Latest from Chicago Critic

The American Clock – A Vaudeville

By Arthur Miller Directed by Jan Ellen Graves At Redtwist Theatre, Chicago “Life is just a bowl of cherries. Don’t take it serious; it’s too mysterious. At eight each morning I have got a date, To take my plunge ’round the Empire State. You’ll admit it’s not the berries, In a building that’s so tall; … Read more

Billy Elliot the Musical

Book and Lyrics by Lee Hall Music by Elton John Directed and Choreographed by Rachel Rockwell Music Direction by Roberta Duchak Produced by Drury Lane, Oakbrook Billy Elliot Reinvented Better than Ever Listen to my interview with Rachel Rockwell. I developed a soft spot for Billy Elliot after seeing the Broadway production, and was impressed … Read more

Soul Brother, Where Art Thou?

The Second City’s 39th Revue Written & Performed by: Carisa Barrwca Lisa Beasley Scott Morehead EddieMujica Tim Ryder Rashawn Nadine Scott Directed by Anthony LeBlanc Music Director Alex Kilmer At The Second City e.t.c. Theatre Second City opens their 39th revue, Soul Brother, Where Art Thou?, in their 2nd floor space at Piper’s Alley. Consisting … Read more

The Herd

By Rory Kinnear Directed by Frank Galati Produced by Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Chicago Family Drama Questions Love and Sacrifice As a company renowned for being driven by its actors, it makes sense Steppenwolf would be interested in The Herd, the first play written by British actor Rory Kinnear. The family drama was written to provide … Read more

Between You, Me And The Lampshade

By Raul Castillo Directed by Ricardo Gutierrez Produced by Teatro Vista At Victory Gardens Christiansen Theater, Chicago Consequences of secrets fuels world premier drama Teatro Vista presents a world primer drama, Between You, Me And The Lampshade by Raul Castrillo now playing at Victory Gardens upstairs theater. Set in rural Texas near the Mexican border, … Read more

Anything Goes – Marriott Theatre

Music & Lyrics by Cole Porter Original Book by P.G. Wodehouse & Guy Bolton and Howard Lindsy & Russell Crouse New Book by Timothy Crouse & John Weidman Directed & Choreographer by Marc Robin Music Direction by Ryan T. nelson At The Marriott Theatre, Lincolnshire Funny madcap musical comedy delivers terrific entertainment Anything Goes is … Read more

The Grown-Up

By Jordan Harrison Directed by Krissy Vanderwarker Produced by Shattered Globe Theatre, Chicago At Theater Wit, Chicago A Fun Romp through Life’s Ups and Downs I was told once by a teacher that time seems to speed up as you get older. Others may disagree, but I’ve found it to be true, and apparently so … Read more

Spring Awakening

By Frank Wedekind Adapted and Directed by Jeremy Ohringer Produced by Fearless Theatre, Chicago At Charnel House, Chicago Young Company Flexes Creative Powers Spring Awakening has been a favorite of teenagers since a rock musical adaptation by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater in 2006 breathed new life into Frank Wedekind’s indictment of how youth are … Read more

Red Handed Otter

By Ethan Lipton Directed by Dado At A Red orchid Theatre, Chicago “I mean, I’ve had other cats, As a kid we had cats, they were great cats, but compared to Jennifer? If you just look at it objectively? We’re talking about one of the best cats in history!” – Paul Sweet comedy about animal-loving … Read more

An Issue of Blood: An Historical Parable

By Marcus Gardley Directed by Chay Yew Produced by Victory Gardens Theater, Chicago New Play Packed With Plot Victory Gardens playwright Marcus Gardley put his new drama A Wonder in My Soul on hold to write this play, An Issue of Blood, in the wake of nationwide protests against police misconduct. With a conscientious attitude … Read more