By Cali Lando Brown
One of the things that makes Chicago one of the best theatre towns in the world, is the diversity of the types and styles of theatrical entertainment available.
Chicago is also a hotbed of theatrical creativity. The number of new works that premiere in Chicago and go on to worldwide popularity is extensive and impressive.
There are also a plethora of homegrown hits that become the talk of the town and run in Chicago for years.
The Annoyance Theatre has a history of creating iconic comedic gems that audiences can’t enough of. Over the years the company has been home to such long-running hits as “Co-Ed Prison Sluts”, “Shark Tank the Musical”, and “The Real Live Brady Bunch”.
On a new episode of the entertainment-news podcast, “It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee”, host Rikki Lee Travolta talks with Chris Dritsas, Andrew Freeland, and Zach Hacker from the latest bigt hit at The Annoyance. All three are members of the cast, and Dritsas and Hacker are co-writers of the script. John Love wrote the music.
“Little Orphan Boy” is a parody of all ‘orphans alone in the world making good’ stories such as “Annie”, “Oliver”, and “James and the Giant Peach”. The over-the-top musical features memorable wacky and infectious songs, outrageous characters, and a blockbuster singing and dancing cast.
“It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee” began as a local market radio program that over time grew to national fame. This eventually prompted a move to the podcast market.
The program features guests from Broadway, Hollywood, and the recording industry intermixed with the names involved with the most interesting things going on in Chicago theatre and entertainment. But part of the show’s charm is that the program will also spotlight up-and-coming artists and those looking for their break.
“Everyone has a story to tell both big stars and the person down the street. If I succeed in helping them tell it right, it’s going to be interesting to people no matter who they are,” says Travolta.
He adds to that. “If people are talented, have put in the work, and bring a positive energy, they should get a chance.”
You never know what will happen. Some of the local guests have gone on to significant fame.
“Little Orphan Boy” has already become a hit. It is on the cusp of becoming a huge hit.
You can help make that happen by attending now.
The new episode of “It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee” that features some of the key people from “Little Orphan Boy” is now available on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts:
You can go directly to; https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rikkileetravolta
“Little Orphan Boy” plays at The Annoyance Theatre in Chicago every Saturday through May 25, 2024. For tickets visit www.TheAnnoyance.com.
