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!
With only a few performances remaining in this short-run goodbye embrace from these stunning artists, get there now and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a fashion that will soon disappear (and how lucky is Chicago that the tour would overlap the holiday?). It may yet return one day in the future, but that’s no excuse to risk not seeing this wonder of the modern cultural landscape.
Read MoreI must confess that I have never been a real fan of this show finding it an over-produced little show trying to be a big musical. The material begs to be an intimate chamber piece set it a small space with honest actors with strong vocal chops. That is exactly what co-directors Fred Anzevino and Brenda Didier have done with their most fulfilling production of The Light in the Piazza.
Read MoreGeorge Frederic Handel’s (1685-1759) first Italian opera composed for the London stage, Rinaldo, in 1711 was a spectacle that introduced Londoners to the joy of Italian baroque opera with its wonderful melodies and rich bel canto singing. The longer I’m exposed to the joys of opera, the more I admire the Baroque style opera with their exquisite singing that allows the performers to demonstrate their craft upon the melodious scores
Read MoreThe external and internal clashes of monumental shifts in late-ninetieth century South Africa set the backdrop for a dark reflection on the ties that bind and break. A masterful cast brings power and profundity to this world-premiere production at the Goodman Theatre.
Read MoreThe title, The Price, has a dual meaning — on the surface the price is the amount haggled over and agreed upon for the apartment’s furnishings ($1,100). The price is also a fact of life. Whatever you do, whatever trade-offs you make in life, there is always a “price” that you’ll pay. Victor sacrificed a promising career in science to support his father. Walter, realizing that the father is more selfish than needy, went his own way and later, wanting his brother to speak to the illusion of the father’s neediness, refused Victor’s plea for a modest loan of $500– causing the final rift in an already fragile relationship.
Read MoreA revisit to a painful past shows that revisionist rumors can’t erase painful pasts. The Tectonic Theater Project’s original exploration into the little Wyoming town that became the center of a maelstrom updates and reverses some of the entropy that has occurred with the hope of galvanizing a new generation.
Read MoreWhen Carlton (Kevin Stark) is detained in the cage next to Tanya, the comedy increases as the federal bureaucrat (Carlton) rants about a conspiracy that is behind the nationwide civil strife afflicting the nation. Carlton solicits Shonda or Tanya to help him get the word to a journalist about The North Plan – documenting the existence of a list of citizens marked for arrest under the guise of being traitors. The wackiness almost reached farcical levels here.
Read MoreAlways…Patsy Cline has a true story basis in an incident that found super-fan Louise Seger (the terrific Janelle Snow) introducing herself to Patsy in 1961 at a Huston honky-tonk. The two women instantly became friends and confidants.
Read MoreMcGhan’s polished script puts a face on the middle class working stiffs who spent 35 years as airplane mechanics with fishing the Minnesota River as their main personal escape and recreation. The attention to details of these avid fisherman by McGhan and director Drew Martin nicely utilizes Alan Donahue’s impressive wooden wharf/pier set where the folks meet to socialize while fishing.
Read MoreThe acting is superb; the Southern accents are real; and the directing (by Julieanne Ehre skillfully avoids the trapping of melodrama). The drama is rich in subtly and hidden angst that leads to rage. Williams’ poetic language plays nicely with his rich symbolism. The result of all these elements is a powerful, searing drama. A Tennessee Williams play is not to be missed.
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