William graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a BFA in Stage Direction. Most recently, he staged The Brown Paper Box Co.'s actor-musician revival of Godspell. He also directed the world premiere of To Tree at the Heartland Studio, Reefer Madness! The Musical at the Viaduct Theater in 2010, and its subsequent 4/20 mountings in 2011 at Studio BE and 2012 at Stage 773. Past directing and assistant directing credits include And Then They Came For Me: Remembering the World of Anne Frank, Pippin, Nine, The Last 5 Years, and performing in Leonard Bernstein's Mass. Since graduating, William was an artistic associate with The Orchard Project's 2007 session in Hunter, NY, a production assistant for 2008's The 24-Hour Musicals at Joe's Pub, and the business management assistant at the Williamstown Theatre Festival in 2011. He currently resides in Edgewater and can be found on Twitter @mwilliampanek.
 BWW Interviews: Mitchell Jarvis of 4 a.m. Productions' IT COULD BE WORSE
April 7, 2013
It's the Q&A you've been waiting for about the 'dark comedy you've been waiting for.'
 Photo Coverage: Third Annual BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards at The Call
January 12, 2013
BroadwayWorld Chicago invited all winners, nominees, past winners and nominees, theater folk, superfans, board members and everyone else to the third annual BroadwayWorld Awards Celebration on January 9, 2013 at The Call nightclub in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood. BroadwayWorld's Paul W. Thompson and The Call's Ashley Morgan once again co-hosted the event, with showtune videos presented by VJ Michael Hogan in between categories.
 BWW Reviews: MY ONE AND ONLY Tappa Taps Through the Schmaltz at the Marriott
December 3, 2012
There's something so utterly intoxicating about a skilled tap dancer decked out in a spiffy tuxedo - top hat, tails, and all - commanding the audience's attention for a brilliantly exhausting routine. There's something even more so invigorating when a cast-full of local performers nail their respective, and original, routines. Many kudos are in order for Tammy Mader and her cast for their ability to bring such energy and skill to a dangerously saccharine show like My One and Only, currently running at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire.
 'The Original Grease:' No Longer Just the Danny & Sandy Show
May 4, 2011
For anyone who's ever lived in Chicago, has a fond spot in their heart for any incarnation of 'Grease,' or eaten a Whoopercheesie, American Theater Company's 'The Original Grease' is the show to see this summer.
 Cirque Éloize 'iD' a Chicago? C'est Tres Bon!
April 27, 2011
With Robert Massicotte and Alexis Laurence's eye-popping 3D video projection design bringing Massicotte's blank urban landscape design to life, the urban dances and circus acts in 'iD' are resoundingly funky, fresh, and beautifully mesmerizing.
 Reminder: Tony Winner Alice Ripley is Answering YOUR Questions
April 1, 2011
In anticipation of 'Next to Normal's' upcoming Chicago stint (as well as her Chicago concert debut!), Alice Ripley is taking YOUR questions, BroadwayWorld.com readers.
 Alice Ripley is Taking YOUR Questions
March 28, 2011
In anticipation of 'Next to Normal's' upcoming Chicago stint (as well as her Chicago concert debut!), Tony Award winner Alice Ripley is taking YOUR questions, BroadwayWorld.com readers.
 Liz Callaway Q and A: Chicago, Sondheim, iPhones, & More
February 7, 2011
Liz Callaway and I chatted about her career, Chicago, da Bears, barking technology, & a love for all things Stephen Sondheim and William Finn.
 Video Footage: Parton Visits '9 to 5' National Tour
January 22, 2011
Here's a video package featuring Dolly Parton's arrival at the Bank of America Theatre, as well as her pre- and post '9 to 5' curtain call speeches. Plus Dee Hoty & cast presenting her butterfly-donned birthday cake.
 '9 to 5' National Tour: A Well-Earned 7
January 21, 2011
'9 to 5' is a campy evening of harmless fun and 15 original toe-tapping ditties supplied by Miss Parton herself. It's nowhere near a perfect show, but for a strong dose of women power, this tour is a sure bet.
