By Julia Lederer Directed by Thrisa Hodits Produced by Strawdog Theatre Company, Chicago A Harmless Little Fable about the Obvious When Strawdog Theatre Company moves into a different space, it will be interesting how the company changes its lineup. Recently, they’ve been experimenting with small-scale shows on off-nights and when the mainstage (where they do … Read more
Music by Richard Rodgers Book & Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II Based on the play Green Grow the Lilacs by Lynn Riggs Directed by Jim Corti Musical Direction by Tom Vendafreddo Choreography by Katie Spelman At Paramount Theatre, Aurora Golden voiced Colte Julian leads splendid remount of Oklahoma! When we first hear Curly belt “Oh, … Read more
Book and Lyrics by Bill Russell Music by Henry Krieger Directed by Michael Weber Music Direction by Aaron Benham Choreography by Andrew Waters Produced by Porchlight Music Theatre, Chicago At Stage 773 Chicago Stunning Heartfelt Revision of Side Show is a “Can’t Miss” Hit I first saw Side Show in 2006 in a terrific production … Read more
By Damon Kiely Music by Jess McIntosh Directed and Choreographed by Leslie Buxbaum Danzig Produced by The House Theatre of Chicago Damon Kiely’s The Revel is an adaptation of The Bacchae by Euripides, but you don’t need to know that to enjoy it. As a good adapter, he took what was good in the original, … Read more
By Edward Albee Directed by Jason Gerace Produced by Redtwist Theatre George and Martha Up Close and Personal With its iconic cruel characters embattled in a twisted game of dominance and delusion, Edward Albee’s 1962 drama Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is irresistible to actors. Audiences can’t help loving the performances it elicits as well, … Read more
By William Saroyan Directed by Kathy Scambiattera Produced by The Artistic Home, Chicago A Masterfully Told Story about Hope Though The Artistic Home has a small space on Grand Avenue, they’re not afraid to fill it up with a massive ensemble for a show that’s worthy of the effort. William Saroyan’s The Time of Your … Read more
By Peter Morris Directed by Arianna Soloway Produced by Mary-Arrchie Theatre Company “If you are a playwright, America is no place for seriousness.” Serious Torture Mary-Arrchie Theatre Co. opened its 30th and last season this past week with a play that meets their company’s mission statement with its challenging material and outcast characters. Peter Morris’ … Read more
Music & Lyrics by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul Book by Peter Duchan Directed by Peter Marston Sullivan Music Direction by Ellen K. Morris Choreography by Stephen Schellhardt Produced by BoHo Theatre At Theater Wit, Chicago Controversial story line with repellent misogyny and attempted rape scene is glossed over with improbable romance Based on the … Read more
By Catherine Trieschmann Directed by Keira Fromm Produced by Rivendell Theatre Ensemble An Emotionally-Stirring and Thought-Provoking Play For Believers and Non-Believers Alike At first glance, How the World Began seems like a problem play – essentially: a play about a contentious social issue – in this case, about the apparent antagonism between science and faith. … Read more
Book by Blake Edwards Music by Henri Mancini and Frank Wildhorn Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Frank Wildhorn Directed by Paul Packer Musical Direction by Charlotte Rivard-Hoster Produced by Night Blue Performing Arts Company Playing at Stage 773, Chicago Charming Musical Marred by Basic Errors in Production The good news is that for the first … Read more