Tom Williams

Tom Williams founded ChicagoCritic.com in 2001 and spent decades reviewing theatre and live performance across Chicago and its suburbs, from Broadway tours and major institutions to storefront theatre, opera, cabaret and classical music. In 2010, the Society of Midland Authors honored him with the James Friend Memorial Award for Literary and Dramatic Criticism (our 2010 announcement). Concord Theatricals quotes his reviews on its licensing pages for shows including Crazy for You and City of Angels.

Psmith, Journalist

October 4, 2016October 4, 2016 by Tom Williams

As the protagonist. Psmith comes to New York in 1910 from Cambridge, edits a newspaper, fights organized crime and loses his straw hat in this wacky wordy comedy of manners. Psmith states: ““the work is not light. Sometimes the cry goes round, ‘Can Psmith get through it all? Will his strength support his unquenchable spirit?’ But I stagger on. I do not repine.” The P that begins his name is silent (“as in pshrimp,” he helpfully points out), but he himself is not. He is wittily eloquent in any situation, always confident that, as he puts it, “with the aid of the Diplomatic Smile and the Honeyed Word I may manage to pull through.”

The Last Wife

October 3, 2016 by Tom Williams

Kate Henning’s drama focuses on the character of King Henry as Steve Pickering plays him as a tough, commanding despot who appreciates a strong woman if they are sexy and ultimately loyal. This Henry is, indeed, king who is willing to use his power however he desires. His love for Kate allows her to be more that a nurse-mate to his three children. Rather he elevates her to political power due to her loyalty and competence. She emerges as an almost equal in an age when most women spent their time knotting. Kate open the doors (literally) for Mary and Elizabeth to govern.

Hand To God

September 6, 2017October 2, 2016 by Tom Williams

This manically paced comedy id fueled by grief and dysfunctional family relations yet it is one of the cleverest and witty comedies in years! Alex Weisman give a tour de force performance as Jason/Tyrone, Who knew that Weisman could manipulate his hand puppet with such spot-on timing and change voices instantly between Jason and Tyrone. Add his deft physicality and we have a fabulous comic performance. Weisman can add comic performer (and puppeteer0 to his resume.

The Love Potion (Le Vin Herbe)

October 1, 2016September 30, 2016 by Tom Williams

Sung in English (translation by Hugh MacDonald) with a large video depicting the story with a huge English super titles, The Love Potion works well. Featuring music that sounds like film underscoring rich in piano and string sounds, The Love Potion’s singing makes the story come alive. The 12 person ensemble (a kind of Greek chorus) sounded terrific and the leads led the way.

From tenor Bernard Holcomb’s Tristan to soprano Lani Stait’s Isolde to baritone Nicholas Davis’ King Mark, these featured artists carried the opera with their expressively skilled voices

Bobbie Clearly

September 11, 2017September 30, 2016 by Tom Williams

This play is so unbelievable, under developed and misguided that I’m thinking that it is really a parody of small town murder mysteries? With so many preposterous plot twists and so many wacky characters (more than I have mentioned here.), What else could it be? As a world premiere, Playwright Alex Lubischer needs to refocus what his play is actually about. As presented, my conclusions could be valid? If he wants to leave audiences with another impression than he needs to make that clearer. As it plays now Bobbie Clearly is confusing.

Visiting Edna

September 28, 2016 by Tom Williams

Slowly, with many long speeches by Edna reminiscing about past events particularly those involving Andrew, we get hints as to what is the angst Andrew feels toward Edna and his dead father. Communicating, searching for relevant connections and struggling to make peace as time depletes Edna’s life is the play’s focus. The early scenes quickly become tedious as we hear Edna ramble on and on.

Tug of War: Civil Strife

October 23, 2022September 26, 2016 by Tom Williams

… on September 25 from 1 pm to 7 pm at Navy Pier with Gaines’ second installment of her ode to The Bard’s histories: Tug of War: Civil Strife. I enjoyed this show more than the first one. Maybe because of the music seemed to be more a tad softer, more melancholy or maybe because my three favorite classical actors had major roles : Larry Yando, Kevin Gudahl and Timothy Edward Kane? Whatever the reason, Tug of War: Civil Strife was a thrilling event that I’m glad I was able to cover this. Kudos to Chicago Shakespeare for having the chutzpah to mount two historical marathon dramas in the same season!

“Cheers-Live on Stage”

October 23, 2022September 25, 2016 by Tom Williams

If you were a fan of “Cheers” the TV show that ran from 1982 to 1993, then you are in for a treat. Explore the more simple times of the 80’s and take a trip down memory lane with Diane, Sam and crew. Now, if you have not seen the TV show you may just enjoy this show to see what it was like in the 1980’s and early 1990’s when your Mom and Dad were younger. You may even get some fashion ideas from the iconic Michael McDonald. I think I recognized one of those mid-length silk skirts that used to be in my wardrobe.

Man in the Ring

September 6, 2017September 24, 2016 by Tom Williams

Anchored by old Emile, (fabulous work from Allen Gilmore) who is going into and out from past memories as he battles dementia. He sees his young self (the boxer-built Kamal Angelo Bolden) as he arrives in NYC from St. Thomas to reunite with his estranged mother Emelda (Jacqueline Williams). As Emile and Emelda look for work in NYC, Emile’s ability to make lady’s hats leads him to Howie (Thomas J. Cox), a small hat manufacturer. Once Howie sees how well built Emile is he gets him to become a boxer.

The City of Conversation

September 24, 2016 by Tom Williams

Set in 1979 Washington, D.C. at a mansion in Georgetown (impressive set design by Tom Burch), we are at the place where through the years, Hester Ferris (Lia D. Mortensen), a Kennedy-liberal from the 60’s, held posh dinner parties. These events definitely help liberals and conservatives, Democrats and Republicans come to agreements and compromises on government policy, political appointments and new legislation. These private parties allowed political adversaries the opportunity to relax, have a drink and civilly reach a consensus. After all, most politicians in that era where to some degree or another friends. Hester hosted many of these parties in the 60’s and 70’s.