Jacob Davis By Neil LaBute Produced by Profile Theatre, Chicago A Panorama of LaBute’s World Profiles Theatre’s long relationship with playwright Neil LaBute has resulted in a strong enough sense of trust for them to collaborate on an unusual kind of premiere. Vices and Virtues, now playing at the Alley Stage, is two night’s worth of short … Read more
By Laura Wade Directed by Jonathan Berry Produced by Steep Theatre Company, Chicago Up Close and Personal With the Young, Rich, and Angry In case you haven’t heard, it’s a scary world out there for young people just starting out. Lauren Wade’s 2010 drama Posh, the latest of many contemporary plays from the British Isles … Read more
Book by Michael Stewart Music by Charles Strouse Lyrics Lee Adams Directed and Choreographed by Tammy Mader Musical Direction by Alan Bukowiecki Produced by Drury Lane Theatre, Oakbrook Terrace A Birdie That’s in on the Joke If you want to see an amusing, light-hearted send-up of 50s teen culture with superb production values and great … Read more
By Terry Teachout Directed by Charles Newell Produced by Court Theatre, Chicago Louis Armstrong’s Soul on Display without His Musical Armor “I shit myself,” Louis Armstrong grumbles at the beginning of the play. Yes, he adds, he swears a lot, just not on the Ed Sullivan show. It’s not like he enjoys upsetting his audience. … Read more
Book and Lyrics by Steven Sater Music by Duncan Sheik Based on the Play by Frank Wedekind Directed and Choreographed by Aaron Thielen Produced by The Marriott Theatre, Lincolnshire Marriott Proves It’s a Home for Art Spring Awakening is a play that should only be done in places where it will receive pushback. I’ve seen … Read more
By John Webster Directed by Christopher Marino Produced by Trap Door Theatre, Chicago “Whether we fall by ambition, blood, or lust, like diamonds, we are cut with our own dust.” With the Shakespeare 400 Festival going on this year, now is a good time to take advantage of an opportunity to see a little of … Read more
Jacob Davis interviews Shakespeare 400 Chicago festival producer Doreen Sayegh about the hundreds of upcoming events throughout the city, including at festival hub Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier. Doreen Sayegh, Guest Jacob Davis, Host Recorded January 14, 2016 3jacob.davis@gmail.com
By Evan Linder Directed by Tyrone Phillips Produced by The New Colony and Definition Theatre Company Playing at The Den Theatre, Chicago Strong Foundation for Conversation across the Continent It’s a great sign for the future of theatre when two young companies are able to collaborate on an outstanding world premiere. It’s an even better … Read more
By William Donnelly Directed by Kimberly Senior Produced by Route 66 Theatre Company Playing at the Greenhouse Theater Center An Actor’s Dramedy about Lost Love and a Dead Kid The contemporary naturalistic drama is in some ways a rather cynical form of art. The people who are telling a story will look at a situation … Read more
By Eric Dufault Directed by Carrie Lee Patterson Produced by Red Theater Chicago Playing at the Frontier Theatre An Auspicious Beginning with this Chicken It’s a new year, and with it comes a new model for Red Theatre Chicago, the local branch of a boundary-breaking theatre company founded by rebellious students at the University of … Read more