By Ross Dungan Directed by Jonathan Berry At Steep Theatre, Chicago “Story Theatre is the dramatic presentation of one or more stories told by a group of actors play who multiple roles and provide narration. It is characterized by the use of simple “scenery” like chairs and tables arranged to suggest various settings, simple props … Read more
Music by Leonard Bernstein Book by Arthur Laurents Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Directed by Rachel Rockwell Music Direction Roberta Duchak Choreography by Rhett Guter Produced by Drury Lane Theatre West Side Story Cruel, but Sophisticated Theatre artists who claim to place great value on innovation and relevance often demand 1950s and 60s musicals justify themselves. … Read more
A World Premiere Musical Book by Will Cavedo & Andrew Hobgood Lyrics by Andrew Hobgood Music by Julie Nichols Directed by Evan Linder Music Direction by Charlotte Rivard-Hoster Produced by The New Colony Sound issues and weak voices hindered an ambitious new musical. The New Colony loves to collaboratively create new theatre pieces. In the … Read more
By Anne Washburn Directed by Jeremy Wechsler Produced by Theater Wit Excellent Mr. Burns Gets Better With Time Will remote posterity say Matt Groening was our Euripides? Playwright Anne Washburn imagines they will. Set following an inexplicable nuclear holocaust that reduces America to a dark age, Mr. Burns depicts the afterlife of our pop culture, … Read more
By Grant James Varjas Directed by Shade Murray At A Red Orchid Theatre, Chicago Slice-of-life gay dark comic-drama examines grief, loss and loneliness The atmosphere is immediate as we enter a dive-y gay bar on Manhattan’s Lower East Aide (terrific set design by John Holt depicting a functioning wet bar). This slice-of-life dark comic-drama features … Read more
By Tennessee Williams Directed by Greg Vinkler Produced by Shattered Globe Theatre At Theater Wit, Chicago Magnificent production of a classic Williams’ play awaits Tennessee Williams was inspired by his longtime partner Frank Melo, himself Sicilian, and their trips to that unique Italian island, resulting in his unique play –The Rose Tattoo. It is a … Read more
Music and Lyrics by Pete Townshend Additional Lyrics by John Entwistle and Keith Moon Book by Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff Directed by Jim Corti Conducted by Tom Vendafreddo Produced by Paramount Theatre Rock Opera Delivers Incomparable Spectacle and Energy Paramount’s production values are a reliable reward for making the trip out to Aurora. The … Read more
(based on an idea of David G. Zak) Book, Music, and Lyrics by Leo Schwartz Directed by David Zak Music Direction by Robert Ollis Produced by Pride Films & Plays At Mary’s Attic, Chicago Mormons and Merman unite for a fun filled musical treat. David G. Zak’s idea led composer Leo Schwartz (2013 Jeff Award … Read more
By Penny Penniston Directed by Greg Werstler Produced by Stage Left Theatre in association with Theater Wit At Theater Wit, Chicago Humanism ultimately prevails as the keys to the kingdom In the first gem of 2015, Penny Penniston has penned a terrific “must see” play that contains some interesting twists on Evangelical Christian beliefs and … Read more
Written and Directed by David Denman Co-directed by Amber Mandley Produced by Clock Productions Very Amateur Group Struggles With Own Work If most performers discovered they or their scene partner had make the unfortunate mistake of holding a placard upside down, they would probably turn it the right way. When an actress made that mistake … Read more