 'Boobs and Goombas:' Burlesque for the Digital Age
January 16, 2011
In all, the detailed attention to all the Mario Bros. incarnations is what makes 'Boobs and Goombas' such a hoot. It isn't a highbrow or heady evening. It's a fun, video game throwback burlesque parody ... and how many of those can you say you've been to?
 Liz Callaway is Taking YOUR Questions!
January 15, 2011
 Save $ome Dough: A Handful of Chicago Rush Policies
January 8, 2011
While not every theatre in Chicago offers Student, General, or other Rush programs, a good handful offer tickets at a severely discounted rate to patrons who don't mind waiting until the day of performance.
 Entire Cast Keeps '...VIRGINIA WOOLF?' Feeling Brand New
December 18, 2010
Amy Morton is neither bawdy or large in Edward Albee's 'WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?,' but I'll go out on a limb in saying she delivers the most reinvented interpretation of a classic character Chicago has ever seen.
 Travel Article: Chicagoan in NYC for the Weekend
December 16, 2010
This Chicagoan goes to New York over a winter's weekend to check out 'The Radio City Christmas Spectacular,' 'American Idiot,' 'The Phantom of the Opera,' and first preview of 'Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.'
 Writers' Stages a Stunning 'STREETCAR'
July 24, 2010
Cromer's production of Tennessee Williams' Pulitzer Prize winning 'A Streetcar Named Desire' -now in its third and final extension at Writers' Theatre- is nothing short of spectacular. Catch this train while you still can.
 Uniquely Original 'PARALLELOGRAM' at Steppenwolf
July 14, 2010
Steppenwolf's 'A Parallelogram' is a wonderfully-acted, well-designed, and smartly-written escape from the reality show marathons we've TiVo'd.
 Footage of 'FUERZA BRUTA' in Chicago
June 23, 2010
Here's a video of the Tuesday, June 22, 2010's performance of Chicago's 'Fuerza Bruta' at the amazingly transformed historic Auditorium Theatre.
 Chicago's BWWers Predict 2010 Tony Awards
June 12, 2010
With such a strong Chicago showing, Paul Thompson, Trish Vignola, and I thought we'd throw in our 2 cents and predict this year's big 2010 Tony Award winners.
 Chicago's BWWers Predict '09/'10 Non-Eq Jeff Awards
June 5, 2010
Paul, Trish, and I thought we'd toss in another 2 cents on who we think are going to take home Chicago's top non-Equity theatre honors.
 'FUERZA BRUTA:' A Theatrical Rave
May 26, 2010
Without getting into the nitty gritties, you've never seen the Auditorium Theatre like this before. All you need to know is 'FUERZA BRUTA' is an interactive theatrical experience, the likes of which are few and far between here in Chicago.
Chicago's BWWers Predict '09/'10 Non-Eq Jeff Awards
May 22, 2010
Paul, Trish, and I thought we'd toss in another 2 cents on who we think are going to take home Chicago's top non-Equity theatre honors.
Chicago's BWWers Predict 2010 Tony Awards
May 15, 2010
With such a strong Chicago showing, Paul Thompson, Trish Vignola, and I thought we'd throw in our 2 cents and predict this year's big 2010 Tony Award winners.
 BWW.com Chicago is Looking for a New Contributor
April 22, 2010
 Redtwist's 'PILLOWMAN' Embodies Everything Good Theatre Should Be
April 18, 2010
While its strong language and sometimes disturbing subject matter may not be for everyone, I cannot recommend this production enough. It's raw, it's edgy, and its sentiment towards the responsibility of art makes 'The Pillowman' an enthralling watch.
 Small Space, 'EPIC' Laughs for Project 891
March 16, 2010
While there's nothing ultimately life-changing about the Hollywood spoof, 'EPIC PROPORTIONS,' Project 891 has assembled a hard-working and joke-selling troupe of performers who nail their occasionally generic material.
