 'Last Five Years,' 'Parade' and 'Pirates' in short runs, and two Victorian musical dramas, spanning the pond...and more!
 BWW Reviews: ASPECTS OF LOVE Moving, Problematic and Worthy in Theo Ubique's Gutsy Production
March 12, 2013
Playing now through April 21, 2013 at the No Exit Cafe in Rogers Park, and officially opening yesterday, the rarely seen Andrew Lloyd Webber musical 'Aspects of Love' has been very competently mounted by the consistently high-quality storefront non-Equity company, Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre. And this 1989 London show, receiving what I believe is the Chicago premiere of the revised version first mounted in the UK in 1993-4, has been clearly intended by the company to be a follow-up to its phenomenally successful, multi-Jeff Award winning, multi-BroadwayWorld Award winning 2012 production of 'A Light in the Piazza,' a show with a similar post-war, stylish Continental setting and the seduction of romantic melodies in the air--not much dialogue or dance needed.
 'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for March 6th, 2013
March 6, 2013
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Concerts by Audra McDonald, Sarah Brightman and Chester Gregory, Yeston's 'Death Takes A Holiday' and more from Circle Theatre, all our top current runs, plus the premieres 'Straight Camp,' 'Things Fall Apart' and 'Next Stop!'
 'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for February 27th, 2013
February 27, 2013
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. That Oscar show, the fall season of national tours from Broadway In Chicago, 'See What I Wanna See,' two from Theo Ubique, Mary Zimmerman's 'Jungle Book,' interesting cabarets at Davenport's and more!
 'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for February 20th, 2013
February 20, 2013
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. The next seven national tours to hit the Windy City (SEVEN!--and all before April), plus 'Fiddler On The Roof' at the Paramount, 'Barnum' at the Mercury, Ricky Ian Gordon at Northwestern and a twofer from the Mueller family!
 'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for February 13th, 2013
February 13, 2013
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Grammy and Oscar, 'Smash' and 'Million Dollar Quartet' on TV, Lyric Opera's five R and H shows, Rachel Rockwell directs 'Brigadoon' and 'Shrek,' two college shows, and the two singing Callaway sisters!
 'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for February 6th, 2013
February 6, 2013
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. It's the Midwinter Round-Up! We've got 'Peter Pan,' the Marriott's Lloyd Webber revue, the Mercury's R&H revue, Porchlight's 'Lady Day,' the Writers' 'Sweet Charity,' Heidi Kettenring in concert, 'Sunset Boulevard' and more!
 'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for January 30th, 2013
January 30, 2013
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to New York. Upcoming productions of 'See What I Wanna See' and 'Little Women,' a unique 'Joseph...,' four world premieres, including 'Under A Rainbow Flag,' plus a whole bunch of special cabaret evenings, the return of 'Best Musical!' at Stage 773, and world premiere choreography by Ann Reinking!
 'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for January 23rd, 2013
January 23, 2013
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Two Lloyd Webber shows from our most important resident musical theater houses, two big shows from the 1950s in brief appearances, three special shows for Valentine's Day (from Cory Goodrich, Felicia Fields and CPaz), our two favorite showtune TV shows and more!
 BWW Reviews: Music Marches To The Fore In The Paramount's Postcard-Pretty THE MUSIC MAN
January 20, 2013
In the Paramount's production, directed and choregraphed by Rachel Rockwell, the show lives and breathes in the very music that a con man and flim-flam artist, "Professor Harold Hill," uses to sell band instruments, uniforms and instruction booklets to the parents of young boys he knows he cannot really teach. Music is everywhere,...
 'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for January 16th, 2013
January 16, 2013
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Our Awards Celebration, Hershey Felder returns, shows at The Music Theater Company, a Broadway star in 'The Music Man,' the Lincoln Squares, and music in the sketch comedy world, from '50 Shades' to the opera to Team StarKid at Second City! And more....
 'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for January 9th, 2013
January 9, 2013
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. The pre-Broadway 'Big Fish,' a 'Fela!' tour, some long-running shows extend, Theo Ubique lights up the winter, Glencoe's 'Sweet Charity' jazz club, 'Lady Day,' two 'Grand Night' revues and more!
 'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for January 2nd, 2013
January 2, 2013
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. This week: Our TOP TEN HOT TOPIX for the second half of 2012!!
 'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for December 26th, 2012
December 26, 2012
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. The BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards winners and 1/9/13 Celebration, 'Mormon' and 'Les Miz' reaction, 'Oliver!' opens, 'Lucy' extends, StarKid goes sketch, our unofficial Lloyd Webber festival and more!
 It's the BroadwayWorld Chicago Award Winners! KINKY BOOTS, Porter, REEFER MADNESS, PIAZZA, ICEMAN, Dennehy, SUNDAY, Danieley, Diane Lane, Team StarKid and more!
