Chicago Critic Must See recommendations.
By Colleen Murphy Directed by Patrick New Produced by Mary-Arrchie Theatre Co. At Angel Island, Chicago “It’s not your fault.” -Kathleen Lingering effects of a massacre are vividly depicted With so many school and work place shootings in America (and Canada) over the last twenty or so years, we shake our heads, then put them … Read more
By Steve Martin Directed by Josh Anderson Produced b y Organic Theater Company At the Greenhouse Theatre Smart, funny absurdist play reflects on the nature of genius and creativity. Famed comedian, actor, banjo player and playwright, Steve Martin’s 1993 PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE, now in a spirited ensemble production by Organic Theater Company at … Read more
By Kelvin Roston, Jr. Directed by Samuel G. Roberson, Jr. Produced by Congo Square Theatre, Chicago New Play Inspires Action on Mental Illness That you or somebody you love could be mentally ill is a terrifying prospect. I think most people would feel helpless, and therefore ignore something potentially life-threatening. Even to someone with a … Read more
By Lillian Hellman Directed by Henry Wishcamper Produced by Goodman Theatre, Chicago Depraved Greed Shows Why Melodrama is Fun Modern writers are generally advised not to make the divide between good and evil characters too stark. But modern writers aren’t Lillian Hellman. And her 1939 play The Little Foxes depicts a time and place, 1900 … Read more
By Joshua Harmon Directed by Jeremy Wechsler Produced by Theater Wit, Chicago Future of Judaism Dramatized with Wit Joshua Harmon’s play Bad Jews, which debuted in New York in 2012, has been causing such a stir that despite its newness I was a little surprised to see it is only now being produced in Chicago. … Read more
By John Marans Directed by Timothy Gregory At Provision Theater, Chicago “Art consists of knowing the basic rules and realizing when it is time to deviate from them.” “Life is not clear cut.” “The combination of joy and sadness – this is the core of truly beautiful music. Just as it is the core of … Read more
By John Patrick Shanley Directed by William Brown Produced by Writers Theatre, Glencoe Strong Performances Rise to Shanley’s Work “They’re Children, They Can Talk to Each Other.” By now, it is likely that most theatre-goers are aware of Doubt: a Parable, John Patrick Shanley’s Pulitzer and Tony Award winning 2004 drama. For the uninitiated, Doubt … Read more
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Paul Gordon Directed by Barbara Gaines Based on the Novel by Jane Austen Produced by Chicago Shakespeare Theater Fun, Amusing New Adaptation Works for Fans and Newcomers Alike Barbara Gaines’s leadership at Chicago Shakespeare has brought worldwide recognition, and now, she triumphs as the director of a world premiere musical, … Read more
By Warren Leight Director: Jonathan Berry Produced by American Blues Theatre At the Greenhouse Theatre, Chicago Side Man is a look at the foibles of jazz musicians Side Man is a memory drama with insights into the world of jazz musician; it is a family saga and an ode to a way-of-life that is … Read more
By Richard Kalinoski Directed by Michael Menendian Produced by Raven Theatre, Chicago A Frank and Poetic Tale of Survival Raven Theatre has produced acclaimed, high-quality shows that seek to capture the American experience for many years, under the leadership of Michael Menendian and JoAnn Montemurro. Now, as part of the commemoration of the 100th anniversary … Read more