By José Rivera Directed by Steve Cosson Music by Héctor Buitrago Produced by Goodman Theatre, Chicago Co-Commissioned by The Civilians There’s Nothing that Can Kill a Show Like Too Much Exposition Another Word for Beauty, the play now premiering at the Goodman, is a dramatic adaptation for the stage by José Rivera of a documentary … Read more
It took twenty years to emerge, but the wait was worth it as The Man Who Murdered Sherlock Holmes, now playing at the Mercury Theater in a world premiere, is a theatrical treat! John Reeger’s clever book features Sir Arthur Conan Doyle actually investigating a crime after he “kills off ” Holmes in his latest story
By William Shakespeare Directed by Declan Donnellan Designed by Nick Ormerod Produced by sister companies Cheek by Jowl and Pushkin Theatre Playing at Chicago Shakespeare Shakespeare 400 Festival Off to a Running Start The Shakespeare 400 Festival is finally here, and the Russian-language production of Measure for Measure now at Navy Pier is a sign … Read more
By Neil LaBute Produced by Profile Theatre, Chicago A Panorama of LaBute’s World Profiles Theatre’s long relationship with playwright Neil LaBute has resulted in a strong enough sense of trust for them to collaborate on an unusual kind of premiere. Vices and Virtues, now playing at the Alley Stage, is two night’s worth of short … Read more
By Tennessee Williams Directed by Dado At A Red Orchid Theatre, Chicago Haunting dream-like glimpse of the underbelly of New Orleans is marvelously presented Williams referred to The Mutilated as “an allegory on the tragicomic subject of human existence on this risky planet.” Presented on an imaginative set (designed by Grant Savin) that featured rows … Read more
By Laura Wade Directed by Jonathan Berry Produced by Steep Theatre Company, Chicago Up Close and Personal With the Young, Rich, and Angry In case you haven’t heard, it’s a scary world out there for young people just starting out. Lauren Wade’s 2010 drama Posh, the latest of many contemporary plays from the British Isles … Read more
Written by Mark Twain & Charles Dudley Warner Adapted by Paul Edwards Directed by Adam Goldstein Produced by City Lit A Confused, Meandering Tragedy That Thinks It’s a Satire Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner preface their 1873 novel The Gilded Age by writing that “It will be seen that it deals with an entirely … Read more
Book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan Music by Marc Shaiman Lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman Directed and Choreographed by Amber Mak Paramount Theatre’s HAIRSPRAY is full of Big Hair and Big Fun! Hairspray at Paramount Theatre – Original Review Archive review: Sally Jo Osborne reviewed Paramount Theatre’s Aurora production of Hairspray in … Read more
By Heidi Schreck Directed by Ronan Marra Produced by Signal Ensemble Theatre An Unfulfilling Slice of Life After 13 years of presenting plays in Chicago, Signal Ensemble Theatre will be closing its doors after its current production of Heidi Schreck’s The Consultant. In one way, knowing this is Signal’s final production makes The Consultant a … Read more
Book by Michael Stewart Music by Charles Strouse Lyrics Lee Adams Directed and Choreographed by Tammy Mader Musical Direction by Alan Bukowiecki Produced by Drury Lane Theatre, Oakbrook Terrace A Birdie That’s in on the Joke If you want to see an amusing, light-hearted send-up of 50s teen culture with superb production values and great … Read more