By Neil LaBute Produced by Profile Theatre, Chicago A Panorama of LaBute’s World Profiles Theatre’s long relationship with playwright Neil LaBute has resulted in a strong enough sense of trust for them to collaborate on an unusual kind of premiere. Vices and Virtues, now playing at the Alley Stage, is two night’s worth of short … Read more
By Tennessee Williams Directed by Dado At A Red Orchid Theatre, Chicago Haunting dream-like glimpse of the underbelly of New Orleans is marvelously presented Williams referred to The Mutilated as “an allegory on the tragicomic subject of human existence on this risky planet.” Presented on an imaginative set (designed by Grant Savin) that featured rows … Read more
By Laura Wade Directed by Jonathan Berry Produced by Steep Theatre Company, Chicago Up Close and Personal With the Young, Rich, and Angry In case you haven’t heard, it’s a scary world out there for young people just starting out. Lauren Wade’s 2010 drama Posh, the latest of many contemporary plays from the British Isles … Read more
Written by Mark Twain & Charles Dudley Warner Adapted by Paul Edwards Directed by Adam Goldstein Produced by City Lit A Confused, Meandering Tragedy That Thinks It’s a Satire Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner preface their 1873 novel The Gilded Age by writing that “It will be seen that it deals with an entirely … Read more
Book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan Music by Marc Shaiman Lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman Directed and Choreographed by Amber Mak Paramount Theatre’s HAIRSPRAY is full of Big Hair and Big Fun! Hairspray at Paramount Theatre – Original Review Archive review: Sally Jo Osborne reviewed Paramount Theatre’s Aurora production of Hairspray in … Read more
By Heidi Schreck Directed by Ronan Marra Produced by Signal Ensemble Theatre An Unfulfilling Slice of Life After 13 years of presenting plays in Chicago, Signal Ensemble Theatre will be closing its doors after its current production of Heidi Schreck’s The Consultant. In one way, knowing this is Signal’s final production makes The Consultant a … Read more
Book by Michael Stewart Music by Charles Strouse Lyrics Lee Adams Directed and Choreographed by Tammy Mader Musical Direction by Alan Bukowiecki Produced by Drury Lane Theatre, Oakbrook Terrace A Birdie That’s in on the Joke If you want to see an amusing, light-hearted send-up of 50s teen culture with superb production values and great … Read more
By Rajiv Jospeh Directed by Devon de Mayo Produced by Shattered Globe Theatre At Theater Wit, Chicago Interesting, yet ultimately unfulfilling, comic-drama reshaping more than paper figures Playwright Rajiv Joseph, in Animals Out Of paper, tells a story about a unique web of teacher-student relationships. We meet Ilana (Courtney McKenna), a famous reclusive origami artist … Read more
London Wall is a workplace comic-drama that highlights the struggles of 1930’s single women in a misogynistic British society. We get to know these women; we care about them and we commiserate with their condition. I especially liked the performances by Rochelle Therrien as she used he facial expressions and body language to convey her angst. Venessa Greenway was marvelous and Mary Pool was a hoot as the eccentric client.
By Terry Teachout Directed by Charles Newell Produced by Court Theatre, Chicago Louis Armstrong’s Soul on Display without His Musical Armor “I shit myself,” Louis Armstrong grumbles at the beginning of the play. Yes, he adds, he swears a lot, just not on the Ed Sullivan show. It’s not like he enjoys upsetting his audience. … Read more