Chicago Live! makes triumphant return to GSU

     For the second year in a row, Chicago Live! enthralled the audience at Governors State University's Center for Performing Arts. The show, which brings the Chicago Tribune to life, featured a delightful mixed of comedy, music, and interviews with a variety of guests.

   Hosted by Rick Kogan, Chicago Live featured interviews with Kathy O'Malley and Judy Markey of the popular Kathy and Judy show, which airs Saturday mornings on WGN Radio 720-AM; George Papajohn, Watchdog Editor for the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Tribune Watchdog Reporter Heather Gillers; and Charles Lotten, a world-renowned glass maker and honorary GSU graduate.

     One of the highlights of the evening came before Chicago Live! took to the stage. A custom-made glass chandelier, created by and donated to GSU by Lotten, was ceremoniously lit for the first time during a pre-show reception held to benefit the GSU Promise scholarship. The reception was held in the lobby of the Center for Performing Arts, which is where students and interested art enthusiasts can find the glass chandelier.

     The evening also featured an interview with Brian Holden and Nick Lang of Team Starkid, a musical theatre company known for A Very Potter Musical, Holy Musical B@man, and Twisted, musical parodies of the Harry Potter franchise, Batman, and Disney's Aladdin. Team Starkid has built a large following by posting videos of their shows on Youtube. Team Starkid also performed a cheeky musical number from Twisted, in which Aladdin attempted to disrobe Princess Jasmine through subliminal messages.

     Chicago Live! also featured music by The Otis Clay review, as well as comedy by The Second City, Chicago's world famous comedy troupe. The Second City performers, who also performed at last year's Chicago Live! event, once again stole the show with their hilarious comedy skits.

     Chicago Live! was performed at GSU's Center for Performing Arts on November 14, and aired on WGN Radio November 16 at 11pm.