Chicago Critic Must See recommendations.
The stage chemistry was winning and the duets soared as the Sondheim song fest thrilled us with style, sophistication, and truthful performances. This revue is a major triumph! If you want to see a classy flawless musical revue, get to Theater Wit to be amazed by the craftsmanship and artistry of Chicago’s talents. Porchlight Musical Theatre continues to mount fine shows.
Ever the stylist tenor who loves patter songs, word-intensive and emotionally explosive songs – Mandy Patinkin never sounded better. Nathan Gunn, the powerful baritone and classical opera star easily breezed through his varied assortment of tunes that included cowboy songs, Broadway tunes with a sampling of pop and folk tunes
JEFF AWARDS – 2011 Equity Wing Award Nominations Chicago Theatres Shine in Outstanding Jeff-Nominated Productions of 2010-2011 Season 8 New Plays Recognize Theatres’ Commitment to New Works Goodman Theatre and TimeLine Theatre Top List of Award Nominees Wednesday, August 31, 2011- Chicago, IL. The Jeff Awards today announced 185 nominations in 35 … Read more
For The Boys follows the story of the 1940’s big band ear singer -Dixie Leonard (who many believe is really Martha Raye) as she becomes the star on many USO tours for servicemen in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. The play focuses on the unique and volatile relationship between Dixie and Eddie (possibly Bob Hope?) as they form a terrific two-person act that thrilled soldiers, concert goers and lead to a TC variety show in the 1950’s.
Bradford’s overwhelmingly strong talent for resourcefulness separates him from other contemporary artists. Utilizing found scraps that were a part of his south L.A. neighborhood to which he’s still deeply devoted to, Bradford creates socially conscious, pseudo-pop mixed media pieces.
God damn I like Lyle Lovett. He’s a real craftful songwriter. His songs are funny, bitter, poignant, satirical – sometimes all at once. They are a celebration and satirization of the decadent and depraved segments of our society through joyous absurdity. He’ll cut a record with some of the funniest songs you’ve ever heard, and right next to ‘em will be stuff to make you bawl your eyes out. And live, he’s even better.
Featuring the golden tenor from William Bennett , as the Prince, and the fine soprano from Danielle M. Knox, as Kathy, Light Opera Work’s production of the classic 20th Century Romberg gem is spirited, glamorous looking and stunningly well- sung affair. The fun begins as Karl Franz, (William Bennett) the prince of the (fictitious) German kingdom of Karlsberg heads to University of Heidelberg for an education and to experience the ‘real world’ filled with male bonding and a few beers. Romberg’s “Drinking Song” was a Prohibition 1924 hit song!
I went to Ravinia last Sunday hoping for a good show, good music, and maybe something supremely interesting: the CSO was also billed, after all, so presumably they would be performing together. And, indeed, they did. The CSO began the evening with the overture to Beatrice et Benedict by Berlioz; they then went into Mendelssohn’s scherzo and nocturne from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. All were excellent – exactly what you would expect.
A Musical Thriller Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Book by Hugh Wheeler Directed and Choreographed by Rachel Rockwell Music Direction by Roberta Duchak Killer performances in musical thriller If ever a play deserved a wildly enthusiastic standing ovation, it was the mesmerizing opening night production of Sweeney Todd at Drury Lane. For a moment, … Read more
You’d be hard pressed to find a more articulate production filled with deep-seeded emotions and long-fuming resentment with powerful charismatic turns fuels Idle Muse Theatre’s expert production of Goldman’s gem. You’ll be easily engaged and totally intrigued by these flawed yet human characters as they struggle for power and personal recognition. Kudos to the cast for offering such fine performances. See this play to experience the craftsmanship of Chicago storefront theatre.