Culture | May. 2025
MUSIC MAN
By Contributor
Aaron Umsted wearing Ralph Lauren oxford and cashmere sweater, Neiman Marcus Northbrook
Since taking the helm as Producing Artistic Director of the beloved Children’s Theatre of Winnetka (CTW) in 2020, AARON UMSTED has been a champion for the arts on Chicago’s North Shore. Originally from Durant, Oklahoma, Umsted is a teacher, actor, dancer, director, and choreographer whose credits include productions with the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Paramount Theatre, Drury Lane Theatre, and Marriott Theatre where he was nominated for a Jeff Award for his role as Will Parker in Oklahoma. He has also toured North America in the Broadway companies of A Chorus Line, Disney’s Mary Poppins, and the Tony Award-winning revival of Anything Goes. At CTW, Umsted strives to empower and inspire today’s youth through participation in musical theater performance and production. After a successful sold-out run of Newsies! last October, Umsted is currently directing Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella with CTW’s talented performers. “I chose Cinderella because it’s a timeless story with a heartwarming message about kindness, perseverance, and believing in yourself. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beautiful score offers our casts the opportunity to grow their skill set and appreciation for classic musical theater.” Umsted shares what keeps him “in the know” with Sheridan Road.
ON HIS NIGHTSTAND
“Cher: Part One: The Memoir. I’ve always loved Cher. She can do it all. She’s funny, she’s fabulous, she can sing and act. Not to mention the longevity of her career! She also lives her life so open and honestly. It’s nice to dig a little deeper into her life and experiences.”
ON HIS MOBILE
“Shut Up Evan: The Newsletter. I love how Evan Ross Katz sends out updates on basically everything I care about: theater; TV; fashion; music; and meme culture. His takes are so thoughtful, creative, and witty. I feel like he’s my best friend, who is telling me all the hot gossip for the week. I’m also planning a wedding, so I’m spending more and more time on the Zola app.”
IN HIS EARBUDS
“Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang is my go-to podcast. Matt and Bowen have an unmatched chemistry. They do such a nice job of weaving humor into current issues and pop culture, and I find myself laughing out loud quite often. The same goes for Sexy Unique Podcast and Race Chaser. For music, the soundtrack for the Broadway Revival of Sunset Boulevard starring Nicole Scherzinger is on REPEAT. My fiancé and I saw it recently in New York and we still haven’t recovered! Best thing we’ve seen in a long, long time.”
