The story searches for personal identity and family bonds using the motif of hip-hop culture. There are some warm and funny moments but the play comes off as a modern fable with raw contemporary elements. The story has under developed characters that evoke little empathy.
Read MoreHouse Theatre’s idea to turn their new loud (rock) musical at the Chopin Theatre, Girls vs. Boys, into a concert-like experience is a great idea that fits in perfectly with this part of Chicago. However, the material of the show does not create rock concert euphoria because it is not fun. The music is continually interrupted by long scenes of cheesy dialogue, the characters are stock and interchangeable, it is often difficult to hear the singer/actors onstage, and rather than stirring the audience into the frenzied euphoria I mentioned, it begs the audience to have fun.
Read MoreHaving to fend for themselves, the teens are concerned with discovering the inner and outer tumult of sexuality. The original play was banned in Germany, for about a century, due to its portrayal of masturbation, abortion, rape, bondage, child abuse and suicide. The immense pressure put on these teens fueled by hypocrisy and stupidity, does lead to dire consequences
Read MoreAaron Sorkin (The West Wing and A Few Good Men) loves stories about powerful visionaries. His Chicago premiere of The Farnsworth Invention is a fast faced historical drama about the invention of television. It ultimately pits Russian emigrant, David Sorkin (1891-1971) the founder of NBC and Chairman of RCA – pure Eastern Establishment mogul verses the hayseed Western genius visionary, Philo T. Farnsworth (1906-1971) – the inventor of most of the elements for television
Read MoreBut if you love theatre and want to spread the wonders of the live stage to your children, then Stage Door will do nicely. It is Ferber & Kaufman’s ‘Love Letter’ to the American theatre.
Read MoreThis is show that combines simple storytelling with amazing feats of strength, visual spectacle, and a finale that will literally take your breath away. It contains the grandeur and magic of the “Big Top,” in an intimate setting that is difficult to find. This show is a must-see.
Read MoreDay of Late is a romantic drama about a group of 30something’s each lonely and desperate for sex, companionship and personal fulfillment. The play is structured like a screen play with many short scenes each lasting a minute or two followed by blackouts and movement of benches and chairs. I found all the characters as emotionally desperate souls.
Read More“Taming of the Shrew” — one of Shakespeare’s most frequently performed plays — has survived innumerable incarnations on stage and in film – some more successful than others. While Neil LaBute’s additions do offer humorous and entertaining moments, his version unfortunately damages rather than enhances the drama.
Read MoreMusical Director Eugene Dizon and the small orchestra are wonderfully housed onstage in a little nook. I would like to applaud Mr. Dizon for making the music in the show so seamless and scaling down the large score to the point where it could be played by a handful of musicians.
Read MoreThe winner of 10 Tony’s including Best Musical, Billy Elliot arrives for an extended sit-down run at Chicago’s Oriental Theatre. There has been much hype about this show and, as is the case so often, it doesn’t quite live up to my expectations. I must say, that Billy Elliot has so much going for it that it is “critic-proof.”
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