Along the way, Black realizes that color or finding love is as much internal as external: that there are more ways to get color that just finding love. Loving and excepting yourself is a worthy, colorful love-so Black finds out
Read MoreBruce Arnston created and performs the role of Doyle Mayfield with his sidekick, Buddy (Matthew Carlton) and his singing partner Debbie (Jenny Littleton). This threesome deftly spoofs, lampoons, and mocks with a series of down-home yet original country tunes every cliche revolving around the Southern mentality and the essence of old-time country music.
Read MoreI was particularly impressed by Antoine Pierre Whitfield’s commanding sheriff; with Jon Steinhagen’s performance as a funny yet deeply flawed tragic figure. Sophia Menendian exudes hope and kindness as a pure romantic while Michael Stegall was strong and manic as the love-struck cowboy. Ultimately, Bus Stop is a love story where in Cherie learns that Bo has a gently side besides his handsome sexy mann
Read MoreThe desire for and inability to communicate mark the haunting theme of The Heart is a Lonely Hunter. This is the tale of a mute ironically named Singer, who not only is deprived of the recipient of his innermost thoughts and feelings but who now, in turn, becomes the uncomprehending focus of the thoughts and feelings of everyone surrounding him.
Read MoreThe famous sextet when Edgardo crashes the wedding between Lucia and Arturo, Chi mi frena in tal momento?, is rich with countermelody and contrappunto, the polyphony not just musical but emotional, with six people expressing themselves deeply and strikingly. When Lucia loses her mind, Il dolce suono…Ardon gli incensi is an absolutely astounding representation of madness in music. Pardon the plebeian expression, but it is mindblowing. And Susanna Phillips absolutely brings it home. A superlative performance, to any eyes.
Read MoreThe National Tour of Mary Poppins began in Chicago in March 2009 at the Palace Theatre playing 18 weeks to 300,000 people grossing over $18.5 million at the box office. There are six productions worldwide grossing over $605 million and playing to 8.5 million guests! All this happened due to meticulous stage craft, catchy well-know tunes and a superb dance and special effects
Read MoreBritish playwright David Eldridge has written an ode to high school teachers everywhere with Under the Blue Sky – now in its Midwest Premier at Steep Theatre. Free from romantic sentimentality, Under the Blue Sky is part contemporary life commentary where a bomb can change life in an instant and part a love letter to those who dedicate themselves to teaching high school.
Read MoreNow it is Chicago’s turn! And the recent New York opening — even with such a stellar star as Bernadette Peters — couldn’t surpass the Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s production. If this review were limited to just one word, that word would be magnificent! What a sight for the eyes, what a pleasure for the ears, what a treat for the mind.
Read MoreWhile Rodgers’ music is lush, varied and melodic, I believe that it was Larry Hart’s often sad yet smart lyrics that made tunes like “Falling in Love with Love”, “Little Girl Blue”, “My Funny Valentin,” “Blue Moon,” “I Could Write a Book” and “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” American classics.
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