We see the five living in frustration as their alienation fuels their basic need for connection on several levels consumes them. The tedious first act so over states that concept that I quickly became as frustrated with the play as they were with their isolation. The irritating videos only added to the weirdness of this work.
Read MoreUtilizing Adam Lucas Venes’ back porch-backyard set aptly depicting an aging bungalow, we find John Patrick Moore (Boyd Harris), a third generation Chicago Police officer drinking beer with his cop partner Terry Donnelly (James D. Farruggio). Tension between the two revolves around loyalty, trust and honesty as a work incident strains their relationship.
Read MoreAnton Chekhov is arguably the best playwright since Shakespeare; he is unequivocally one of the great playwrights of history. The Raven Theatre, with Michael Menendian at the helm, has decided to try their hand at his last, and (according to Chekhov himself) funniest play – with mixed results.
Read MoreThe ensemble was the finest I’ve seen dancing Ann Reinking-Bob Fosse style numbers. “Roxie,” “Tap Dance” and the show stopper “Razzle Dazzle” were slick and flawless. I’ve not witness Fosse dances better performed. The ladies justify their crimes with the haunting “Cell Block Tango.”….John O’Hurley brings a fine voice and a commanding, self-aware presence to the shyster Billy Flynn.
Read MoreJEFF NON-EQUITY AWARDS PRESENTED FOR THE 2010 – 2011 SEASON Redtwist’s “Man from Nebraska” and The Hypocrites’ “Cabaret” Take Top
Read MoreCome to Cahn Auditorium to see a lush, lovely and lively Light Opera Works production of Brigadoon. You’ll see and hear the entire score without any cuts and you’ll witness expert dance numbers filled with grace and charm. This wonderful show is in good hands with Rudy Hogenmiller and the creatives at Light Opera Work
Read MoreThe work drones on with more and more depressing situations until strong feels of self-hatred dominates. Talk about a “downer” of a play – there is no one to relate toward – no one to cheer for – and there is no satisfactory resolution for these miserable souls. I felt like I was in theatre hell for two hours viewing this negative work.
Read MoreWith all the praying, I thought I was at a Catholic retreat being held at Trap Door theatre with Sister Calling My Name. This is a memory play that finds Michael (Luke Daigle) telling his memories of his reconciliation with his mentally retarded/schizophrenic younger sister. We meet Lindesy (excellent work by Katie Cheely) Michael’s mentally challenged sister. We see that she is incapable of rational thought and she seems to be highly influenced by who ever is her guardian.
Read MoreRobertson presents the persona of a cop’s wife who raised two children and loyally waited for her man to come home to the safety of their Edgebrook house. Alice Conroy tells us of the time when her husband is fatally shot on duty while investigating an old 1988 “who-done-it” that has taken the lives of several investigators through the years. Alice tells that she simply “knew” the moment when John was gunned down.
Read MoreAnd then there’s the music. The music is simple. I mean, like, really simple. Almost everything is I-IV-V. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think that singer/rhythm guitar player Justin Young only knew the chords C, F, and G, and just moved a capo around to change keys. But you’d be wrong. Because that’s the point. Oh, Justin Young knows plenty of other chords, he just chooses not to utilize them – because those are the only chords he needs.
Read More