Good afternoon!

Congratulations to Daryl Brooks, newly named artistic director of the Black Ensemble Theater. Founder Jackie Taylor also retains that title, along with CEO. BET also says that its long-awaited 150-seat studio on the 2nd floor of its complex will come online this fall.

The Broadway spring season is kicking into gear. You can read my review of "Dog Day Afternoon" (the cast includes the Chicago actor Esteban Andres Cruz). Coming tonight, a review of "Becky Shaw." Tuesday brings the much-anticipated opening of "Cats: The Jellicle Ball," and come Thursday, I'll have a review of "Death of a Salesman," starring Laurie Metcalf and Nathan Lane, for you!

Meanwhile in Chicago, the Goodman Theatre opens its production of "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" tonight.

Speaking of Broadway, some fascinating reporting by Broadway Journal's Philip Boroff on the final financial results of George Clooney's "Good Night, and Good Luck" last season revealed that the longtime Chicago director David Cromer took home a whopping $1.8 million for his work on the highly successful endeavor. Good for Cromer. I don't think he was making those kinds of bucks back at Famous Door.

Theo Ubique Theatre has posted a job description for a part-time artistic director, "responsible for shaping the creative vision, programming, casting and production standards of a four-show annual season." This is, of course, a replacement for the late, great Fred Anzevino.

Steppenwolf Theatre will host a celebration of the life and legacy of Bruce Sagan, a man who was highly influential in the building of both the Goodman and Steppenwolf Theatres, at 5:30 p.m. on April 27.

Other news this week includes the coming of a Burt Bacharach revue to the Apollo Theater, finally bringing back some action to that rental space in Lincoln Park. New seasons at both Court Theatre and the Harris dropped, too.

Sadly, a demolition permit was issued in the last few days for what was the Briar Street Theatre, the longtime East Lakeview home of Blue Man Group. The former Royal George Theatre is now merely an empty lot. And, alas, what was both the Theatre Building and Stage 773 is being demolished as I write. Good job that we also have new theaters coming. I feel particular angst over the Theatre Building as I spent so many nights there over the years. That's a lot of Chicago history meeting the wrecking ball.

On a happier note, if you plan to party with Lookingglass Theatre's May 2 benefit, the “Come As You Aren’t Ball” at the Morgan MFG event space, you will be alongside special guests Jack McBrayer, Cynthia Rowley, Le Gateau Chocolat, Mickey Boardman, Benjamin Barnes, DJ Lady D and Matthew Rodrigues. Plus David Schwimmer, naturally.

Lastly, Season of Concern has a benefit concert planned for the Fine Arts Building on April 27, titled "Barbra & Judy: Together Again," as in Streisand and Garland. It stars Steven Brinberg and Angela Ingersoll.

I'm scheduled to see 27 shows in April. So lots to read about in the Tribune arts section in the coming days. See you at the theater.

— Chris Jones, chief theater critic

Our current list of Chris Jones Recommends: “Hamilton” through April 26 at CIBC Theatre; “Madama Butterfly” through April 12 at Lyric Opera of Chicago; “The Drowsy Chaperone” through April 26 at Theo Ubique Theatre; “Theater of the Mind” in an open run by the Goodman at the Reid Murdoch Building; “Grelley Duvall Best Actress” through April 12 at Chopin Theatre.