Filled with humor, raw humanity The Mountaintop unfolds as two-hander that becomes a powerful meditation on morality, destiny and fate. We see through clever scenes Camae calling God (who here is a she) on a cellphone to report that Dr. King is vehemently resisting leaving earth. King eventually talks then argues with God who ends up hanging up on King.
Read MoreThe seven reunited with Stuart Carden at Writers Theatre after a successful 2012 run of The Old Man and the Old Moon in New York. They have revised the work for the Midwest premiere at Writers Theatre. The result is a magnificent wholly imaginative work. Pigpen Theatre Co. reminds me of the work of Redmoon Theater, Blair Thomas & Company and House Theatre but Pigpen is more sophisticated musically.
Read MoreWhen Arizona Attorney General Spencer (Jan Radcliff) takes Edward under her wing, he realizes that he could move up in Arizona politics as, perhaps, the next Attorney General of Arizona. As the first Latino to hold such an office, he could help Latino’s get the justice they deserve. But when a female cop gets shot by a Latino under questionable circumstances, Edward yields to the “law-and-order'” sentiment and seeks the death penalty.
Read MoreFollowing their terrific Part I (https://chicagocritic.com/the-iron-stage-king-part-one/), Nathan Allen and Chris Mathews continue their saga of the boy king Casper Kent (Brandon Ruiter) and his kingdom that is inspired by the legend of King Arthur with hints of Lord of the Rings. Those who enjoyed Part I will welcome Casper, Hap The Golden (Cliff Chamberlain), and the various ladies as they attempt to keep the land ruled by the people oriented boy king. With his magical hammer in hand, Casper unites the land but he finds out that heis ruler of all but his own story.
Read MoreYou may remember the 1991 film of Other People’s Money staring Danny DeVito? Shattered Globe Theater, under the smart direction by Dennis Zacek, have a lively and often funny production of Jerry Sterner’s Other People’s Money. Featuring Ben Werling as Larry “The Liquidator” Garginkle, Other People’s Money is a sly and cynical look at the vultures of Wall Street at work doing hostile takeovers of dying companies.
Read MoreWhile some parts of this over written show can be a challenge to keep up with, the over all production provides enough intrigue and sensual stimulation to be a theatrical treat. The costumes are unique, the acting pushes the extremes, and the atmosphere engaging. The surreal world of sexual fetishes and the raw expression of power is vividly exposed for all their trappings. The Balcony, like most Trap Door Theatre productions is an acquired taste like a very dry martini.
Read MoreWarped by Barbara Lhota, now playing at Theater Wit, is a smart, realistic, and quite suspenseful mystery. Lhota is a polished writer whose understanding of police procedures, particularly of the Chicago Police Department, gives her creditability. We see the events of the night in question from the point of view of each other four participants as two investigators attempt to unravel the truth.
Read MoreHis hits included “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” “Move It On Over, ” Jambalaya,” and “Hey, Good Lookin.” He was a self-taught singer/composer who started his career on radio at age 14 in 1937.
Read MoreThe creative folks at Porchlight Theatre found a brother team of talents to mount the musical farce penned and first performed by Bob & Jim Walton, Double Trouble. Adrian and Alexander Aguilar play Jimmy and Bobby. The Aguilar’s have the talent, the singing, the dancing, and the comedic ability to engage the audience as they play more than ten characters in an old-fashion musical farce.
Read MoreFive world premiere plays and three new adaptations seen first by Chicago audiences received Jeff nominations by the Jeff Awards Committee and are among the 166 nominations in 36 categories announced for Chicago Equity theatrical productions opened between August 1, 2012 and July 31, 2013.
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