These are Chicago Critics Must See shows. If you are only going to see one show let us recommend one of these great pieces of true Art!
But, the key to Cats is always the cast and the choreography. In this thrilling production, under Marc Robin’s flawless direction and meticulous attention to details, Cats has never charmed and danced better. Robin has his energetic cast sauntering through the theatre and mixing throughout the audience spreading cat-charm in abundance.
Read MoreFirst Folio Theatre presented a very refreshing evening of theatre on opening night with the world premiere of “Salvage.” With only two characters, and a set that never changes, Zettelmaier structures an appealing play on many levels. On the surface, a collectibles shop owner in financial trouble meets a new customer, and sparks seem to fly almost instantly. But on other levels, the play directly and indirectly touches on the psychology of collecting things…the nostalgia…the value.
Read MoreBased on the premise: “Ever wonder what people are really thinking,?” the cast of skilled comic Equity performers have designed a fast-paced, laugh-a-minute comedy revue that easily grabs us from the start and keeps us belly laughing through. Chelsea Devantez, John Hartman, Mike Kosinski, Tawny Newsome, Emily Walker and Steve Waltien use everything they have, their vocal chops, their physical appearance, or their cute smiles including their ability to play animals to garner laughs.
Read MoreThe creatives for Australia, Erth-Visual & Physical have created and are now touring the world with their Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live. This experiential theatre production is part paleontologist lesson, part puppet show, and part audience appreciation of prehistoric animals. This kid friendly show utilizing video projections, amazing plant props, and live sized dinosaur puppets is narrated and hosted by Australian Aimee Louisanne, a charismatic young woman who has a way with both kids and paleontology.
Read MoreFor 50 years, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has been rolling through Chicago. My first time seeing it, the Cadillac Palace put on a fun spectacle for the whole family. Directed and Choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler, the show will leave you in awe. A story about always shooting for your dreams, Joseph, his 11 brothers, and the rest of this stellar cast will put you in your own dream.
Read MoreWe see his interview for the lifestyle section of a local newspaper by his former favorite student turned journalist, Peter Finnerty (Jordan Brodess). That interview was quite friendly and it gave the professor a platform to speak about his book, his teaching and his personal life. Finnery never asked Graham about his personal life, the professor volunteered his life story
Read MoreDan (John Mahoney) is a senior living alone who consumes his time with his (imaginary) terrier dog, Chapatti. His daily ritual is to make tea, then asking Chapatti if he wants canned or dry dog food-or – a combination? Next, he takes his dog for a long walk often ending up at the local veterinarian for a unneeded checkup. Dan is more than lonely as he is trying to find a home for Chapatti since he has decided to leave Dublin for good
Read More…with August Wilson a marvelous trip to exciting, superbly written (almost poetic dialogue) theatrical events chronicling the Black Experience in America. King Hedley II, set in 1985 (the 9th in the 10 play cycle) features several of the characters we meet in Wilson’s Seven Guitars set in the 1940’s (recently mounted at Court Theatre in a riveting production). The violence and frustration from the lack of opportunity that affected the folks in Seven Guitars is even more devastating to the Hill District folks in the 1980’s.
Read MoreThis romantic journey is filled with Sondheim’s marvelous, almost hypnotic, lush melodies sung wonderfully mostly in duets with stirring solos that depict the wide pain and ecstasy of the yearning for love and the struggle of romantic interludes. Colette Todd’s rich soprano voice is a wonder to hear and Peter Oyloe combines intensity with his strong voice to make Giorgio a charismatic and empathic character. Danni Smith gave Fosca a depth and painful presence that eventually explodes into a chilling obsession that becomes hypnotic
Read MoreWritten by Andrew Hobgood and Megan Johns with input by the cast, reWILDing Genius is a tale of brilliant techie hackers, each expert and successful in their given cyber fields, who live together in an Uptown Chicago loft under the radar. This group of social dropouts are wondering through life until one newbie to the loft challenges the group to do an ambitious task that could change the world
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