By Steven Simoncic Directed by Ilesa Duncan Produced by Pegasus Theatre Chicago At Chicago Dramatists Improbable premise dulls community drama Set in suburban Detroit, Steven Simoncic’s world premiere drama, Ghost Gardens isn’t ready for the stage. This eerie drama finds Lorelle doing her now-ten year grieving for Hope, her infant who died of cancer. Childless … Read more
By Richard Kalinoski Directed by Michael Menendian Produced by Raven Theatre, Chicago A Frank and Poetic Tale of Survival Raven Theatre has produced acclaimed, high-quality shows that seek to capture the American experience for many years, under the leadership of Michael Menendian and JoAnn Montemurro. Now, as part of the commemoration of the 100th anniversary … Read more
By Aaron Senser Directed by Emelia Zuckerman Produced by Forget Me Not Theatre Company, Chicago A Crisis of Trauma and Depression…In Space! The most heartening sign of vibrancy in Chicago’s theatre scene is the number of young artists honing their skills, and using the stage as a form of expression and exploration. Forget Me Not … Read more
Book by Burt Shevelove & Larry Gelbart Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Directed by Michael Weber Choreographed by Brenda Didier Musical Director: Linda Madonia Produced by Porchlight Music Theatre At Stage 777, Chicago “Tragedy Tomorrow, Comedy Tonight!” Farce, vaudeville and manic energy fuel the all-time funniest Musical comedy ever! A Funny Thing Happened On … Read more
By Oscar Wilde Directed by Jim Schneider Produced by Dead Writers Theatre Collective, Chicago “Ideals are dangerous things. Realities are better. They wound, but they are better.” Visually Gorgeous Production of Wilde’s Melodrama Dead Writers Theatre Collective is dedicated to high production values and beautiful aesthetics, so Oscar Wilde is a perfect fit. With its … Read more
By William Shakespeare Directed by Drew Martin Produced by Stage Left Theatre At Theater Wit, Chicago Shakespeare’s problem play, All’s Well That Ends Well, unfolds as a tough assignment If All’s Well That Ends Well isn’t tough enough to mount (especially with a not classically trained cast) then setting it in 1958-59 within a mob … Read more
By Terrence McNally Directed by Ted Hoerl Produced by Eclipse Theatre Company, Chicago Perfect Start to Season of McNally Eclipse’s mission is to showcase one author each season, and they chose well to dedicate this season to Terrence McNally. Active since the 1960s, McNally has been a noteworthy contributor to plays about gay life for … Read more
By Kristine Thatcher Directed by Terry McCabe At City Lit Theater, Chicago Chilling tales that ultimately lead to the American Civil War In the fifth and final annual installment of its Civil War Sesquicentennial Project, City Lit Theater presents the world premiere of Kristine Thatcher’s The Bloodhound Law. Much like the right-wing anti-gay Evangelical Christians … Read more
Written & Directed by Rueben Echoles Music Direction by Robert Redderick At the Black Ensemble Theatre, Chicago Weak story dilutes terrific songs in new musical. The creatives at the Black Ensemble Theatre are experimenting with various formats besides their signature bio-musicals that have been a popular formula for years. Earlier this season, they mounted The … Read more
By Marius von Mayenburg Translated by Maja Zade Directed by Joanie Schultz Produced by Steep Theatre Company, Chicago. Confused Story Sheds No Light on Budding Terrorist In the notes to Martyr, the latest show at Steep, director Joanie Shultz reflects on what search for belonging lures Western teenagers to join ISIS. Unfortunately, German writer Marius … Read more