Latest news with #Wetzel
Chicago Tribune
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Column: As it nears its one-year anniversary, Paramount's immersive ‘Million Dollar Quartet' still going strong
As a theater critic for Broadway World, Tina St. Angelo Wetzel has seen more than her share of thumbs-up productions in the Chicago area, which is why she rarely goes back to watch one a second time, 'even if I really like it.' Then again, there's never been an award-winning hit show at a venue unlike any other until Stolp Island Theatre's grand opening last summer in downtown Aurora. Which is why Wetzel has enjoyed 'Million Dollar Quartet' multiple times – 11 to be exact. 'It's like my once-a-month show. … I saw it twice in May,' she told me as the Paramount prepares to celebrate Thursday's one-year anniversary of the immersive 98-seat Stolp Island Theatre and its blockbuster musical about the impromptu jam session that took place on Dec. 4, 1956, at Sun Records in Memphis with Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. 'Everywhere I go I tell people to see it while they can,' said Wetzel. 'You can't beat the story itself … the music is incredible, of course, but the talent of this ensemble is amazing.' And watching this cast perform in such a unique and intimate setting makes this experience that much more special. Paramount Artistic Director Jim Corti is delighted but not necessarily surprised by Wetzel's level of fandom. He hears from many people who 'come back again and again' to see 'Million Dollar Quartet.' Yes, it's that good. Take it from a non-critic like me who has enjoyed this show three times, most recently with my sister from California, who has yet to stop talking about it (and the enjoyable time we spent in downtown Aurora before and after this performance). 'How can anyone not love it?' stated an Aurora woman matter-of-factly as my younger sibling gushed over what she'd just experienced following that Sunday evening show. It's a sentiment that's spreading, much by word of mouth. Which is why 'Million Dollar Quartet' has been extended through Jan. 4. 'I tell people to go before it's too late,' said Wetzel, who can easily be spotted in the audience wearing her signature keyboard scarf and a pair of good-looking blue suede shoes. Wetzel is an uber-fan all right. But so are plenty of others. According to Paramount statistics, of the 35,676 tickets issued as of two weeks ago, audience members hail from 574 different ZIP codes in 32 different states. And those who have seen it more than once include a whopping 1,444 households, Wetzel and I both agree the cast seems to be getting better, too. Rather than grow tired of doing the same show for so long – as can often be the case in theater, according to Corti – these singer/actors are even more energized, feeding off an affectionate familiarity with each other – as well as the audiences – that makes their performances that much more mesmerizing. 'They are honing their craft,' the director told me. Plus, 'this kind of music never gets old,' Corti said, noting the kick he got out of watching a kid around age 10 'mouthing the lyrics to every song' in the show. 'This kind of rock 'n roll is finding a new audience,' Corti said. 'Families are coming together to share it. It's generational. That's what is thrilling.' Speaking of new audiences, Corti also pointed out that because the music and the compelling true storyline make 'Million Dollar Quartet' so universally loved, it is 'drawing people into the theater for the first time,' which in turn is building subscribers for the Paramount. As director of 'Million Dollar Quartet,' Corti has, of course, seen the show even more than 11 times, including last weekend's emotional goodbye performance for two actors: Sam Pearson, who's been playing Sun Studio president (and show narrator) Sam Phillips; and Haley Jane Schafer, whose roles included Marion (the recording booth girl) and understudy for Elvis' girlfriend Dyanne. 'I've never seen a live show so exciting. There were fans who knew it was their last show and wanted to give them such a send-off,' Corti recalled, noting the unique connectivity shared by the audience and performers. 'There was electricity in the air, like nothing I've ever seen.' Wetzel also was in the audience – teary-eyed herself during that recent goodbye performance and noting lots of sniffles from those sitting around her as the 'cast was crying, trying to keep it together.' It's no surprise after so many shows that Wetzel, who plans to be in the audience again on Friday when the new Sam Phillips (Max Stewart) and Marion (Maeghan Looney) make their Stolp Island Theatre debut, is so familiar with the cast that's she's even been incorporated into the show in small ways. Which Wetzel, who does community theater herself, does not mind one bit. 'The running joke is that it took me 50 years to see 'Chorus Line' 15 times,' she said. 'When 'Million Dollar Quartet' ends on Jan. 4, that will be my 15th time.' If it ends. While there have been 'periodical' meetings about what would go into that unique specially-designed space once this show is done, 'nothing has yet to be determined,' said Corti. As long as people want to buy tickets, he added, the show will continue. Wetzel's advice: Go before it's too late because 'a fourth extension is seldom heard of,' and tickets are selling fast with 'people like me' going back again and again. 'It is not getting old,' Corti agreed. 'Million Dollar Quartet' seems to be 'taking on a life of its own,' he said. 'People keep returning and new people keep coming.'
