As an actor, singer, dancer, producer, direct, playwright, composer, lyricist and librettist, George M. Cohan truly was The Man Who Owns Broadway — the title of one of his numerous musicals. The subject of the film "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and the musical George M!, the impresario is once again the focus of a stagework, Uncle Broadway. The new musical will have its world premiere at Chicago's Royal George Theatre March 1-May 26. The official run will open March 10.

Featuring over 20 musical numbers including songs from the legendary master himself, Uncle Broadway is set in Times Square on July 4, 2002. A tour guide and her son encounter the reincarnation of Cohan — now Georgie — who is experiencing a new kind of Broadway filled with MTV, the WWF, the Virgin Megastore and digital tickertapes.

Uncle Broadway was created by Richard Ericson (co-writer), Bruce Coyle (composer), Judith Swift (co-writer/ lyricist) and Paul Grellong (co-writer/ lyricist). Ericson helms the production that features a Chicago-based cast that includes Alene Robertson, Bernie Yvon, Chris Herzberger, David Girolmo and Jamie Baron.

The creative team includes Shawn Stengel (musical director), John Dietrich (choreographer), Kevin Snow (sets), John Ambrosone (lights), and Jane Stein (costumes).

For tickets to Uncle Broadway, call (312) 988-9000 or visit the Royal George Theatre box office at 1641 N. Halsted Street in Chicago, IL. — by Ernio Hernandez