Kevin V. Smith directs this deftly, unapologetically and in search of a new paradigm for what is considered acceptable theatre in America. This is theatre that asks of the audience, that wills participation and thought. It will turn some people off because it is not easy, it is not straightforward, it is not simply entertainment. But for those who crave more from their theatrical experiences than two hours of escapism, this is utterly refreshing.
Read MoreWhile I found the work of the entire cast as energetic, innovative, and stylish, I found the storytelling confusing, muddled, and incomplete. Too much movement, too many scene changes, and many story overlaps marred the production. Both playwright Jason Grote and director Seth Bockley tried to do too much both visually, stylistically, and verbally. Too much of any ingredient can spoil the stew
Read MoreHenry V is such a magnificent play. My god, it’s epic, isn’t it? Some of Shakespeare’s best-penned lines are contained within. Half the play is deathless speeches. Speeches that, when all is ruin and ash and the world of men has forever sunk into the deep annals of time, shall yet be recited and remembered as the glory of man and some of his finest jewels.
Read MoreTosca contains Puccini’s best known lyrical arias that were in good hands with the golden, richly toned vocals from fabulous opera stars such as Patricia Racette as the celebrated singer, Floria Tosca. Salvatore Licitra, as the Tosca lover Mario Cavaradossi made his smooth tenor sour to new heights while the venomous Bryn Terfel’s baritone deliciously sang his treachery as he yearns for Tosca.
Read MoreStephen’s drama weaves the story of six Londoners each with strong feelings of being objectified and dissociated from society. With an amazing lack of empathy and compassion, these folks demonstrate their disconnect from current events.
Read MoreNaomi Wallace’s The Trestle at Pope Lick Creek is a passionate look at repressed anger, frustration, and sexual appetites that come from boredom and lack of hope that permeates the poor in rural Depression Era America. Wallace’s play has a unique flourish and a lyrical sophistication that dramatizes the struggles by folks to change lives that bear down upon them. This is a hauntingly powerful look at repressed emotions and spoiled hopes
Read MoreThe adults are pleased and the children are enchanted with twists and turns for every age – from bouncing balls into the audience (to the delight of the little ones) to the more sober moral lessons of love, care, and (above all) honesty as the puppet strives to become a real, human boy.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s productions never disappoint. Here, the staging is creative and delightful, with innovative sets, fully fleshed characters, smooth interweaving of puppets and actors, and colorful costuming.
Read Morelet me state that this National Tour is still a most worthy, even breathtaking theatrical event. Bernstein’s music and the Robbins’ inspired dancing are so exquisite that this production is a terrific show to introduce teens to the magic of classical Broadway musicals. West Side Story certainly captures the angry voice of urban youths in the 1950’s. Much of that angst still resonates today. But in this high energy production – dance and a heart-throbbing score dominate. And that is all that is needed sometimes.
Read MoreSetting for 90 minutes in those small uncomfortable wooden chairs in the upstairs studio space at the Royal George Theatre and watching the gruelingly long and tediously repetitious bedroom drama – A Beautiful Spell – made for more an endurance battle than a fun night at the theatre.
Read MoreRebecca Gilman set her 2009, The Crowd You’re In With in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. She uses a July 4 celebration to put three couples and one stray into an agonizing discussion about married couples always wanting and eventually having children. This tightly trimmed and expertly directed (by Anish Jethmalani) 75 minute show is clear than the original Goodman Theatre production.
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