Chicago Critic Must See recommendations.
It took twenty years to emerge, but the wait was worth it as The Man Who Murdered Sherlock Holmes, now playing at the Mercury Theater in a world premiere, is a theatrical treat! John Reeger’s clever book features Sir Arthur Conan Doyle actually investigating a crime after he “kills off ” Holmes in his latest story
By William Shakespeare Directed by Declan Donnellan Designed by Nick Ormerod Produced by sister companies Cheek by Jowl and Pushkin Theatre Playing at Chicago Shakespeare Shakespeare 400 Festival Off to a Running Start The Shakespeare 400 Festival is finally here, and the Russian-language production of Measure for Measure now at Navy Pier is a sign … Read more
By Tennessee Williams Directed by Dado At A Red Orchid Theatre, Chicago Haunting dream-like glimpse of the underbelly of New Orleans is marvelously presented Williams referred to The Mutilated as “an allegory on the tragicomic subject of human existence on this risky planet.” Presented on an imaginative set (designed by Grant Savin) that featured rows … Read more
By Laura Wade Directed by Jonathan Berry Produced by Steep Theatre Company, Chicago Up Close and Personal With the Young, Rich, and Angry In case you haven’t heard, it’s a scary world out there for young people just starting out. Lauren Wade’s 2010 drama Posh, the latest of many contemporary plays from the British Isles … Read more
Book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan Music by Marc Shaiman Lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman Directed and Choreographed by Amber Mak Paramount Theatre’s HAIRSPRAY is full of Big Hair and Big Fun! Hairspray at Paramount Theatre – Original Review Archive review: Sally Jo Osborne reviewed Paramount Theatre’s Aurora production of Hairspray in … Read more
Book by Michael Stewart Music by Charles Strouse Lyrics Lee Adams Directed and Choreographed by Tammy Mader Musical Direction by Alan Bukowiecki Produced by Drury Lane Theatre, Oakbrook Terrace A Birdie That’s in on the Joke If you want to see an amusing, light-hearted send-up of 50s teen culture with superb production values and great … 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
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 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