Thit is not a straightforward retelling of the tales: rather, the play takes place through Carroll’s perspective, how he told the stories through his eyes, and includes interludes of his personal letters and notes. This lends an interesting twist to otherwise very familiar territory.
Adaptation and direction & fight choreography by Matt Hawkins Original Music by Kevin O’Donnell Lyrics by Shawn Pfautsch and Matt Hawkins Produced by The House Theatre of Chicago At Chopin Theatre, Chicago Adaptation: not quite a face-lift but more than a nose job PANACHE! Here’s a word that playwright Edmond Rostand introduced into the English … Read more
I wanted to know more about Tom and Marie but all I got was scene after scene that contained screaming, hollering, and shouting that made me wonder why playwright Farrell thought that the bickering among these folks had any relevance to 911. Why would such a play be part of any commemoration of that horrible incident?
After we meet three families, one American, one Mexican, and one Canadian, we begin to realize that each family has a connection to the tragic femicide occurring in contemporary Juarez, Mexico. Much of the entire first act involves the back story of the three families – each with a young girl. With all the clutter with the fantasy scenes and the weird movement, the emphasis of the real story has to wait for all the stage antics to be played out.
For The Boys follows the story of the 1940’s big band ear singer -Dixie Leonard (who many believe is really Martha Raye) as she becomes the star on many USO tours for servicemen in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. The play focuses on the unique and volatile relationship between Dixie and Eddie (possibly Bob Hope?) as they form a terrific two-person act that thrilled soldiers, concert goers and lead to a TC variety show in the 1950’s.
I also wasn’t too impressed by Quinn’s reductionist humor made famous by Jerry Seinfeld. Quinn reduces world history in 80 minutes of ignorant, simplistic and anachronism-filled dialogue that tries to be an equal offender of most religions, nationalities and countries. Quinn tries to comically channel the demise of great world civilizations through shallow cliches and rudely crude observations. His rawness lacks the bite and depth of a George Carlin and the bravado of Lenny Bruce.
We meet Anya Botvinnik (the fabulous Janet Ulrich Brooks) a witty but jaded cynical Russian veteran arms negotiator whose many years in Geneva leaves her frustrated by the process. When the Americans send a new diplomat – John Honeymen (David Parks) the battle of wits begins. They both decide that walking in the woods outside Geneva could allow more honesty and glibness than the stuffy table in the confined conference rooms.
A Musical Thriller Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Book by Hugh Wheeler Directed and Choreographed by Rachel Rockwell Music Direction by Roberta Duchak Killer performances in musical thriller If ever a play deserved a wildly enthusiastic standing ovation, it was the mesmerizing opening night production of Sweeney Todd at Drury Lane. For a moment, … Read more
There was little comedic timing in evidence and the script was to convoluted that the cast seemed to be pushing hard to garner any possible humor. At the performance I attended, there was little laughter. Hobo Junction’s brand of humor rings flat here.
You’d be hard pressed to find a more articulate production filled with deep-seeded emotions and long-fuming resentment with powerful charismatic turns fuels Idle Muse Theatre’s expert production of Goldman’s gem. You’ll be easily engaged and totally intrigued by these flawed yet human characters as they struggle for power and personal recognition. Kudos to the cast for offering such fine performances. See this play to experience the craftsmanship of Chicago storefront theatre.