The reggae/calypso music and the large coral singing almost overwhelmed the show. Add the screaming by several singers and the show comes off as trying too hard to please. Lacking charm and warmth, Once On this Island takes too long to win our hearts but the terrific, heartfelt and honest work from Chasten Harmon as Ti Moune saves the show.
Saluting American Popular Music During the Wartime Years Produced by Jeanne Scherkenbach Musical Director/piano accompanist Carolyn Wehner At the Skokie Theatre Music Foundation Patriotic, nicely sung tribute to American war vets a winner! Using a well played piano (Carolyn Wehner) and the deft work from Joel Kopischke, Rachel Renee, Matt Richardson, Jeanne Scherkback became a … Read more
Teatro Luna’s ten year old play, Generic Latina, has a new script, GL2010, and is filled with contagious energy. Combating stereotypes through a collection of comical sketch scenes, this show is highlighted by outstanding actresses and non stop laughter.
While the story could use a trimming of about 10 minutes, the 65 minute shows moves from political satire to an exhibition of middle aged and plus sized naked folks parading on stage completely having fun with their bodies…The Living Canvas folks produce performance art pieces featuring a cast of nude performers dancing and creating expressive movements naked but shadowed by a series of video projections to the tune of techno-pop music.
I’m not sure why Karen Zacarias’ play about Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz (1649-1695) – The Sins of Sor Juana had to include silly, raw humor and buffoon-like characters? The contradictory tones and the confusing flashbacks deleted from the story of the famous Mexican the writer, scholar, poet, feminist, nun and revolutionary – Sor Juana
Joe Plummer’s light motif to fuel 18 haunting blues tunes revolves around the story of Theresa’s Lounge that existed in Chicago’s South Side from 1954 to 1983. Theresa’s Lounge was a small basement blues club that showcases legends like Junior Wells and Buddy Guy
The short scenes are totally gay oriented that features nudity and explicit sexual encounters. Humor, poignant, sometime dramatic and provocative scenes depict the adventures of horny gay men. Gay men seem to love this show that sure makes gays look like sexually aggressives.
Redtwist Theatre’s re-conceived and re-staged production of their 2007 hit production of Equus, features a three quarter thrust stage, new background music and many new players. The result is a different experience as this Equus is dominated by the wonderful fully truthful work by Brian Parry who gives Dr. Martin Dysart a most hauntingly compelling turn
Steel Magnolias, by Robert Harling, is a remarkable play in many ways – particularly because it has such a tender women’s point of view despite being written by a man. Steel Magnolias is part comedy of manners, part heartfelt tearjerker, featuring non-stop witty banter. Basically, a friendship comic drama, Steel Magnolias tugs at the heart while making us laugh.
Mary-Arrchie Theatre and David Cromer and an experimental play are an explosive mixture destined to evoke strong reactions. With a cast of 49 (yes, 49!), set designer Andre LaSalle had to dismantle the basic layout of Angel Island turning it into a shabby apartment rectangle setting with audience on all four sides.