Tom Williams with A Tribute to Bill Withers Written and directed by Daryl Brooks At Black Ensemble Theater, Chicago Fantastic nostalgic revue of men of soul-both black and white-is a thrilling show! Black Ensemble Theater presents one of their finest shows ever with the world premiere of Men Of Soul! Writer/director Daryl D. Brooks, with the aid … Read more
A Shakespearean translation by Ben Tallen, Aaron Greer, Brian Watson-Jones, and the members of the Pulp Bard Wiki. Directed by Christopher Kidder-Mostrom Produced by Commedia Beauregard At City Lit Theater, Chicago Horrible enunciation together with fake accents marred spoof of cult film and Shakespeare I must remember to read a press release more closely. upon … Read more
By Alistair McDowall Directed by Robin Witt At Steep Theatre, Chicago “Brilliant” is sure an appropriate title word to describe an outstanding USA premiere of a British play. Over the last few years, Steep Theatre has found several terrific new British plays, mostly from young up-and-coming writers. Their latest discovery, Brilliant Adventures by Alistar Mcdowall, … Read more
Music by John Kander Lyrics by Fred Ebb Book by Terrence McNally Directed & Choreographed by Jessica Harling Produced by Benevolent Theatre At Trap Door Theatre, Chicago Strong leads and a cast of fine singers fuel Kiss of the Spider Woman. Mounting a musical at Trap Door Theatre’s tiny stage is a daunting task but … Read more
Book by Iris Rainer Dart & Thom Thomas Music by David Austin Lyrics by Iris Rainer Dart Based on the novel Beaches by Iris Rainer Dart Produced by Drury Lane Productions in association with Jennifer Maloney-Prezioso Directed by Eric Schaeffer Music Direction by Brian J. nash Choreography by Lorin Latarro At Drury Lane Theatre, Oakbrook … Read more
The Chicago Musical Theatre Festival, now in its second year, is a new-works festival produced by Underscore Theatre company. We created CMTF for one reason: there’s a wealth of musical theatre creators and performers in Chicago, but the high risks of producing new musicals means that few companies are willing to take a chance, especially … Read more
The Chicago Musical Theatre Festival, now in its second year, is a new-works festival produced by Underscore Theatre company. We created CMTF for one reason: there’s a wealth of musical theatre creators and performers in Chicago, but the high risks of producing new musicals means that few companies are willing to take a chance, especially … Read more
By Christopher Durang Directed by Steve Scott At the Goodman Theatre, Chicago Offbeat sitcom-styled comedy long on Chekhovian parody yet short on witty humor I must confess that I’m not a strong fan of Christopher Durang’s irreverent humor. And, let me add, that I’m tired of Chekhov parodies. Despite a terrific cast, Vanya And Sonia … Read more
By David Lindsay-Abaire Directed by Matt Hawkins At Redtwist Theatre, Chicago Funny look at how the other-half lives turns poignant as it re-defines what ‘good people’ actually are. Redtwist Theatre boldly mounts storefront productions of plays that major regional theatres have recently produced, giving them an up-close intimate feel that usually makes the play stronger. … Read more
By John Kolvenbach Directed by Damon Kiely Produced by Route 66 Theatre Company At the Greenhouse Theatre, Chicago Role reversal in child-parent dynamic vividly depicted Playwright John Kolvenback (On An Average Day) likes to write about family dynamics. In his Chicago premiere of Goldfish, now in a wonderful acted production by Route 66 Theatre Company, … Read more