The sad haunting tone of the folk styled music and the seriously generous use of sung dialogue in a pure operetta motif was skillfully performed giving just the proper tone to this magnificent work. This is quintessential Chicago story told with class in a dynamic trade mark Lookingglass style. The production values and the terrific music and singing make Eastland a “must seeing” show.
Read MoreThe story is the stuff of fable; unhappy husband/farmer Semyon Semyonovich Podsakelnikov is a failure. For a brief time he thinks success may be his if he only had a tuba and there is a humor-packed scene as he tries to master the instrument.
Read MoreThis engrossing tale is a mixture of satire and realism that breaks conventional storytelling motifs. It part dark comedy and part absurdism with shallow underdeveloped characters do baffling things
Read MoreWith MC Patrick Bristow urging on both the puppeteers and asking the audience for theme ideas, the cast nimbly grabbed a puppet from the dozens available and quickly delivered a funny short sketch. I was more impressed with the “how” – the methodology behind the Henson puppet work, How each used the video and how they played off one another was fascinating to watch.
Read MoreThis truly polished production highlights the strong emotions of the Chinese, their perseverance, playfulness, and love of pageantry. “Legend of the Sun” offers a rare opportunity for Americans to feel the spirit of China in a grand venue at modest pricing. It would be great to have them return again next year!
Read MoreSince we never understand why Nan just doesn’t simply leave nor do we see how actually abusive Kyle is toward her – the structure is thin making the play need gimmicks and silliness to harvest enough humor to sustain 75 minutes
Read MoreThis new play by Emily Schwend, South of Settling is based on the quiet, orderly life of a middle aged couple – Kate (Janet Ulrich Brooks) and Irwin Deckhouse (Keith Kupferer) that becomes topsy-turvy with the arrival of Kate’s long estranged cousin Amy (Nicole Wiesner) and he new husband Randall (Jeff Trainor).
Read MoreThe show hinges on Peter Oyloe who plays Hank Williams. Oyloe doesn’t disappoint. He give an amazingly truthful tour de force performance. Peter Oyloe demonstrates his vocal range as he channels Hank Willimas style – twang and yodel included. His strong voice contains all the angst and heartfelt emotion that Williams’ songs contained.
Read MoreI wonder why Jessie would, after two years of not speaking to the family, come to his brother’s wedding especially knowing that Evy and probably the entire family would reject his lifestyle? What compels him to attend the wedding?
Read MoreWhiteman’s research lead him to Francis O’Neill and his amazing life story that featured world traveling, police work and Irish music. With the help of director Stefan Brun, Whiteman created Music Mad which includes terrific music by a band consisting of world-class Irish musicians from Chicago. As we hear Chief O “Neill ( played with zest by Brett Tewell) tell his story, the band plays transitional tunes to either underscore the mood and emotion of the story or to exemplify actual Irish traditions.
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