Watching and enjoying local theater

Editor's note: This is another installment in our weekly series highlighting what people like about living in Lake County. This week, we asked that question of state Rep. JoAnn Osmond.

Local entertainment is the highlight of Lake County, said Republican state Rep. JoAnn Osmond of Antioch.

She said the shows at the PM&L Theatre in Antioch, as well as the Genesee Theater in Waukegan, are incredible places to go watch a show and enjoy yourself.

She said the talents of many locals are on display at the PM&L, which gives the theater at 877 N. Main St. a hometown feel.

"I'm a member of the PM&L and I love seeing the shows they put on there," she said. "I have tickets to the new one, 'Seaussical,' in December."

She added she tries to get to a show at the PM&L Theater at least twice a year, and has enjoyed their performances of "Showboat," and "Fiddler on the Roof" the most.

"They also did 'Scrooge,' which is one of my favorites," she said. "They do a really good job there. And, its all local people that really can perform so well."

She added, "We have some outstanding talent around here. They may have never been able to make headlines in Hollywood, but they make my headlines here."

She said for big acts and concerts, there's no place like the Genesee Theatre, which was restored after sitting vacant for 12 years and brings in a lot of larger acts, from large bands to comedians.

The theater, which is 115,000 square feet, is located at 203 N. Genesee St. in Waukegan.

Since reopening, big name acts like Bill Cosby, Jerry Seinfeld, Ashley Simpson and Carlos Mencia have all graced the stage.

"I tried to get tickets to Marie Osmond, but she is sold out," she said with a laugh. "I wanted to see that show so badly, too."

She added, also, because of the location of Lake County, it's easy to see big acts in both Chicago and Milwaukee.

"We have a great location because we are just an hour from two extremely large cities," she said. "I could pick anywhere to live, but Lake County is where I'll stay for the rest of my life."

-- Lee Filas