Chicago Critic Must See recommendations.
Book by Burt Shevelove & Larry Gelbart Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Directed by Michael Weber Choreographed by Brenda Didier Musical Director: Linda Madonia Produced by Porchlight Music Theatre At Stage 777, Chicago “Tragedy Tomorrow, Comedy Tonight!” Farce, vaudeville and manic energy fuel the all-time funniest Musical comedy ever! A Funny Thing Happened On … Read more
By Terrence McNally Directed by Ted Hoerl Produced by Eclipse Theatre Company, Chicago Perfect Start to Season of McNally Eclipse’s mission is to showcase one author each season, and they chose well to dedicate this season to Terrence McNally. Active since the 1960s, McNally has been a noteworthy contributor to plays about gay life for … Read more
By Kristine Thatcher Directed by Terry McCabe At City Lit Theater, Chicago Chilling tales that ultimately lead to the American Civil War In the fifth and final annual installment of its Civil War Sesquicentennial Project, City Lit Theater presents the world premiere of Kristine Thatcher’s The Bloodhound Law. Much like the right-wing anti-gay Evangelical Christians … Read more
By Laura Jacqmin Directed by Megan Shuchman Produced by Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, Chicago How Do You Mourn Someone You Didn’t Know? Grieving is awkward. It’s particularly awkward when you’re in proximity to people who are mourning a mutual acquaintance who they knew well but you didn’t. It’s more awkward still when the deceased or the … Read more
By Arthur Miller Directed by Jan Ellen Graves At Redtwist Theatre, Chicago “Life is just a bowl of cherries. Don’t take it serious; it’s too mysterious. At eight each morning I have got a date, To take my plunge ’round the Empire State. You’ll admit it’s not the berries, In a building that’s so tall; … Read more
Book and Lyrics by Lee Hall Music by Elton John Directed and Choreographed by Rachel Rockwell Music Direction by Roberta Duchak Produced by Drury Lane, Oakbrook Billy Elliot Reinvented Better than Ever Listen to my interview with Rachel Rockwell. I developed a soft spot for Billy Elliot after seeing the Broadway production, and was impressed … Read more
By Rory Kinnear Directed by Frank Galati Produced by Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Chicago Family Drama Questions Love and Sacrifice As a company renowned for being driven by its actors, it makes sense Steppenwolf would be interested in The Herd, the first play written by British actor Rory Kinnear. The family drama was written to provide … Read more
Music & Lyrics by Cole Porter Original Book by P.G. Wodehouse & Guy Bolton and Howard Lindsy & Russell Crouse New Book by Timothy Crouse & John Weidman Directed & Choreographer by Marc Robin Music Direction by Ryan T. nelson At The Marriott Theatre, Lincolnshire Funny madcap musical comedy delivers terrific entertainment Anything Goes is … Read more
Music by Richard Rogers Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II Based on Ferenc Molnair’s play Liliam Conductor David Chase Directed and Choreographed by Bob Ashford At the Lyric Opera of Chicago Stunning, world class production of Carousel is a near perfect artistic success Carousel is based on Ferenc Molnair’s play Liliam, which Molnair turned down Puccini’s … Read more
A musical play about Las Vegas’ Most Celebrated Onstage Lovers, Louis Prima and Keely Smith By Vanessa Claire Stewart, Taylor Hackford & Jake Broder Directed by Taylor Hackford Music standards as performed by Louis Prima & Keely Smith At the Royal George Theatre, Chicago Fun, tuneful and toe-tapping storytelling with loads of terrific music with … Read more