Jacob Davis By William Shakespeare Directed by Aaron Posner and Teller Produced by Chicago Shakespeare Theater An Accessible Tempest for New and Old Fans Chicago Shakespeare prides itself on producing world-class shows on a level that appeals as much to novices as experts. The approaching four hundredth anniversary of Shakespeare’s death and the associated commemorations provide them … Read more
By Julia Lederer Directed by Thrisa Hodits Produced by Strawdog Theatre Company, Chicago A Harmless Little Fable about the Obvious When Strawdog Theatre Company moves into a different space, it will be interesting how the company changes its lineup. Recently, they’ve been experimenting with small-scale shows on off-nights and when the mainstage (where they do … Read more
By Damon Kiely Music by Jess McIntosh Directed and Choreographed by Leslie Buxbaum Danzig Produced by The House Theatre of Chicago Damon Kiely’s The Revel is an adaptation of The Bacchae by Euripides, but you don’t need to know that to enjoy it. As a good adapter, he took what was good in the original, … Read more
By Edward Albee Directed by Jason Gerace Produced by Redtwist Theatre George and Martha Up Close and Personal With its iconic cruel characters embattled in a twisted game of dominance and delusion, Edward Albee’s 1962 drama Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is irresistible to actors. Audiences can’t help loving the performances it elicits as well, … Read more
By William Saroyan Directed by Kathy Scambiattera Produced by The Artistic Home, Chicago A Masterfully Told Story about Hope Though The Artistic Home has a small space on Grand Avenue, they’re not afraid to fill it up with a massive ensemble for a show that’s worthy of the effort. William Saroyan’s The Time of Your … Read more
Book by Blake Edwards Music by Henri Mancini and Frank Wildhorn Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Frank Wildhorn Directed by Paul Packer Musical Direction by Charlotte Rivard-Hoster Produced by Night Blue Performing Arts Company Playing at Stage 773, Chicago Charming Musical Marred by Basic Errors in Production The good news is that for the first … Read more
Book by Billie Joe Armstrong and Michael Mayer Music by Green Day Lyrics by Billie Joe Armstrong Directed by Steven Wilson Musical Direction by Andra Velis Simon Choreography by Katie Spelman Produced by The Hypocrites Playing at The Den Theatre, Chicago The Pride and Agony of Broadway Punk It really sucks to be a rebel … Read more
Jacob Davis interviews director Elly Green about her production of After Miss Julie at Strawdog Theatre Company. Elly Green, Guest Jacob Davis, Host Recorded September 9, 2015 3jacob.davis@gmail.com
By N. Richard Nash Directed by Edward Blatchford Produced by American Blues Theater Playing at the Greenhouse, Chicago A Cute Story about Taking Risks for Love American Blues Theater opens its thirtieth season with a production of Richard Nash’s 1954 The Rainmaker which, rather than being cloying, is simply a story with an optimistic outlook. … Read more
By Rick Elice Based on the Novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson Music by Wayne Barker Directed by William Osetek Musical Direction by Ben Johnson Produced by Drury Lane, Oak Brook Terrace Good Things Come to Those Who Wait Peter and the Starcatcher’s original publicists gave it the tagline “a grown-up’s prequel to Peter … Read more