Must See Archives - Page 71 of 92

Tuesdays with Morrie – Buffalo Theatre Ensemble

October 22, 2022May 6, 2012 by Margaret Eva

This delightful play about dying, yes I said dying, really speaks most about living. After all, why would anyone want to see a play about someone’s last days? Morrie Schwartz is in his final months, but the dialogue between him and Mitch Albom certainly creates a play worth our time. The comedy lightens the seriousness of the subject and balances the more poignant ideas about life. Based on a true story published in 1997 authored by Mitch Albom, the script shouts authenticity.

The Iceman Cometh Review

May 5, 2012 by Tom Williams

This totally engrossing looks at the destructiveness of alcohol, political topics, particularly anarchism and socialism, as well as the inertia of disillusionment and despair. O’ Neill’s view of human behavior is driven by bitterness, envy and revenge that surly is demonstrated by the cynicism of the residents of Harry Hope’s establishment including the barkeeps. The depth of humanity is vividly depicted by director Bob Falls’ well-paced production. The supporting cast of mostly “A” list Chicago actors each had their moments. John Hoggenacker, Larry Neuman, Jr. and James Harms were particularly effective. Brian Dennehy’s subdued Larry erupts periodically as he is hounded by both Hickey and Don.. But the play rests on the magnificent, nuanced and deeply emotional turns from Nathan Lane’s Hickey

CATS

October 23, 2022May 2, 2012 by Clint May

Still fresh and frisky, CATS is an indispensable stop on the world-tour of theatre. Visiting Chicago for a short five day run, don’t dawdle if you want a chance to see a true piece of panache and pageantry.

Pride and Prejudice at Lifeline theatre

October 23, 2022April 30, 2012 by Beverly Friend

Lifeline’s production captures all the high moments of the novel, missing not a beat: the ball where Catherine and Darcy meet, Elizabeth’s the two great and contrasting proposals – from Collins and Darcy, all the wonderful confrontations.

Joffrey Ballet – SPRING DESIRE

November 3, 2012April 27, 2012 by Margaret Eva

Some people summarize ballet as women dancing on their toes and men in tights. Tonight the world premiere of “Incantations” took the amazing musical notes right off the page and translated them onto the Auditorium stage.

Teseo

October 23, 2022April 22, 2012 by Clint May

The last in the trilogy exploring the mythically mad Medea, Chicago Opera Theater’s production of Teseo brings Handel’s opera seria to wondrous new life.

Hairspray – Drury Lane Theatre Review

October 9, 2026April 21, 2012 by Clint May

Fun and frisky Hairspray is a camp romp that goes back in time to an era of big hair and a big gal whose innocence and heart is about to make a splash.

Opus 1861 -The Civil War In Symphony

November 3, 2012April 21, 2012 by Tom Williams

Songs like “When This Cruel War is Over (Weeping Sad and Lonely),” “Shule Agrah (Johnny’s Gone for a Soldier)” and “Follow the Drinking Gourd” were particularly emotionally moving. The Civil War songbook’s rich personal sensitivity toward the angst of war is deeply presented by this group of talented singers. The superb vocals and the honest presentation of the letters home added power to the sacrifice of theses honorable patriots.

Fish Men

April 17, 2012 by Tom Williams

After hearing Jerome pontificating on the plight of American Indians, we also learn that Ninety-Two is a Holocaust survivor. We learn that Rey is much more than a chump “fish” chess player. We hear his story about surviving a genocide of his family and village in Guatemala. Rey lives for revenge and since the chess hustlers took the man who saved his life in Guatemala, he is bent on cleaning out the hustlers through his amazing chess skills

Angels in America (Parts I and II)

October 22, 2022April 16, 2012 by Clint May

Angels is a wondrous journey that may leave you permanently altered as its lessons on love, humanity and forgiveness continue to immigrate into that vast continent of the self. Taken at separate times or together, this is a complex work that is quite simply a must see.