Latest from Chicago Critic

Rock ‘N’ Roll

Therefore, the selection of music Stoppard choose was bewildering and distracted from the play’s focus. I simply couldn’t make the connection from rock music to the political dissent in Cambridge and Czechoslovakia. This play supposes as true the intersection of rock music and politics.

Rock ‘N’ Roll

By Tom Stoppard Directed by Charles Newell At the Goodman Theatre Dissonance and Dissidents Like most Tom Stoppard plays, Rock ‘N’ Roll recounts an engaging story that invites the audience to contemplate complex subject matter. In the case of this, his latest work, the tale is one of love, family, and friendship and the subject … Read more

Busman’s Honeymoon

Frances Limoncelli’s funny and whimsical adaptation of Busman’s Honeymoon contains the marriage of Wimsey and Vance. The early scenes take us into their world that memory reminds me that Lord Wimsey proposed marriage to Harriet Vance many time before she accepted.

Altar Boyz

This spoof is a pop/rock parody of groups like “New Kids on the Block” and “Backstreet Boys,” Altar Boyz works hard to please audiences and it sure does with charm and panache.

Zero

By Chris O’Connell Directed by Ben Fuchsen At Oracle Productions Video design and energetic acting saves Zero Oracle Productions, and up-and-coming theatre troupe, has mounted a US Premiere of British playwright Chris O’Connell’s Zero at their Broadway storefront theatre. Zero is a tale of state sponsored torture in the name of order where we meet … Read more

The Lieutenant of Inishmore

The Lieutenant of Inishmore—a most gruesome yet hilariously dark comedy about the absurdity of political violence. This amazing production illustrates the power of live theatre to reach into the hearts and souls in a most visceral and earthy manner.

Rod Balgojevich Superstar

If you are looking for enlightenment or revelation about the governor’s pathetic story, forget it. Nothing about this show is serious. It is non-stop raucous cheap shots that stick strictly to the most publicized fact

Beverly Friend’s review of The Lieutenant of Inishmore

With the Lieutenant of Inishmore, however, motivation is either non-existent or outrageous and absurd. Everything springs from the death of a cat. The result is not limited to “an-eye-for-an eye” retribution but goes far beyond this: not merely, “If you kill my cat, I will kill yours,” but “If you kill my cat, I will kill you!”

Hollywood 360 5-2-2009

Tom Williams discusses the following stage plays: Old Times, The History Boys, and Aura, with host Carl Amari on the Radio Program Hollywood 360 on WIND 560 AM. May 2, 2009.