Broadway in Chicago presented its annual preview of the upcoming season at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park on a rainy Aug. 15.
Cast members from shows such as Finding Neverland and Stomp were on hand to show the crowds a taste of what was to come this year and next. Disney's Aladdin brought out the flamboyant genie, played by Major Attaway. Travis Taylor impressed many with his rendition of "The Music of the Night," from Phantom of the Opera.
Numbers from Tony winners like Finding Neverland and Fun House looked and sounded promising. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical returns this December for more chart topping tunes and a new cast. Rebecca Lachance sang songs from it such as "I Feel the Earth Move" and encouraged fans to sing along.
Stephen Trask, who wrote the music and lyrics for Hedwig and the Angry Inch, played acoustic rock with heart and soul.
Something Rotten! used a local group of singers for a choir and brought the comedy to the evening.
There was no preview for the smash hit Hamilton; however, Lin-Manuel Miranda did a short video talking about bringing the show to Chicago.
Diva Deborah Cox was saved until the end of the program to sing Whitney Houston songs to promote The Bodyguard Musical, based on the hit film. "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" had many people rising to their feet to dance.
VisitBroadwayInChicago.com for ticket information on these shows today.
Photos and text by Jerry Nunn