Chicago Theatre Reviews Archive

Owners

October 23, 2022October 12, 2014 by Jacob Davis

I got annoyed while watching with both the script and production, but in retrospect, have a greater understanding of what Interrobang is trying to do. This was another time when people not attending the press opening will likely enjoy a cast feeding off a more typical audience. Every actor is making their Interrobang debut. Clearly, this young company is staying loyal to its mission to do issue plays. I disliked the play’s bluntness about complicated ideas, many of which have changed a lot since its debut, and the production was lacking in some respects. But given the play’s philosophy, maybe this is the kind of company that can best perform it. Some people want art that scrambles for resources and puts forth this niche philosophy. This could appeal to them.

Dead Accounts

October 23, 2022October 11, 2014 by Jacob Davis

This is a play about how both spiritual and worldly goals have disappointed the characters. If you’re interested in subjects like that, or enjoyed other plays by Rebeck, it could be worth checking out. There is a lot of humor in the story, which would probably work better with a regular audience than at the press opening I saw. But I, like the people in the play, was left wanting more.

Capriccio

September 6, 2017October 10, 2014 by Tom Williams

…Capriccio was referred to by Strauss as “conversation piece” rather than a serious drama, is an opera within an opera and an appreciation of the wonders of music over words (lyrics) that fuels opera.

At Last: A Tribute to Etta James

December 24, 2014October 10, 2014 by Jacob Davis

The show’s concept is that somewhere in the afterlife, Etta James has split into five parts: one for each stage of her career. Numbered in reverse chronological order, with 1 being the oldest, the five Ettas are snapshots of James at various points in her struggles with drugs, romance, and self-loathing. The Ettas don’t get along, and always hated the hero-worship of a tribute anyway. Bringing them together to do some psychological therapy is drag queen Ms. Real (Reuben D. Echoles). As we relive (or for some people, me included, discover) James’s music, she goes on her own journey of integration.

Both Your Houses

October 11, 2014October 9, 2014 by Tom Williams

Founding artistic director of Remy Bumppo, James Bohnen, returns to direct a political satire by Maxwell Anderson, his 1933 Pulitzer Prize winner drama, Both Your Houses. This is a fine ensemble work that features naturalistic dialogue from a cast that easily captures the essence of powerful United States Congressman as they wheel-and-deal to get an appropriations bill through congress in the late days of the Hoover Presidency as the Great Depreciation devastates America.

Season on the Line

October 1, 2026October 7, 2014 by John Stuckert

Season on the Line follows the Bad Settlement Theater company, a once prominent company in their community who in recent years have hit new lows in both ticket sales and subsequently production quality. A dilapidated, musty old Motel Theater with a budget stretched thinner than razor wire. The scene opens with the new kid, just known as The Narrator, telling the story of how he became the Assistant Stage Manager (ASM

The Wild Party

October 22, 2022October 6, 2014 by Tom Williams

Among the remarkable accomplishments by LaChiusa and Wolfe that director/choreographer Brenda Didier made in The Wild Party was that the story contains a rich, fully developed group of characters depicted through song, dance and comedy. This show is a drama that morifs into a into a musical that marvelously tells its story through songs and strong acting. The singing, dancing and comic turns by the entire cast were amazing

Cole Porter’s Greatest Hits

September 15, 2017October 5, 2014 by Tom Williams

Take all the youngsters in your life to hear a master songwriter’s work neatly song by a veteran cast presenting a varied, engrossing revue of memorable show tunes that have survived the test of time. Cole Porter’s songbook needs to be heard again by us fans of genius composers/lyricists. Porter takes his place among Gershwin, Sondheim, Berlin and Herman. Light Opera Works, once again, has a hit revue going that begs a trip to Evanston.

The Gravedigger: A Tale of Frankenstein Monster

October 6, 2014October 5, 2014 by Margaret Eva

“The Gravedigger: A Tale of Frankenstein’s Monster”, follows the doctor’s retribution search for the monster….but this eerie tale flows with more symbolism, content and depth of dialogue than one probably finds in the subsequent plays and movies from the original 1818 story. When you suspend disbelief, The Gravedigger offers an honest dramatic evening of theater with good direction, script, acting, and terror…absent the many possible current gimmicks available.

The Vandal

September 15, 2017October 4, 2014 by Jacob Davis

It’s fine to have funny Halloween stories, but the most lasting experiences are those that trigger fears like loneliness and regret. The Vandal packs a lot into its short run-time, and rewards its audience for their investment. This is a good show if you want to break up the drinking and zombies for the early part of an evening sometime this fall.