Chicago Critic Must See recommendations.
Adapted and Directed by Kirsten Kelly From William Shakespeare Presented by Chicago Shakespeare Macbeth for Young People Introduces Magic of the Stage Part of Chicago Shakespeare’s core mission is to share theatre with young audiences. To that effect, they put on abridged versions of Shakespeare’s plays for school audiences, and the public is admitted on … Read more
New Production Music by Giacomo Puccini Libretto by Giuseppe Giacosa & Luigi Illica Conductor: Dmitri Jurowski Stage director: John Caird At the Lyric Opera of Chicago Stunning, lush and so romantic new production of the popular Tosca delights the opening night audience. “Living for Art, Dying for Love? –Tosca Anchored by the amazing vocals of … Read more
Music by Leonard Bernstein Book by Arthur Laurents Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Directed by Rachel Rockwell Music Direction Roberta Duchak Choreography by Rhett Guter Produced by Drury Lane Theatre West Side Story Cruel, but Sophisticated Theatre artists who claim to place great value on innovation and relevance often demand 1950s and 60s musicals justify themselves. … Read more
By Anne Washburn Directed by Jeremy Wechsler Produced by Theater Wit Excellent Mr. Burns Gets Better With Time Will remote posterity say Matt Groening was our Euripides? Playwright Anne Washburn imagines they will. Set following an inexplicable nuclear holocaust that reduces America to a dark age, Mr. Burns depicts the afterlife of our pop culture, … Read more
By Tennessee Williams Directed by Greg Vinkler Produced by Shattered Globe Theatre At Theater Wit, Chicago Magnificent production of a classic Williams’ play awaits Tennessee Williams was inspired by his longtime partner Frank Melo, himself Sicilian, and their trips to that unique Italian island, resulting in his unique play –The Rose Tattoo. It is a … Read more
Music and Lyrics by Pete Townshend Additional Lyrics by John Entwistle and Keith Moon Book by Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff Directed by Jim Corti Conducted by Tom Vendafreddo Produced by Paramount Theatre Rock Opera Delivers Incomparable Spectacle and Energy Paramount’s production values are a reliable reward for making the trip out to Aurora. The … Read more
(based on an idea of David G. Zak) Book, Music, and Lyrics by Leo Schwartz Directed by David Zak Music Direction by Robert Ollis Produced by Pride Films & Plays At Mary’s Attic, Chicago Mormons and Merman unite for a fun filled musical treat. David G. Zak’s idea led composer Leo Schwartz (2013 Jeff Award … Read more
By Penny Penniston Directed by Greg Werstler Produced by Stage Left Theatre in association with Theater Wit At Theater Wit, Chicago Humanism ultimately prevails as the keys to the kingdom In the first gem of 2015, Penny Penniston has penned a terrific “must see” play that contains some interesting twists on Evangelical Christian beliefs and … Read more
Here are the Top 12 Plays of 2014 as compiled by Tom Williams and Jacob Davis.
Enjoy!
Franz Lehár’s 1905 masterpiece The Merry Widow epitomized why operettas were the preferred form of dramatic entertainment in early twentieth century Europe. It’s a silly, light-hearted story about love that exists only to provide a context for opera singers to dance, joke, and of course, fill up an auditorium with delightful sound. Now at the Cahn Auditorium, Light Opera Works has provided a twenty-nine piece orchestra, excellent production values, and a new English-language adaptation to complement their talented singers and Lehár’s beloved music