Told with humor, loads of heart with quirky yet lovable characters, From Generation to Generation is a cute bouncy musical featuring a nice assortment of non-Equity players. A family saga filled with history, Jewish tradition and a memorable score awaits.
Read MoreIt is fitting that a story of a military unit – the Scottish Black Watch infantry of the British Army – be hosted before more than 600 souls at a former Army National Guard Armory in Rogers Park. Black Watch is an interesting blend of theatrical styles including songs, marches, personal interviews, stylistic combat and training movements with intense emotional outpouring that deeply tells the story of soldiers serving the British Army in Iraq.
Read MoreThe reality, however, is something else: my notes from the show read like director’s notes from the first rehearsal, not a critic’s from opening night. This I lay at the feet of Brian LaDuca, who clearly has no earthly idea what he’s doing and has no business directing, especially something as difficult to execute as Shakespeare. The language was shaky, the speech too fast, the conception of the play poorly designed and executed.
Read MoreJackie Taylor’s latest musical, All In Love Is Fair is a cute little book that features a representative assortment of couples living in a small town – Love, Illinois. Narrated by the sassy Ms. Katie (Katrina V. Miller), this musical is a tribute to romance and love songs by the likes of Luther Vandross, Brook Benton, James Ingram, Gladys Knight, and Roberta Flack.
Read MoreWhile it is a worthy glimpse into the minds and attitudes of the survivors, The Warriors unfolds as a timid, guarded portrait sans any elements of “survivors guilt.” We learn how difficult it is for any of The Warriors to speak about that day. Each warrior must deal with their hidden emotions on their own terms. This dramatization highlights some of the issues long simmering by each.
Read MoreThen one night Ken has an epiphany – suddenly he has lost all faith in the existence of God! More than that, Ken has lost faith in most things dear to him – his family, his wife, his career and his stilted Midwest lifestyle. Is Ken having a crisis of faith or his he seeking personal freedom as part of a mid-life crisis? Tracy Letts’ drama examines one man’s journey of person self-discovery.
Read MoreMy favorite voices from this production are from Erin Mosher and Stephanie Umoh both of whom nail their big ballads and anthems were rich emotions. However, the production never has a heartfelt romantic tone. We don’t feel any sparks between Aida and Radames and we only see the coldly obnoxious side of Amneris
Read MoreThe one joke comedy routine appeals to the lowest threshold of comedy shows. We meet Dixie – the fast talking (at times unintelligible) lady (a guy in drag) – who is from Alabama, is an ex-con with three kids who depends on audiences buying Tupperware to make a living. Dixie’s comedy routine is fueled with sexual references to demonstrate the various plastic products.
Read MoreWe see excellent performances by Helen Sadler as the passionate Marianne and Heidi Kettenring as the common sense sister. Kettenring demonstrates her dramatic acting chops here – we know her amazing singing ability. Sadler and Kettenring has an honest stage chemistry that anchors the show. We see the folly and flirtations of these women as well as the shyness and reserve of the well mannered gentry.
Read More