By August Wilson Directed by Ron OJ Parson Produced by Court Theatre, Chicago Following Goodman Theatre’s amazing production of Two Trains Running earlier this year, the commemorations on the tenth anniversary of August Wilson’s death continue with an equally outstanding production of his second-to-last play, Gem of the Ocean, by Court Theatre. It features some … Read more
The musical “lovingly ripped off” from the motion picture “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” Book and Lyrics by Eric Idle Music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle Directed by David Perkovich Music Direction by William Underwood Choreographed by Linda Fortunato At The Theatre at the Center, Munster Hilarious Spoof is an Energetic Tribute … Read more
Book and Lyrics by Marshall Pailet, Bryce Norbitz, and Steve Wargo Music by Marshall Pailet Co-directed by Tommy Bullington and Nicholas Reinhart Choreography by Nicholas Reinhart Music Direction by Justin Harner Produced by Circle Theatre At Heartland Studio, Chicago A Frivolous, Dinosaur Romp After 28 years of residing in Forest Park, Circle Theatre inaugurates its … Read more
By William Shakespeare Directed by Aaron Posner and Teller Produced by Chicago Shakespeare Theater An Accessible Tempest for New and Old Fans Chicago Shakespeare prides itself on producing world-class shows on a level that appeals as much to novices as experts. The approaching four hundredth anniversary of Shakespeare’s death and the associated commemorations provide them … Read more
By Julia Lederer Directed by Thrisa Hodits Produced by Strawdog Theatre Company, Chicago A Harmless Little Fable about the Obvious When Strawdog Theatre Company moves into a different space, it will be interesting how the company changes its lineup. Recently, they’ve been experimenting with small-scale shows on off-nights and when the mainstage (where they do … Read more
Music by Richard Rodgers Book & Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II Based on the play Green Grow the Lilacs by Lynn Riggs Directed by Jim Corti Musical Direction by Tom Vendafreddo Choreography by Katie Spelman At Paramount Theatre, Aurora Golden voiced Colte Julian leads splendid remount of Oklahoma! When we first hear Curly belt “Oh, … Read more
Book and Lyrics by Bill Russell Music by Henry Krieger Directed by Michael Weber Music Direction by Aaron Benham Choreography by Andrew Waters Produced by Porchlight Music Theatre, Chicago At Stage 773 Chicago Stunning Heartfelt Revision of Side Show is a “Can’t Miss” Hit I first saw Side Show in 2006 in a terrific production … Read more
By Damon Kiely Music by Jess McIntosh Directed and Choreographed by Leslie Buxbaum Danzig Produced by The House Theatre of Chicago Damon Kiely’s The Revel is an adaptation of The Bacchae by Euripides, but you don’t need to know that to enjoy it. As a good adapter, he took what was good in the original, … Read more
By Edward Albee Directed by Jason Gerace Produced by Redtwist Theatre George and Martha Up Close and Personal With its iconic cruel characters embattled in a twisted game of dominance and delusion, Edward Albee’s 1962 drama Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is irresistible to actors. Audiences can’t help loving the performances it elicits as well, … Read more
By William Saroyan Directed by Kathy Scambiattera Produced by The Artistic Home, Chicago A Masterfully Told Story about Hope Though The Artistic Home has a small space on Grand Avenue, they’re not afraid to fill it up with a massive ensemble for a show that’s worthy of the effort. William Saroyan’s The Time of Your … Read more