Backstage Chicago with Lisa Fielding
Join WBBM’s Lisa Fielding for Backstage Chicago. Lisa takes you behind the curtain with entertainment insiders. She’ll get a first look at pre-Broadway rehearsals, explore the latest art exhibitions, talk to the artists and creators who are finally back to work, and experience Chicago’s long-awaited return to live, in-person performances. Listen to new episodes every Thursday.
Tue, January 17, 2023
Punk Rock Paleontologist at the Field Museum
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.
Tue, December 13, 2022
Cue to Choir: Uniting Voices of Chicago
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
Tue, November 15, 2022
From Ukraine to Cabaret Zazou
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
Tue, October 18, 2022
Chicago Is A Film City
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
Thu, May 12, 2022
Lyric Opera: The woman behind the curtain
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.
Thu, April 28, 2022
Cabaret Week: An Exploration of Chicago's Cabaret Scene
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.
Thu, April 14, 2022
The Otherworld Theater: A Sci-Fi Production Company
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.
Thu, April 07, 2022
Show Me How You Burlesque!
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.
Thu, March 24, 2022
Ravinia Music Festival: A Summer Staple
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!
Thu, March 17, 2022
World Comedy Expo: It's Time to Laugh
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
Thu, February 24, 2022
3Arts: Witnessing the Spectrum of Humanity
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!
Thu, February 17, 2022
Chicago a cappella: Coming Out of the Dark
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.
Thu, February 03, 2022
Chicago Tap Theatre: Tap's Golden Moment
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!
Thu, January 27, 2022
Chicago Symphony Orchestra: 131 Years of Music
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
Thu, January 20, 2022
Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival: Bringing Art to Life through Puppetry
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.
Thu, January 13, 2022
Illinois Rock & Roll Museum: Building the Road to Rock on Route 66
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.
Thu, January 06, 2022
Teatro ZinZanni: An International Ensemble
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.
Thu, December 30, 2021
Magician Dennis Watkins: A decade in the historic Palmer House
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.
Thu, December 23, 2021
Behind the Scenes with Disney's Frozen: The Musical
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.
Thu, December 16, 2021
Black Ensemble Theater: A Village of Artists
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.
Thu, December 09, 2021
Joe Mantegna reveals Criminal Minds reboot is "getting close."
Chicago actor and icon Joe Mantegna was a guest on the inaugural episode of the Backstage Chicago Podcast, and revealed that a reboot of the smash crime series 'Criminal Minds,' which aired on CBS for 15 seasons, was "getting close." The reboot would air on the Paramount+ streaming service. Mantegna said more would be known in the new year, but things were "moving in that direction." Listen to the full interview with Mantegna, actor Ronnie Marmo, and Newsradio WBBM's Lisa Fielding on 'Backstage Chicago.' https://omny.fm/shows/backstage-chicago-with-lisa-fielding/joe-mantegna-ronnie-marmo-lessons-we-still-need-to
Thu, December 09, 2021
Joe Mantegna & Ronnie Marmo: Lessons we still need to learn from Lenny Bruce
This week on Backstage Chicago, Lisa Fielding sits down with Ronnie Marmo and Chicago's own Joe Mantegna to discuss their one-man show "I'm Not A Comedian...I'm Lenny Bruce." Director Joe Mantegna talks about the Chicago theater scene and Ronnie Marmo highlights Lenny Bruce's legacy. Coming up next week, we take a trip to the iconic Black Ensemble Theater.
Fri, December 03, 2021
What's to come on Backstage Chicago
Lisa Fielding takes us on a journey through the arts in new podcast Backstage Chicago. Here's a sneak peek of what's to come and some very special guests you will see in the inaugural episode. Be sure to subscribe on the Audacy app, Apple podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Episodes drop every Thursday starting December 9.
Mon, November 08, 2021
Backstage Chicago with Lisa Fielding Coming Soon
Backstage Chicago with Lisa Fielding takes you behind the curtain with entertainment insiders. Lisa will get a first look at pre-Broadway rehearsals, explore the latest art exhibitions, talk to the artists and creators who are finally back to work, and experience Chicago’s long-awaited return to live, in-person performances. A Newsradio WBBM Podcast, Powered by Audacy.
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