BWW.com Chicago is Looking for a New Contributor
March 11, 2010
 'THE TWINS WOULD LIKE TO SAY' a Refreshing Theatrical Promenade
March 10, 2010
To say Dog & Pony's 'THE TWINS WOULD LIKE TO SAY' is a theatrically refreshing 60 minutes would be an understatement. Playwrights Seth Bockley and Devon de Mayo have chosen an intriguing tale to bring to Steppenwolf's Garage Rep: a pair of twins who made a pact not to speak to anyone beside the other and to do daily activities in entirely in unison.
 Patterless LuPone & Patinkin Still Wow 'em
March 3, 2010
With the help of the likes of Rodgers & Hammerstein, Sondheim, Harburg, and Kander & Ebb, 'An Evening with Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin' is a master class in staying on the top of one's game...no matter the set list omission.
 '101 DALMATIANS:' Sit. Stay. Smile.
February 21, 2010
'101 DALMATIANS' not baby enough to be considered children's theatre, nor polished or bulky enough to be a typical flashy Loop arrival, but BT McNicholl and Dennis DeYoung's show is a perfect family outing.
 Age Cannot Wither Her: 'MAMMA MIA!' Tour's Still Got It
January 20, 2010
The National Tour of 'MAMMA MIA!' is full of saucy Spandex'd fluff, achy back gags, and boob-grabbing, but what more could one ask for on a musical trip down memory lane?
 Travel Article: Thoughts on Cirque in Chicago & Abound
January 8, 2010
Soon after 'BANANA SHPEEL's' opening in early December, I hopped 'cross country to experience the kind of flashy, solidified, Vegassy spectacle Cirque du Soleil has to offer with their 'KA.'
 Fain Commands 'SANTALAND DIARIES' With Elven Charm & Smarm
January 2, 2010
Theater Wit's 'THE SANTALAND DIARIES' is an alternative gin-fuel yuletide holiday monologue for anyone who's over the manufactured 'joy' of the season and into an ol' fashioned adult-aimed evening of comic storytelling.
 'THE ADDAMS FAMILY' Has a Kooky Feel & Fresh Broadway Look
December 10, 2009
From now until January 10, 2010, The Ford Center for the Performing Arts/Oriental Theatre hosts a near-perfect pre-Broadway premiere of 'THE ADDAMS FAMILY.'
 Clowning Around Doesn't (entirely) Slip Up Cirque's 'BANANA SHPEEL'
December 5, 2009
'BANANA SHPEEL's' script is wonky and often unfunny, but for an evening of phenomenal dance numbers, thrilling acrobatics, and electrifying big-band-esque music, 'SHPEEL' is worth a looksee.
Fain Commands 'SANTALAND DIARIES' With Elven Charm & Smarm
November 29, 2009
Theater Wit's 'THE SANTALAND DIARIES' is an alternative gin-fuel yuletide holiday monologue for anyone who's over the manufactured 'joy' of the season and into an ol' fashioned adult-aimed evening of comic storytelling.
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Neil Patrick Harris to Star in HEDWIG on Bway in Spring 2014!
INTO THE WOODS Film to Hit Theaters Christmas Day 2014!
Bullock in Talks to Play 'Miss Hannigan' in ANNIE Film
NBC Reveals SMASH For Your Consideration Emmy Bids
MISS SAIGON Revival to Open in London in 2014
Netflix Orders Second Season of Gothic Thriller HEMLOCK GROVE
Shailene Woodley Cut from AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2; Marc Webb to Recast Mary Jane?
Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana Sentenced to 20 Months in Prison for Tax Evasion
BWW CD Reviews: Andrea McArdle's 70'S AND SUNNY - LIVE AT 54 BELOW is a Fabulous Throwback to the 70s
That's a Lot of iPads - Apple Awarded $30 Million iPad Deal From LA Unified School District
STAGE TUBE: First Look at Highlights of BECOMING TRAVIATA Starring Natalie Dessay
BWW Blog: Claire van Bever - The Auditions Tips You HAVEN'T Heard
STAGE TUBE: Russell Brand Takes Over at MORNING JOE