Michael Gerrity, Author at ChicagoCritic.com

A Musical Tribute to The Andrews Sisters

June 7, 2014 by Michael Gerrity

Whether or not you’ve ever heard of the Andrews Sisters, I’m positive you’ve heard their music in one form or another. Their music and style has infused itself into American pop culture and there’s no shaking it loose. Although the younger generation didn’t grow up with the Andrews Sisters music, they’ve most likely heard their grandparents playing them or in the background of old cartoons and period films. A Musical Tribute to The Andrews Sisters is a thoroughly entertaining revue, making old and young feel nostalgic

Eat Your Heart Out

July 26, 2014June 6, 2014 by Michael Gerrity

The direction and construction of the play was superb. The actors were all extremely lively and realistic, holding their characters well as the play quickly jumped from vignette to vignette. Anne Joy gave an especially genuine portrayal of Evie, truly living on stage.

Theatre is capable of doing many things, but one thing it does exceptionally well is allow the viewer to step right into the lives of others. Eat Your Heart Out is one of those plays where you forget that you’re sitting in a theatre and instead become a fly on the wall of someone else’s life. This is not one to miss.

What To Listen For

October 4, 2026June 6, 2014 by Michael Gerrity

Although we idolize artists and their affect on us can be profound, their struggles are intrinsically human. An artist’s journey is no more profound than what the average person deals with day to day. The only difference between an artist and anyone else is that an artist chooses to express their thoughts and emotions through a medium designed for consumption. What to Listen For does a great job of describing the ineffable qualities of relationships and music; however some of the actors’ performances make the production fall just short of coherent. I recommend seeing this show if you’re looking for something new, but if you prefer seeing something more traditional and polished I would proceed with caution.

Ask Aunt Susan

June 3, 2014 by Michael Gerrity

Funny, spectacular, and engaging, Ask Aunt Susan will entertain while sneaking in immensely timely commentary. It’s easy to find comfort on the internet, but at the end of the day we are all human beings who yearn for tangible interactions. If you find yourself buried in your tiny screens, come to the theatre and spend some time with Aunt Susan. Take the time to be in a physical room full of people instead of a chat room and let Ask Aunt Susan carry the burdens of the digital age.

Piano Diaries

October 22, 2022May 31, 2014 by Michael Gerrity

Everything this production has to offer can be derived by reading Saltzman’s bio and by listening to his recordings. On top of his meek performance, the production was peppered with video projections, which only seemed to function as a means for cheap laughs and a multi-media edge. The production wouldn’t have been nearly as disappointing if it hadn’t been based on an aggressive promise to present new music and profound ideas

Lifeboat

May 27, 2014May 25, 2014 by Michael Gerrity

Lifeboat is a tragic story with an uplifting resolve. The production’s playful nature and captivating characters make it best suited for a younger audience (8-12). With its ability to entertain, the play serves as an opportunity to introduce children to some WWII history. I recommend taking your children to see this show, at your discretion. Be sure to give them some context before viewing and be prepared to answer questions afterward. I do not recommend the play to someone seeking a deep and more involved WWII drama.

Charles Ives Take Me Home

May 27, 2014May 21, 2014 by Michael Gerrity

At only 75 minute long, the play is short and sweet, which gives you little excuse to miss this joyful production. Joy is an element that is often times absent from art, choosing instead to smother us with pretension, spectacle, or cynicism. The director made the theatre our humble home, leaving us with new ideas and warmth in our hearts. I recommend taking the time to bring some joy into your life and walk away with a better understanding of yourself and others.

Look back in Anger at Redtwist Theatre

May 27, 2014May 19, 2014 by Michael Gerrity

The Redtwist Theatre space allowed the audience to become guests in the already cramped apartment, beautifully designed by Joe Schermoly. I can’t imagine this play being nearly as effective in a proscenium auditorium. If you’ve ever wanted to see this show, now is the time to do so. To sincerely experience the brutal realism, it needs to be seen in a small theatre.