Tom Williams Here is the premise: Fact: on December 4, 1956 a twist of fate brought together Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley at Sun Records’ storefront recording studio in Memphis. Sam Phillips (Brian McCaskill) known as ‘the Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll’ and owner of Sun Records discovered each of them. This event became an impromptu jam session that Phillips recorded.
The play explores themes of isolation, loneliness, social disparity and dehumanization in a commercial world. The action moved swiftly in the 50 minute drama that many consider among the finest one-acts ever penned for the stage
Tom Williams discusses the following stage plays with Carl Amari: Macbeth at First Folio Theatre and Blackbird at Victory Gardens Theater [audio: https://chicagocritic.com/newsite/audio/Tom.mp3]
Director Marti Lyons uses a guitar rich and cello band to add an opening and closing song (with incoherent lyrics) to cover for the many blackouts. The show is told in a series of short vignettes that have no through line nor do they work together to make for a coherent story
Max and Horst survive in Dachau by keeping their mental capacity sharp by verbalizing their lust and their love without either looking at each other or touching while they move rocks from one pile to another
Footloose is filled with 80’s pop tunes slickly stages and danced with a cute number, “Dancing’s Not A Crime” that adds humor. This show is so cute and doesn’t take itself seriously that its innocence is infectious
This most awkward reunion has both confronting their past as Uma shows up unannounced. Guilt, rage and raw emotions build into a dramatic confrontation as their forbidden relationship is explained, defended and excused.
The fairy tales are presented with these opposite views making for a lightly sophisticated poke at fairy tales and gay culture. This fun show has lovable characters…
Disney’s Aladdin unfolds as a sophisticated, slick, well produced and directed Broadway musical that adults appreciate and kids love–pure Disney magic! Songs such as “A Whole New World” and “Friend Like Me” are among some of Disney’s best making Aladdin most memorible.
Featuring terrific stage combat and fine period costumes, “The Scottish Play” work nicely outdoors on a perfect summer night. First Folio Theatre’s outdoor stage at the Peabody Estate in Oakbrook has been the home of many fine productions of The Bard’s plays.