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!
These three short plays demonstrate Robert Holman’s immense talent as a writer as he weaves a subtle glimpse into the damage that war can make in unexpected ways on common folks. Holman’s clarity and depth of character is rich in compassion and truth. The Steep ensemble, led by Josh Salt, as Eric, Patricia Donegan, as May, and Lorraine Freund, a Helene, contained strong character studies. This is a moving glimpse into the consequences of war.
Read MoreNo one who has seen Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George will ever view the Art Institute’s famous Seurat painting in quite the same way. In fact, the painting itself becomes a character in the play — reflecting time and mood as lighting plays on it, shifting shadows. Pointillist painting and pointed play come to life simultaneously as each tree and figure in that famous park emerges on the huge theater backdrop.
Read MoreDirector Brenda Didier and music director Jeremy Ramey have mounted a fabulous musical revue of the songs of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller prolific composers of 60- 70’s pop, rick, R & B. blues and gospel tunes
Read MoreBeginning with Poe’s character, Christian Gray’s gifted voice is beautiful for the gentle moments as well as the madness. He whispers, modulates and yet explodes passionately while crying out lines from his poems.
Read MoreSweet Bird of Youth features Williams’ lyrical language and deep sense of internal pain that often become a part of his characters. Loss of beauty and feelings of unworthiness are themes Williams like to explore. He also most effectively uses direct address toward the audience to hammer home comments. The three hour, two intermission drama flows nicely into a breezy evening of theatre.
Read MoreEquivocation is a dense, wordy work containing material about the complex relationship between art and politics; between the truth and lies. Are Shags (and us) ready to pay the price for telling the truth?
Read MoreWoody Sex is a fast-paced, richly sung and expertly played glimpse into the life of Woody Guthrie. For us who know about Woody and for those unfamiliar (shame on you) with Woody Guthrie, this show has new insights into his life. We learn that his mother was a singer who influenced Woody as an infant. We also learn the hard times his family suffered from mother’s pyromania. Woody started street singing in Oklahoma at age seven. His natural discontent led him to establish a wondering spirit in search of harmony. it was a lifelong pursuit.
Read MoreCharlie’s description of how he would sink to the bottom of a swimming pool or lake waters slowly and sit on the bottom until his air ran out observing things above as they floated by was insightful. Nancy’s early dreams involved being a woman and doing all the ‘woman’ things. These early scenes had touches of satire, melancholy and light comedy.
Read MoreBut what makes this 42nd Street sizzle is the terrific performance by Nicole Miller, as the chorus girl, Peggy Sawyer, who, in her first show on Broadway, saves the the show by stepping in, at the last minute, to cover the star. Miller’s dancing is expert, her singing and acting is renders Sawyer as the true ingenue who becomes a star right before our eyes.
Read MoreThe classic singspiel of strange magic and quests for love gets its first new Chicago production in 17 years. Complete with a new English translation, there are only three performances left!
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