You may think you know Chicago if you saw the 2002 film of the same name. However, Rob Marshall’s film adaptation (starring Renée Zellweger, Richard Gere, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Queen Latifah) is really quite different from the live theatrical musical. In fact, some reviewers of the film complained that the movie felt “streamlined”, since it jettisoned some of the most popular songs of the stage play.

Chicago first debuted in 1975 and was directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse of Cabaret fame. Since Bob Fosse died in 1987, and since the original Chicago production only lasted three years, this was an iconic story that deserved a reimagining for the 1990s and beyond. Enter Ann Reinking, Fosse’s protégé, who helped re-imagine the source material for an exciting and bawdy new era. Reinking not only choreographed the musical (in the style of Fosse), but also returned to the stage as Roxie Hart 20 years after first taking the role in the original production.

Fosse regular Joel Grey and Bebe Neuwirth (Cheers) starred as Amos Hart and Velma Kelly respectively, earning kudos for their performances. The new production of Chicago was a hit, and is now celebrating its 15th year of “jazz and liquor.” Not only is the show touring around the U.S., but it is also touring in the United Kingdom. Some of the most interesting celebrity names have popped up to play Chicago characters, including David Hasselhoff, Jerry Springer, Brooke Shields, Ashlee Simpson and Michelle Williams.

It’s easy to see why Chicago so effortlessly adapted from 1970s culture to the new era. It is a musical that is cynical and subversive at heart, even as the songs are catchy and emotive. Every new production can build upon Chicago’s broadly satirical foundation; hence, the original 1970s commentary on injustice easily becomes a 2011 commentary on celebrity worship.

The latest cast for this Tony-award winning musical includes Beth Hansen as Matron Mama Morton, Gretchen Dawson as Roxie Hart, Tim Klaga as Amos and Nicole Cassesso as Velma Kelly. Nearly 6,000 performances after the new production started, Chicago is still one of the most popular and critically acclaimed musicals on tour.

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Until very recently, the character of Spiderman in the upcoming musical Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark  was not supposed to sing at all. Developments of late, however, suggest that there may be some last minute changes to the score, the scenes, and the musical play altogether. Reeve Carney, lead singer of the rock band Carney, has been cast as the webbed crusader, and this has begun a bit of speculation as to the future of the show. Hiring a professional singer to play the role of a non-musical character doesn’t seem to make too much sense. We do love surprise and intrigue, though, so this is most likely one of those good last minute changes.

As the Green Goblin, Alan Cumming has cast and appears to be looking forward to revitalizing yet another Marvel piece. The live stage is far different from the world of films, but this doesn’t seem to phase the seasoned action star, who is set to begin preproduction and rehearsals with the rest of the crew very shortly. Back in August of 2009, a few delays held up the planning and the actually launching of the endeavor, the casting elements undoubtedly having something to do with this.

Miss Mary Jane Watson will be played on the live stage by Evan Rachel Wood, a knock out actress with very little action or stage experience under her petite little belt. What she does have, however, are loads of presence, appeal, beauty, and talent, all of which producers hope will help us to fall in love with our beloved Spiderman’s girl. Then musical revival of Spiderman is set to hit the stage in 2010, and StubPass.com will keep you posted on all developments and news regarding this highly anticipated event.

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This classic tale was first published as a book, then was animated in 1961, and soon became one of the most beloved dog-advocate stories of this century. The Dalmatian was originally bred over three centuries ago as a fearless, tireless, and ever loyal canine member of fire, police, and militia groups who needed accompaniment through turmoil and social unrest.

As the years sped past and the world begun to realize that fires could actually be extinguished by hauling water to the spot of the smoke, the Dalmatian became just the rescue and alarm dog that the world needed. Ms Cruella, however, developed different ideas for the striking, telltale coat of this faithful service dog, according to Dodie Smith, and begun stealing them in order to make stylish rugs and coats. We despised Cruella some 48 years ago as an animated tyrant, and Ms. Rachel York is really working hard to ensure that we despise her just as much for the next 40.

The stage production of 101 Dalmatians the Musical is set to kick off during mid October in Minneapolis, we are given the fourth take on this beloved tale by Tony award winning writer and director Jerry Zaks. In this stage performance, humans will be cast as the main Dalmatian characters, while rescued Dalmatians of the canine variety are offered walk on and fill in roles as part of the show.

This dog’s-eye-view of 101 Dalmatians has got the country buzzing with excitement, and all signs point to immediate and astounding success. We may even be able to prompt a few more venues, if all goes well. For 101 Dalmatians tickets, secure purchases, and up to date information and scheduling quotes on the show, please feel free to visit StubPass.com