The central problem with this production is that, by trying to sex up the show and appeal to the middle, they end up appealing to no one. Heavy-duty theatre-goers will find it unremarkable, and casual observers will be lost because of the lack of enunciation as well as the bluster and overall mediocrity of the ensemble.
Read MoreBrian Friel’s 1979, Faith Healer, is a mesmerizing mystery told in four monologues, each rich in imagery and anecdotal information. We hear basically the same story told by three people – contradictory truths told by Frank Hardy – the Faith Healer (Kevin Theis), Grace, his wife or mistress (Mary Michell) -and Teddy (Jack Hickey) his manager. This memory play entices the audience to listen react and believe each character. We must decide where the truth lies.
Read MoreIt is clear, with a piece as rich as this, why Carmen has endured. And the Lyric puts on a stellar production, with everything you could ask for: every single performer is impeccable; the musicians and conductor are top-notch; the sets, costumes, and other technical aspects are all magnificent. A very traditional, and very talented, production of one of the great operas, it would be foolhardy to let this one pass by unnoticed.
Read MoreIt is a slice-of-life whimsical comedy featuring quirky characters living in 1934 on the small rural island of Inishmaan. It is the tale of “Cripple” Billy Claven who searches for his life’s purpose as he yearns to escape the monotony of provincial living. He is beset by cruel words as the inhabitants continuing refer to Billy as an ugly “cripple boy.” Billy desires more from life especially human connections, even love. When an American documentary film makers arrive at the neighboring Aran Island, Billy plots his escape to Hollywood to become a film star.
Read MoreThe cast of six: Dana Tretta, Jeremy Trager, Sara Schoch, Danni Smith, Evan Tyrone Martin and pianist/ music director Austin Cook each had their moments warbling the iconic R & H tunes. Much of the credit for mounting such a well sung revue goes to the sharp casting by Fred Anzevino who always seems to find new talent to populate his shows. But it is the stellar music direction and deft musicianship by Chicago newbie Austin Cook that made a difference.
Read MoreBy Yasmina Reza Translated by Christopher Hampton Directed by Rick Snyder At the Goodman Theatre, Chicago The Banality of Bourgeois
Read MoreWhile Lorraine Freund and Barbara Roeder Harris were excellent as the Mother Superior and the doctor, this show becomes a special theatrical experience by the riveting work from Sara Pavlak as Agnes. Pavlak’s marvelous singing – chanting in Latin – gives her the audio aura that completed when we see her beautiful smile and her bright, loving blue eyes! Miss Pavlak plays Agnes with a most empathetic and innocent manner
Read MoreUnder director Louis Contey and his creative team, Mikhail Bulgakov’s stinging novel satirical of Russian bureaucratic censorship penned in the 1930’s (finished in 1940 but not published until 1967 with much censored Soviet edits), becomes a manically pleasing journey and a fine evening of theatre.
Read MoreMary-Arrchie Theatre specializes in raw, gritty Chicago style theatre. They take those attitudes toward British playwright Harold Pinter’s 1967 Tony Award-winning (for Best Play), The Homecoming. The trick to successfully mounting a Pinter play is to have your cast master the space between the words and the difficult swift change of meaning with the utterance of a single word or gesture.
Read MoreAnd it’s carried off well. The tribe is strong. Steel Burkhardt, Paris Remillard, Caren Lyn Tackett and Kacie Sheik (Berger, Claude, Sheila and Jeanie) are stand-outs amongst a stand-out ensemble. Really, you couldn’t ask for better people to be doing this show. And, keeping in the spirit with the original production, they do involve the audience – just another boundary that this piece of theater pushed.
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