Ken Payne

Ken Payne

Sunday, 07 October 2007 01:00

Flaming Dames in “Bump and Grindhouse”

Flaming DamesWith the re-emergence of burlesque, The Flaming Dames have put their own stamp on the exotic, vaudevillian art made famous in the early 20th century. Led by choreographer Leslie Kerrigan, the burlesque troupe known as The Flaming Dames bring their unique B-Horror homage to life in their new production, “Bump and Grindhouse”. 

Monday, 09 July 2007 01:00

Crossing California Hits Home

Crossing CaliforniaRemember what Chicago’s West Rogers Park was like in 1979? Ok, maybe you do and maybe you don’t. But for those that don’t Crossing California delivers a powerful, but comedic, look into the past in this coming of age story based on the novel by Adam Langer. For those that do remember, Crossing is a wonderful reminiscence of what is was like to be a teen in yet another controversial era.

It's a bird, It's a plane, It's SupermanThe redux of 1940’s Superman comics has once again made its way to live theatre, giving audience members a chance to follow the man of steel in an all-out song and dance adventure. Drury Lane’s presentation of “It’s a Bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superman!” contends with any summer musical thanks to a charming cast and a strategically retro stage set. The somewhat campy script...

Monday, 11 June 2007 01:00

Cat’s Cradle Keeps ‘em Guessing

 


Cat's CradleI’ve always been one for a good mystery, especially in the vein of Alfred Hitchcock or Agatha Christie, and that’s why Leslie Sands who-dun-it, Cat’s Cradle was such an intriguing experience. Directed by Jack Phillips in the 78-year-old Western Springs Theatre in Western Springs, Cat’s Cradle was filled with suspense from the moment London Inspector Jack Frost (played by Bill Hammack) made his way across...

Jesus Christ Superstar Ted Neeley PhotoIf you’ve ever watched Norm Jewison’s 1973 screen adaptation of Tim Rice Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar you were no doubt taken by Ted Neeley’s unique, but masterful, portrayal of Jesus Christ. Neely, who received Golden Globe Award nominations for Best Actor and Best Newcomer for his role, shined as Christ rocked his way through the final days leading up to his crucifixion.

Friday, 26 September 2008 01:16

Mamma Mia!

Mamma Mia 2008 National TourJust in time to add a last gasp of summer fun, Mamma Mia! comes sweeping into Chicago with song, dance and a talented cast that is sure to entertain each and every audience member from beginning to end. Mamma Mia! is currently playing at Roosevelt University's Auditorium Theatre through September 28th and will undoubtedly have show goers tapping their feet...

Sunday, 19 October 2008 14:05

Louis C.K.'s "Hilarious" Tour, Hilarious

Louis CKI realize Louis C.K. states in his new tour that the word “hilarious” is extremely overused in which its meaning no longer even comes into play, as in “You saw Lisa last night? That’s hilarious!” But Louis C.K. was exactly that – “hilarious” – just...
Thursday, 07 August 2008 01:00

Kumail Nanjiani: Undeniable

Kumail NanjianiGrowing up in Karachi, Pakistan, then relocating to Iowa (of all places), comedian Kumail Nanjiani now finds himself living in Chicago where he has been the star of the one-man show Unpronounceable directed by Paul Provenza, director of The Aristocrats. For Kumail the transition from the Middle East to the Midwest was a strange one. But what else could it be?

Michael Showalter PhotoWhether watching him in shows such as Stella or The State, or in films Wet Hot American Summer or The Baxter, Michael Showalter’s twisted, but profound, sense of humor has earned him heavy street credit as one of the nation’s talented young comics. David first made his mark appearing on MTV’s The State before joining David Wain and Michael Ian Black on Stella

Sunday, 08 July 2007 01:00

Patton Oswalt Knocks ‘Em Dead

Patton Oswalt PhotoLike that itch on your ass that you have to repeatedly scratch, Patton Oswalt kept the sold out crowd at Lakeshore Theatre laughing relentlessly from the moment Janeane Garofalo introduced him to the moment he triumphantly darted off the stage. Not a dry eye remained in the house as Patton’s one-hour plus hysterical routine delivered blow after blow – and then some. And though Patton’s clever premeditated material...

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