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Yahoo
Man arrested after banging head on cruiser following domestic violence incident
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) arrested a man who allegedly damaged a patrol cruiser after a domestic violence disturbance. On Sunday, June 8, at around 10:19 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 7200 block of Rising Moon Drive, off Centennial Boulevard, in reference to an active domestic violence disturbance, where the suspect was threatening to shoot himself. Upon arrival, officers contacted the victim and learned the suspect was inside the home alone and the children were at a neighbor's house. After an investigation, probable cause was established for the suspect, 36-year-old Charlie Wetzel, who was still inside the home. During the original altercation, police say it was possible Wetzel cut his arm with a piece of glass and threatened to shoot himself. Officers set up containment on the home, and a CSPD K9 and an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) officer were called to assist. The UAV officer was able to locate the suspect in a bedroom and see that he was 'somewhat responsive.' A K9 officer then gave warnings to the suspect from the front door. The suspect exited the home and was taken into custody. While being escorted to a police car, he began to resist and bang his head on the side of the cruiser, causing damage. He was taken to the hospital, medically cleared, and booked into the Criminal Justice Center. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Yahoo
Jacksonville police release body-cam video from Easter Sunday officer-involved shooting
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office on Friday released officer-worn body camera video from a police shooting that happened Easter Sunday. It happened on Sandalwood Boulevard. JSO said Andreas Wetzel told his wife he wanted to end his life through suicide by getting police to kill him. After his family called 911, officers arrived. Wetzel was outside with a gun, refusing to comply with officers' commands, JSO said. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Wetzel then fired his gun and that's when the officers returned fire, hitting him once. The body camera video shows the reactions from officers after Wetzel was shot. JSO posted the video on its YouTube page. You can watch it below. Warning: Viewer discretion is advised. Wetzel survived the shooting and has been charged with four counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer. The State Attorney's Office is investigating the shooting. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Koe Wetzel Says Coachella Was 'Crazy,' Promises 'An Hour Of Chaos' At Stagecoach
Country-rocker is still riding high from his explosive debut, and he's already promising fans even more chaos at Stagecoach. Wetzel joined rising star Jessie Murph on stage at Coachella for a surprise performance of their hit duet 'High Road,' sending the crowd into a frenzy. The appearance marked Koe Wetzel's first time at the iconic festival, and from the sound of it, it won't be his last. Murph had an impressive lineup of music, including her hits "Cowboys and Angels," "Gucci Mane," Wild Ones," "How Could You," "It Ain't Right," and more, but the surprise was when she brought out Wetzel to sing their hit song, "High Road," live. 'Coachella was great! It was my first time out there," Wetzel said during a press conference at Raising Cane's when The Blast asked about his time at the popular festival. "I played 'High Road' with Jessie. The vibes were great and it was crazy. We enjoyed every minute." Funny enough, Graves was also at Coachella the same day and they had no idea they were both there! 'You were there?' Graves asked Wetzel. 'Weekend one? What day did you perform?' Wetzel clarified he took the stage on Sunday, to which Graves said, 'How did I not know you were there?! That's wild.' In addition to Coachella, the crowd at Stagecoach better brace themselves because Wetzel said, "I'm excited about Stagecoach, too. It's gonna be an hour of chaos!' Wetzel also reflected on how country music is evolving and embracing new sounds. 'Country music is such a big genre now with so many people like Hardy, Morgan [Wallen], Post [Malone], Zach Top, and many others, and it's great because we're hearing all angles and styles of music,' said Wetzel. 'It's a cool time for country music and music in general.' The collaboration between Wetzel and Murph has already proven to be a career-defining move. 'High Road' became the pair's first No. 1 single at country radio last year, despite some initial fan pushback when the duet version was released after Wetzel first teased it as a solo track. Still, the numbers don't lie. The song topped the charts for several weeks, and Wetzel stood by the decision to release it as a duet. He's even credited Jessie Murph for elevating the track: fans, it seems, eventually agreed. Koe and Jessie's Coachella moment only solidified the song's success, and with Stagecoach just around the corner, Wetzel is ready to raise even more hell. Elsewhere in the press conference, Koe Wetzel discussed his recent collaboration with his longtime friend, Raising Cane's founder Todd Graves, to enter the fast-food world with a healthy dose of humor and mischief. 'Todd and I share a love for the outdoors and many common interests. We like to get out there and have a good time and have some great memories together,' the country music star said of his friendship with the Raising Cane's CEO. 'Todd is a great guy and does so much for so many people, so we get along well. I'm very happy to be part of the Raising Cane's family.' 'I've always been a big fan of Koe's music and love that he hasn't changed his style over the years. He continues to do it his way and is highly respected in the country music community and throughout Nashville by artists of all sizes,' Graves said of the country music singer. 'Koe and I first got together when I invited him to the Cane's suite for Super Bowl LVI at SoFi and we had a great time." Graves continued, "He's a genuine person who has determination, passion and a vision for his music, and that's one of the things I love most about him. I get inspired by people who are out there doing things and chasing their dreams and Koe and I have that in common and so much more.' Then came the difficult question: 'Who would last longer if Todd and Koe switched jobs for a day?" "That's a toss-up!' Wetzel said with a laugh. 'But the first thing I would do as a crewmember is rename the Caniac Combo to the Koeniac Combo for February 28.'
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Yahoo
Man hospitalized after being shot by Jacksonville police in East Arlington
A man remained in the hospital Monday morning after being shot by a Jacksonville police officer in the Sandalwood area. Police were called at about 11 p.m. Sunday for an armed suicide attempt, police said. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Officers arrived at the home near St. Johns Bluff and Atlantic Boulevard to find 51-year-old Andreas Wetzel. He told officers he was depressed about ongoing relationship issues and had been drinking wine, according to Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. Wetzel fired shots from his pistol, 'to blow off steam,' according to JSO. Wetzel did not comply with officers' commands to drop the weapon and fired on the officers who returned fire striking Wetzel in the upper body, according to JSO. No officers were injured and Wetzel's condition is critical but stable, police said. Wetzel is facing possible charges of aggravated assault and attempted murder, police said. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
