Author: Tom Williams

MUST SEEREVIEWSTheatre Reviews

United Flight 232

The show does not shy away from the number of people killed, but its recounting of heroism and, in its own words, compassion and grace, works so well because it is so truthful. It’s nice to be reminded that in a crises situation, most of the strangers around you, such as the other audience members, will try to help. United Flight 232 communicates an uplifting message in a manner which resonates because it is told so convincingly, and in such a way that we feel its consequences.

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MUST SEEREVIEWSTheatre Reviews

Arcadia

Writers Theatre is entering a new phase in its history, with the opening of a $28 million dollar new theatre complex. So what better way for the literary-oriented company to celebrate than Arcadia, one of the densest works by one of the most famously intellectual contemporary playwrights?

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REVIEWSTheatre Reviews

Christina, the Girl King

For all the play’s questionable framing of philosophic issues, it is a potent character drama. The real Queen Christina made a number of tyrannical decisions not emphasized by the play, but we do see her as a proud, aggressive, and deeply insecure yet entitled young woman. Turner deserves a great deal of credit for how far into Christina’s psyche and physicality she is willing to go.

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REVIEWSTheatre Reviews

That’s Weird, Grandma: The Musical

The organization mostly serves public schools on the south and west sides, and also conducts programs with the Chicago Park District. If you’re curious about their work, you can see public performances twice a week. The stories, which are provided in their original form in the program, range from adorable to incomprehensible, and are all done in a spirit of great fun.

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MUST SEETheatre Reviews

Rent (Theo Ubique)

Since the mere depiction of gay people and mentioning of HIV-AIDS is no longer significant in itself, Weinstein’s cast goes much deeper in developing their characters, providing Rent with the emotional heft to remain relevant in 2016. Add to it Jeremy Ramey’s always meticulously balanced musical direction of Larson’s famous rock songs, and you have a magnificent production.

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