This is a new concept for Onstage/Backstage. Every day, we will round up the theater news happening in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Enjoy.

1. Alderman Proco “Joe” Moreno shares his thoughts on why theater is important in the 1st ward, saying “The reason I moved to the 1^st Ward after college was because of the thriving and diverse art scene.” This was in a blog post on Chicago Plays (which is the League of Chicago Theater’s web site). The post focused on theater, but also used it to talk about 1st ward gentrification. The 1st ward includes Wicker Park and Ukrainian Village.

2. The Barber Theater at Northwestern premiered it’s take on Kipling’s The Jungle Book this weekend, in the play “Jungalbook” by Edward Mast. It sounds a little bit Jungle Book, little bit Lord of the Flies.

3. Slightly before this past weekend but too good to ignore, the adult Spleling Be at teh Rockign Horsse (alternatively, The Spelling Bee at The Rocking Horse) came to Chicago last wednesday for the first time. Courtesy of the Idea Festival, first prize was an all-access pass to said event, as well as all the glory you never got in elementary school. According to their Twitter feed, the show was a big success, with almost 100 people coming out to relive their youth.

4. Due to popular demand, Collaboraction has moved their Sketchbook REVERB production to Saturday nights, and premiered it this past weekend. A double feature to the REVERB show as well as “200 Funny Things” is a mere $17, but promises so much laughter you might not survive the night, something we call a true deal.

5. The Goodman reveals a bit of history behind their new production of “Stage Kiss”, with some impressive and lovely archival photos. They also list a smattering of popular 1920s plays, some of which have excellent titles (noteworthy: Mr. Pim Passes By, written by A.A. Milne, creator of Winnie the Pooh).

Suggestions? Tips? Email kdries@wbez.org.