Bradford’s overwhelmingly strong talent for resourcefulness separates him from other contemporary artists. Utilizing found scraps that were a part of his south L.A. neighborhood to which he’s still deeply devoted to, Bradford creates socially conscious, pseudo-pop mixed media pieces.
Read MoreI also wasn’t too impressed by Quinn’s reductionist humor made famous by Jerry Seinfeld. Quinn reduces world history in 80 minutes of ignorant, simplistic and anachronism-filled dialogue that tries to be an equal offender of most religions, nationalities and countries. Quinn tries to comically channel the demise of great world civilizations through shallow cliches and rudely crude observations. His rawness lacks the bite and depth of a George Carlin and the bravado of Lenny Bruce.
Read MoreWe meet Anya Botvinnik (the fabulous Janet Ulrich Brooks) a witty but jaded cynical Russian veteran arms negotiator whose many years in Geneva leaves her frustrated by the process. When the Americans send a new diplomat – John Honeymen (David Parks) the battle of wits begins. They both decide that walking in the woods outside Geneva could allow more honesty and glibness than the stuffy table in the confined conference rooms.
Read MoreGod damn I like Lyle Lovett. He’s a real craftful songwriter. His songs are funny, bitter, poignant, satirical – sometimes all at once. They are a celebration and satirization of the decadent and depraved segments of our society through joyous absurdity. He’ll cut a record with some of the funniest songs you’ve ever heard, and right next to ‘em will be stuff to make you bawl your eyes out. And live, he’s even better.
Read MoreFeaturing the golden tenor from William Bennett , as the Prince, and the fine soprano from Danielle M. Knox, as Kathy, Light Opera Work’s production of the classic 20th Century Romberg gem is spirited, glamorous looking and stunningly well- sung affair. The fun begins as Karl Franz, (William Bennett) the prince of the (fictitious) German kingdom of Karlsberg heads to University of Heidelberg for an education and to experience the ‘real world’ filled with male bonding and a few beers. Romberg’s “Drinking Song” was a Prohibition 1924 hit song!
Read MoreI went to Ravinia last Sunday hoping for a good show, good music, and maybe something supremely interesting: the CSO was also billed, after all, so presumably they would be performing together. And, indeed, they did. The CSO began the evening with the overture to Beatrice et Benedict by Berlioz; they then went into Mendelssohn’s scherzo and nocturne from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. All were excellent – exactly what you would expect.
Read MoreA Musical Thriller Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Book by Hugh Wheeler Directed and Choreographed by Rachel Rockwell Music
Read MoreThere was little comedic timing in evidence and the script was to convoluted that the cast seemed to be pushing hard to garner any possible humor. At the performance I attended, there was little laughter. Hobo Junction’s brand of humor rings flat here.
Read MoreYou’d be hard pressed to find a more articulate production filled with deep-seeded emotions and long-fuming resentment with powerful charismatic turns fuels Idle Muse Theatre’s expert production of Goldman’s gem. You’ll be easily engaged and totally intrigued by these flawed yet human characters as they struggle for power and personal recognition. Kudos to the cast for offering such fine performances. See this play to experience the craftsmanship of Chicago storefront theatre.
Read MoreWhile I support theatre troupes who take chances and try to stretch things theatrically, they must keep in mind that there must be at least a thread of coherence in their production. These show tried to do too much. If you can get the audience to relate and/or like the characters, they’ll follow you wherever you want – but-both shows failed to to reach the audience.
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