Latest from Chicago Critic

The Student Prince

September 15, 2017August 21, 2011 by Tom Williams

Featuring the golden tenor from William Bennett , as the Prince, and the fine soprano from Danielle M. Knox, as Kathy, Light Opera Work’s production of the classic 20th Century Romberg gem is spirited, glamorous looking and stunningly well- sung affair. The fun begins as Karl Franz, (William Bennett) the prince of the (fictitious) German kingdom of Karlsberg heads to University of Heidelberg for an education and to experience the ‘real world’ filled with male bonding and a few beers. Romberg’s “Drinking Song” was a Prohibition 1924 hit song!

Rufus Wainwright – Ravinia concert

August 21, 2011August 21, 2011 by Will Fink

I went to Ravinia last Sunday hoping for a good show, good music, and maybe something supremely interesting: the CSO was also billed, after all, so presumably they would be performing together. And, indeed, they did. The CSO began the evening with the overture to Beatrice et Benedict by Berlioz; they then went into Mendelssohn’s scherzo and nocturne from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. All were excellent – exactly what you would expect.

Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

August 19, 2011 by Tom Williams

A Musical Thriller Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Book by Hugh Wheeler Directed and Choreographed by Rachel Rockwell Music Direction by Roberta Duchak Killer performances in musical thriller If ever a play deserved a wildly enthusiastic standing ovation, it was the mesmerizing opening night production of Sweeney Todd at Drury Lane. For a moment, … Read more

In Pursuit

October 22, 2022August 16, 2011 by Tom Williams

There was little comedic timing in evidence and the script was to convoluted that the cast seemed to be pushing hard to garner any possible humor. At the performance I attended, there was little laughter. Hobo Junction’s brand of humor rings flat here.

The Lion in Winter

October 23, 2022August 14, 2011 by Tom Williams

You’d be hard pressed to find a more articulate production filled with deep-seeded emotions and long-fuming resentment with powerful charismatic turns fuels Idle Muse Theatre’s expert production of Goldman’s gem. You’ll be easily engaged and totally intrigued by these flawed yet human characters as they struggle for power and personal recognition. Kudos to the cast for offering such fine performances. See this play to experience the craftsmanship of Chicago storefront theatre.

One Night Only & Vonnegut’s Shorts

October 22, 2022August 13, 2011 by Tom Williams

While I support theatre troupes who take chances and try to stretch things theatrically, they must keep in mind that there must be at least a thread of coherence in their production. These show tried to do too much. If you can get the audience to relate and/or like the characters, they’ll follow you wherever you want – but-both shows failed to to reach the audience.

We Live Here

September 15, 2017August 10, 2011 by Tom Williams

… We Live Here’s “quintessential Chicago moments” range from poignant, to sad, to hauntingly moving, to hilariously human, to emotionally desperate. Each playwright’s semi-autobiographical story is handled exquisitely by a cast that fully humanizes the honesty of each tale.

Side Man

October 23, 2022August 8, 2011 by Tom Williams

Side Man is a hauntingly raw yet beautiful memory play that colorfully offers a glimpse into the world of the fanatic artist. It also dramatize the effects of shattered dreams and lack of ambition on a family. Dan Meismer and Jeremy Clark anchor the stellar cast of misfits and fanatics. The jazz riffs add authenticity to the production. This marvelous play is one of the best works mounted in Chicago this year!

The Swordswomen of San Gimignano

August 5, 2011August 5, 2011 by Tom Williams

…the assertion that women during the High-Renaissance in the Italian town of San Gimignano were schooled in sword fighting was given as fact. Did women actually sword fight? I doubt that. This two hour + play is billed as a comedy but with few laughs and too much hokey attempts at commedia dell’arte by David Servillo’s Jacopo and Amy Dellagiarino’s Lucrezia.

The Misunderstanding

October 22, 2022August 4, 2011 by Will Fink

Kevin V. Smith directs this deftly, unapologetically and in search of a new paradigm for what is considered acceptable theatre in America. This is theatre that asks of the audience, that wills participation and thought. It will turn some people off because it is not easy, it is not straightforward, it is not simply entertainment. But for those who crave more from their theatrical experiences than two hours of escapism, this is utterly refreshing.