Tom Williams

REVIEWSREVIEWS BYTheatre ReviewsTom Williams

Black Watch

It 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.

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REVIEWSREVIEWS BYTheatre ReviewsTom Williams

All In Love Is Fair

Jackie 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.

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REVIEWSREVIEWS BYTheatre ReviewsTom Williams

The Warriors

While 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.

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REVIEWSREVIEWS BYTheatre ReviewsTom Williams

Man From Nebraska

Then 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.

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MUST SEEREVIEWSREVIEWS BYTheatre ReviewsTom Williams

Sense & Sensibility

We 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.

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MUST SEEREVIEWSREVIEWS BYTheatre ReviewsTom Williams

Faith Healer

Brian 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.

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