Jacob Davis Book, Music, and Lyrics by Paul Gordon Directed by Barbara Gaines Based on the Novel by Jane Austen Produced by Chicago Shakespeare Theater Fun, Amusing New Adaptation Works for Fans and Newcomers Alike Barbara Gaines’s leadership at Chicago Shakespeare has brought worldwide recognition, and now, she triumphs as the director of a world premiere musical, … Read more
By Richard Kalinoski Directed by Michael Menendian Produced by Raven Theatre, Chicago A Frank and Poetic Tale of Survival Raven Theatre has produced acclaimed, high-quality shows that seek to capture the American experience for many years, under the leadership of Michael Menendian and JoAnn Montemurro. Now, as part of the commemoration of the 100th anniversary … Read more
By Aaron Senser Directed by Emelia Zuckerman Produced by Forget Me Not Theatre Company, Chicago A Crisis of Trauma and Depression…In Space! The most heartening sign of vibrancy in Chicago’s theatre scene is the number of young artists honing their skills, and using the stage as a form of expression and exploration. Forget Me Not … Read more
By Oscar Wilde Directed by Jim Schneider Produced by Dead Writers Theatre Collective, Chicago “Ideals are dangerous things. Realities are better. They wound, but they are better.” Visually Gorgeous Production of Wilde’s Melodrama Dead Writers Theatre Collective is dedicated to high production values and beautiful aesthetics, so Oscar Wilde is a perfect fit. With its … Read more
By Terrence McNally Directed by Ted Hoerl Produced by Eclipse Theatre Company, Chicago Perfect Start to Season of McNally Eclipse’s mission is to showcase one author each season, and they chose well to dedicate this season to Terrence McNally. Active since the 1960s, McNally has been a noteworthy contributor to plays about gay life for … Read more
By Marius von Mayenburg Translated by Maja Zade Directed by Joanie Schultz Produced by Steep Theatre Company, Chicago. Confused Story Sheds No Light on Budding Terrorist In the notes to Martyr, the latest show at Steep, director Joanie Shultz reflects on what search for belonging lures Western teenagers to join ISIS. Unfortunately, German writer Marius … Read more
By Laura Jacqmin Directed by Megan Shuchman Produced by Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, Chicago How Do You Mourn Someone You Didn’t Know? Grieving is awkward. It’s particularly awkward when you’re in proximity to people who are mourning a mutual acquaintance who they knew well but you didn’t. It’s more awkward still when the deceased or the … Read more
Book and Lyrics by Lee Hall Music by Elton John Directed and Choreographed by Rachel Rockwell Music Direction by Roberta Duchak Produced by Drury Lane, Oakbrook Billy Elliot Reinvented Better than Ever Listen to my interview with Rachel Rockwell. I developed a soft spot for Billy Elliot after seeing the Broadway production, and was impressed … Read more
By Rory Kinnear Directed by Frank Galati Produced by Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Chicago Family Drama Questions Love and Sacrifice As a company renowned for being driven by its actors, it makes sense Steppenwolf would be interested in The Herd, the first play written by British actor Rory Kinnear. The family drama was written to provide … Read more
By Jordan Harrison Directed by Krissy Vanderwarker Produced by Shattered Globe Theatre, Chicago At Theater Wit, Chicago A Fun Romp through Life’s Ups and Downs I was told once by a teacher that time seems to speed up as you get older. Others may disagree, but I’ve found it to be true, and apparently so … Read more