December 20, 2012
BroadwayWorld Chicago is proud today to announce the winners of the third annual BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards, the only comprehensive theater award in the Chicago area voted on by fans, and the only one to honor productions in both Equity and non-Equity categories simultaneously. And you, the fans, have spoken! Prominent local companies, famous names on a national level, and some new favorites on our theater scene are winners this year.
 'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for December 19th, 2012
December 19, 2012
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Three theatrical radio plays called 'It's A Wonderful Life,' two Second City touring companies, Gilbert and Sullivan in rep, the Rockettes, Karen Mason in town, holiday films we fancy, Congo Square's 'Nativity' and a special holiday thought....
 'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for December 12th, 2012
December 12, 2012
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. It's the no-Christmas-musicals edition of the Mosh Pit! The T-BOM has arrived, BWW Chicago Awards voting ends this Saturday, the Grammys, three new musicals in workshop, dueling TYA 'Cinderella' musicals and more!
 'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for December 5th, 2012
December 5, 2012
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Musicals starring The Grinch and Rudolph, four more musicals based on Dickens (including the indie film 'Scrooge And Marley'), 'The Nutcracker,' dueling musical improv troupes and more!
 BWW Reviews: THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER: A Holiday Tradition That Is About--Well, Tradition!
December 2, 2012
"The Christmas Schooner" has been performed in the Chicago area every year, except for one, since 1995. And yet, I know for a fact that new theatergoers are discovering it all the time. Hence, it's a good thing that the Mercury Theater on Southport Avenue has mounted this story--based on a real slice of Chicago history--for the second year, and has already announced it for next year as well. It's one of the most popular musicals across the country to originate in Chicago, and we are proud to call it our own.
 'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for November 28th, 2012
November 28, 2012
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. The 'Season Of Carols' concert, the 'Eastland' CD, short runs of 'Lucky Stiff' and 'They're Playing Our Song,' changes at Drury Lane and Circle, and a variety of alternative holiday performances!
 A CHRISTMAS CAROL at the Goodman Theatre: Classy Holiday Magic, Courtesy of Three Stars
November 27, 2012
One of the nation's most prominent of the many productions of "A Christmas Carol" that crop up like greenery this time of year is the one at Chicago's Goodman Theatre. Now in its 35th annual outing, it's a warm, thought-provoking and timeless tale of redemption and good will, humanity and universality that, surprisingly , shares with Jonathan Larson's "Rent" an immediate central theme. "No day but today" might very well be a line from Charles Dickens' short 1843 novel of the same name, as pithy and wise as the novel's, and this show's, ending line: "God bless us, everyone."
 PIPPIN: A Bollywood Spectacular? Why, yes. Yes, it is.
November 25, 2012
For consistency and boldness of artistic vision, or (more accurately) for auteur singularity of mind in application of a specific lens to the artistic work of another, one need look no further than to Oak Park, Illinois, and the Circle Theatre production of "Pippin," playing now through December 23, 2012 at the Madison Street Theatre.
 'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for November 21st, 2012
November 21, 2012
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Les Miz' mania, a local 'Annie,' and holiday musicals galore: 'Schooner,' 'Jonathan Toomey,' 'We Three Lizas,' 'Gifts Of The Magi,' three 'Christmas Carols' and more!
 “PLAID TIDINGS” in Munster: Holiday Nostalgia for All Things Plaid
November 20, 2012
The musical "Forever Plaid," created in 1990 by writer/director Stuart Ross and the late musical director/arranger James Raitt (cousin to John and Bonnie), was and is a perennially popular staple of regional theaters looking for a small-cast, upbeat and moving musical to satisfy audiences of a certain age (meaning my parents, and your grandparents).
 'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for November 14th, 2012
November 14, 2012
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Two national tours land here simultaneously, 'Pippin' goes to India, plus openings at Court Theatre, Marriott Theatre and Drury Lane Theatre, Theo Ubique goes rep again, and more, including the 'Mormon' cast!
 'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for November 7th, 2012
November 7, 2012
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. The BroadwayWorld Chicago Award nominees, three shows that are closing, 'The Burnt Part Boys' debuts, a second 'Fifty Shades' parody musical, 'Miami Nice,' Lyric Opera's 'Oklahoma!' and more....
 PIAZZA, REEFER MADNESS, SUNDAY and ICEMAN: 81 Shows in All Nominated for the 2012 BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards!
November 6, 2012
Today, BroadwayWorld.com is proud to announce the slate of nominees for the third annual BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards, the only fan-voted theater awards in the Chicagoland area! Expanded to thirty categories this year, the BCAs (or "Broadies") honor Chicago's theater productions and artists in both Equity and Non-Equity categories, including plays, musicals, revues, Theater for Young Audiences, touring shows and special theatrical events. Productions which opened between November 1, 2011 and October 31, 2012 were eligible for nomination. The BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards are the oldest and most popular of the several dozen regional BroadwayWorld Award competitions now being held in the U.S. And you can join the fun by voting for your favorites, and encouraging your friends to vote as the vote totals pile up!
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