Theatre Reviews Archives - Page 18 of 232

Continuing its 40th Anniversary Season’s playlist of greatest hits, Black Ensemble Theater opened Jackie Taylor’s I Am Who I Am this week, yet another musical homage to one of America’s legendary Soul singers, this time Teddy Pendergrass. Featuring some very fine vocal performances accompanied by the Black Ensemble Band, the production takes us through Pendergrass’ musical career, from his time with Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes in the early ‘70s all the way up through his “Teddy 25” performance in 2007. Shining the blinding light of grace and gratitude, the play side-shuffles the dark side of Pendergrass’ personal tragedies, making it a consummate feel-good tribute that will delight long-time fans and likely entertain newcomers with an appreciation for or openness to Soul music.

Tom Williams

Psmith, Journalist

As the protagonist. Psmith comes to New York in 1910 from Cambridge, edits a newspaper, fights organized crime and loses his straw hat in this wacky wordy comedy of manners. Psmith states: ““the work is not light. Sometimes the cry goes round, ‘Can Psmith get through it all? Will his strength support his unquenchable spirit?’ But I stagger on. I do not repine.” The P that begins his name is silent (“as in pshrimp,” he helpfully points out), but he himself is not. He is wittily eloquent in any situation, always confident that, as he puts it, “with the aid of the Diplomatic Smile and the Honeyed Word I may manage to pull through.”

MUST SEE REVIEWS Theatre Reviews Tom Williams

Tom Williams

The Last Wife

Kate Henning’s drama focuses on the character of King Henry as Steve Pickering plays him as a tough, commanding despot who appreciates a strong woman if they are sexy and ultimately loyal. This Henry is, indeed, king who is willing to use his power however he desires. His love for Kate allows her to be more that a nurse-mate to his three children. Rather he elevates her to political power due to her loyalty and competence. She emerges as an almost equal in an age when most women spent their time knotting. Kate open the doors (literally) for Mary and Elizabeth to govern.

MUST SEE REVIEWS Theatre Reviews Tom Williams

Tom Williams

Hand To God

This manically paced comedy id fueled by grief and dysfunctional family relations yet it is one of the cleverest and witty comedies in years! Alex Weisman give a tour de force performance as Jason/Tyrone, Who knew that Weisman could manipulate his hand puppet with such spot-on timing and change voices instantly between Jason and Tyrone. Add his deft physicality and we have a fabulous comic performance. Weisman can add comic performer (and puppeteer0 to his resume.

REVIEWS Theatre Reviews

Tom Williams

Fantasy Land for Dummies

If avant-garde, absurdist-cum-intellectual theatre with socio-political spice doesn’t sound like your fantasy of choice, I would encourage you to reconsider: having once been suspicious of “avant-garde” theatre, and being none too impressed by the typical fare of Chicago theatres’ socio-political commentary, I write with confidence that Trap Door offers something truly fresh and interesting in their curious productions. And while maybe not their strongest production to date, Fantasy Island for Dummies is still more exciting, exploratory, and entertaining than most — so long as you’re willing to dive into the oddly fantastical.

Beverly Friend REVIEWS Theatre Reviews

Tom Williams

Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding

Under the fine direction of Paul Stroili, the large Chicago cast of 23 is
terrific — capturing all the nuances of a family gathering, complete with
vulgarities and squabbles. Stroili was a member of the Original Chicago
Company. Vinnie (Brian Noonan) is a very believable restaurateur, hosting
the gathering, touting its virtues as he tries to promote future business,
and emceeing the various entertainers. A good time was had by all.

REVIEWS Theatre Reviews Tom Williams

Tom Williams

Bobbie Clearly

This play is so unbelievable, under developed and misguided that I’m thinking that it is really a parody of small town murder mysteries? With so many preposterous plot twists and so many wacky characters (more than I have mentioned here.), What else could it be? As a world premiere, Playwright Alex Lubischer needs to refocus what his play is actually about. As presented, my conclusions could be valid? If he wants to leave audiences with another impression than he needs to make that clearer. As it plays now Bobbie Clearly is confusing.

REVIEWS Sally Jo Osborne Theatre Reviews

Tom Williams

“The Bardy Bunch”

I think this show may have a cult following that will find it to be “out of sight”! Me? Not so much. The show is 1 hour and 45 minutes without an intermission and perhaps if there were less dancing spirits and blood soaked costumes it could be shaved down to 80 minutes. I do not recommend that you bring children to this show unless you want to pay for therapy later in life (there should be a minimum age requirement).

REVIEWS Theatre Reviews Tom Williams

Tom Williams

Visiting Edna

Slowly, with many long speeches by Edna reminiscing about past events particularly those involving Andrew, we get hints as to what is the angst Andrew feels toward Edna and his dead father. Communicating, searching for relevant connections and struggling to make peace as time depletes Edna’s life is the play’s focus. The early scenes quickly become tedious as we hear Edna ramble on and on.

MUST SEE REVIEWS Theatre Reviews Tom Williams

Tom Williams

Tug of War: Civil Strife

… on September 25 from 1 pm to 7 pm at Navy Pier with Gaines’ second installment of her ode to The Bard’s histories: Tug of War: Civil Strife. I enjoyed this show more than the first one. Maybe because of the music seemed to be more a tad softer, more melancholy or maybe because my three favorite classical actors had major roles : Larry Yando, Kevin Gudahl and Timothy Edward Kane? Whatever the reason, Tug of War: Civil Strife was a thrilling event that I’m glad I was able to cover this. Kudos to Chicago Shakespeare for having the chutzpah to mount two historical marathon dramas in the same season!