By Rajiv Jospeh Directed by Devon de Mayo Produced by Shattered Globe Theatre At Theater Wit, Chicago Interesting, yet ultimately unfulfilling, comic-drama reshaping more than paper figures Playwright Rajiv Joseph, in Animals Out Of paper, tells a story about a unique web of teacher-student relationships. We meet Ilana (Courtney McKenna), a famous reclusive origami artist … Read more
London Wall is a workplace comic-drama that highlights the struggles of 1930’s single women in a misogynistic British society. We get to know these women; we care about them and we commiserate with their condition. I especially liked the performances by Rochelle Therrien as she used he facial expressions and body language to convey her angst. Venessa Greenway was marvelous and Mary Pool was a hoot as the eccentric client.
By Terry Teachout Directed by Charles Newell Produced by Court Theatre, Chicago Louis Armstrong’s Soul on Display without His Musical Armor “I shit myself,” Louis Armstrong grumbles at the beginning of the play. Yes, he adds, he swears a lot, just not on the Ed Sullivan show. It’s not like he enjoys upsetting his audience. … Read more
By Shane Sakhrani Directed by Lavina Jadhwani Produced by Rasaka Theatre Company At Victory Gardens’ Richard Christiansen Theater, Chicago A Play of No Great Romance The mission of Rasaka Theatre Company – the first South Asian theatre company in the Midwest, one of the oldest South Asian theatres in the country, and a current member … Read more
Book and Lyrics by Steven Sater Music by Duncan Sheik Based on the Play by Frank Wedekind Directed and Choreographed by Aaron Thielen Produced by The Marriott Theatre, Lincolnshire Marriott Proves It’s a Home for Art Spring Awakening is a play that should only be done in places where it will receive pushback. I’ve seen … Read more
By John Webster Directed by Christopher Marino Produced by Trap Door Theatre, Chicago “Whether we fall by ambition, blood, or lust, like diamonds, we are cut with our own dust.” With the Shakespeare 400 Festival going on this year, now is a good time to take advantage of an opportunity to see a little of … Read more
By Dan LeFranc Directed by Joannie Schultz At American Theater Co, Chicago Boring drama about loneliness and dysfunctional siblings fizzles for 75 minutes Even after Dan LaFranc re-wrote much of Bruise Easy, his play is not stage worthy. It is slow-moving, with blatant gaps of silence and an unfulfilled plot. We meet the troubled, dysfunctional … Read more
Jacob Davis interviews Shakespeare 400 Chicago festival producer Doreen Sayegh about the hundreds of upcoming events throughout the city, including at festival hub Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier. Doreen Sayegh, Guest Jacob Davis, Host Recorded January 14, 2016 3jacob.davis@gmail.com
By Christopher Chen Directed by Vanessa Stalling In a co-production with Stage Left and Red Tape At Theater Wit, Chicago Loud, stupid, and witless attempt at political satire is a dud As I watched Christopher Chen’s one-joke satire, Mutt, I was struck by why two terrific Chicago theatre companies (Stage Left and Red Tape) would … Read more
By Evan Linder Directed by Tyrone Phillips Produced by The New Colony and Definition Theatre Company Playing at The Den Theatre, Chicago Strong Foundation for Conversation across the Continent It’s a great sign for the future of theatre when two young companies are able to collaborate on an outstanding world premiere. It’s an even better … Read more