Chicago Critic Must See recommendations.
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
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
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
By N. Richard Nash Directed by Edward Blatchford Produced by American Blues Theater Playing at the Greenhouse, Chicago A Cute Story about Taking Risks for Love American Blues Theater opens its thirtieth season with a production of Richard Nash’s 1954 The Rainmaker which, rather than being cloying, is simply a story with an optimistic outlook. … Read more
An operetta in three acts in English Music by Leo Fall Libretto by Vikto Leon English translation by Hersh Glagov & Gerald Frantzen Produced by Chicago Folks Operetta Directed by Elizabeth Margolius Conducted by Anthony Barrese Choreographer Todd Rhoades At the Madison Street Theatre, Oak Park Stunning, cute operetta well sung and staged with a … Read more
By Arthur Miller Directed by Louis Contey Produced by Timeline Theatre Company, Chicago A Lifetime of Self-Deception Unravels In The Wild Duck, Ibsen called it the “life-lie.” In The Iceman Cometh, O’Neill called it a “pipe-dream.” In The Price, Arthur Miller doesn’t have a specific term for the self-deception people practice to convince themselves they’re … Read more