Cannon's Cavalcade

Happy New Year!

Drury Lane Theater brings Gypsy Jan. 19–March 25. Music by Jule Styne; lyrics by Stephen Soundheim; and directed by William Usetek, this astounding Broadway hit is the story of Rose and her two daughters, June and Louise, through their tribulations while trying to make it big in Vaudeville. It is based on the memories of Gypsy Rose Lee, and is considered by many critics to be the greatest American musical ever written. Winner of three Tony Awards, Gypsy is the story of Enjoy "Let Me Entertain You," "Everything's Coming up Roses" and much more. Call 630-530-0111 or visit drurylaneoakbrook.com.

The Marriott Theater kicks off its 2012 season with Legally Blonde Jan. 25–April 1. The hilarious MGM film is now a hit musical. When college sweetheart and sorority queen, Elle Woods, gets dumped by her boyfriend she is determined to get him back. So, she grabs her Chihuahua, puts down her credit cards, hits the books and sets out to join him at Harvard Law School. Don't miss this feel-good musical. Call now for tickets 847-634-0200 or visit marriotttheater.com.

Paramount Theater in Aurora brings you the Broadway Series, kicking off with A Chorus Line Jan. 19–Feb. 5. Exhilarating! Seventeen dancers yearn for a coveted spot on the line. Celebrate their individual stories of hope, sacrifice, soul-searching and dreams. Written by famed composer Marvin Hamlisch, this show offers up big dance numbers, emotionally charged vocals, laughter and pathos. No wonder A Chorus Line is the longest running American musical ever produced, boasting nine Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Call 630-896-6666 or visit paramountaurora.com.

Sat., Jan. 14, 8 p.m., Paramount will offer a one-day show: Poi Dog Pondering, known as The Little Big Band with the strong back and supple/stubborn heart. Coming Fri., Feb. 10, at 8 p.m., is another one-day show: Celtic Fire. The dancers take the stage with brilliant flashes of speed and exuberance.

Fox Valley Repertory Live Theater at Pheasant Run, St. Charles, IL, presents Moonlight Magnolias, Jan. 19–March 11. It's the behindthe- scenes glimpse of Gone With The Wind seen through the eyes of comical and desperate creators in 1939 Hollywood. New York Daily News—"Frankly my dear, this is one funny play; a rip-roaring farce with witty, pointed dialogue and hilarious situations." Call 630-524-5071 or visit foxvalleyrep.org. Fox Valley Repertory Theater also has live music. On Jan. 13 and 14, enjoy American English, a Beatles Tribute band.

Broadway in Chicago brings Come Fly Away Jan. 10–22 to the Bank of America theater. Come Fly Away is a new Broadway musical that brings together the legendary music of Frank Sinatra and the creative vision of Tony Award winner Twyla Tharp. Enjoy Frank Sinatra classics including "Fly Me to The Moon," "New York, New York" and "My Way." Call 312-977-1717 or visit broadwayinchicago.com for reservations.

Theatre at the Center Munster, Indiana opens its 2012 season with Always Patsy Cline Feb. 23–April 1. Always Patsy Cline is based on the true story of Patsy Cline's friendship with Houston housewife Louise Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in 1961 and continued correspondences with Cline the rest of her life. The show includes unforgettable songs such as "Crazy," "I Fall to Pieces," "Sweet Dreams" and "Walking After Midnight." Call 219-836-3255 or visit theatreatthecenter.com—it's fabulous.

Gigi Cannon for C.C.