On this week’s episode of radio show and podcast It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee the featured guest will be Tony Calzaretta. Based out of the Northwest Chicago suburbs, Tony recently starred in the smash hit Xanadu at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights.
Tony has been a favorite of Chicago audiences for years. He was a touted regular at Pheasant Run Dinner Theatre in St. Charles, IL in the 1990s. Over the ensuing years he has achieved an impressive resume as a musical theater actor, director, and choreographer.
Our half-hour interview covers Tony’s background in theater, including the influences his parents had on getting him involved in the arts at a young age. After appearing as a newsboy in the musical Gypsy as a child, Tony was hooked. This led to decades of steady stage work.
During our interview, Tony also paints a verbal picture of his approach to theater that I know listeners are going to be excited to hear. As an indication of his talent, just look at his resume.
Tony has appeared in such musicals as Guys and Dolls, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Brigadoon, Forever Plaid, Dracula: The Musical, The Pajama Game, Kiss Me Kate, and 42nd Street. He has also worked extensively as a director and choreographer.
He’s very talented, very smart, and a remarkably great guy. He is a true asset to the Chicago theater community.
In addition, Tony is an accomplished attorney by day, as well as a member of the board of directors for Metropolis Performing Arts Centre. I have been particularly impressed with the recent jump in production quality at Metropolis.
I’ve been rooting for Metropolis for years, and they have grown in really positive ways. There last few shows have demonstrated a whole new level of quality. Metropolis has a lot coming up that audiences are going to be excited about.
You can listen to It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee every Friday at 3 PM CST on the radio at 101.5 FM out of Chicago’s Huntley community. Those outside the immediate broadcast area can stream the station in real time at www.HuntleyRadio.com.
Remember that It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee is now available as a podcast on all major platforms. You can listen to current or past episodes anytime you want on Spotify and all other apps. Make sure to add It’ Showtime with Rikki Lee to your regular listening schedule.
If you can’t wait, you can jump directly to Tony’s Interview. It’s a fun-filled and informative half-hour that will give you great insight into one of the area’s favorite performers.
Guys and Dolls photo by Sara Shifflet Photography
Plaid Tiding and Ordinary Days photos courtesy of Steel Beam Theatre
