Home

Displaying items by tag: Mariah Sulaiman

Although a muggy night, the crowd arrived in force at Ravinia.  Chicago natives, the Plain White T’s made their Ravinia debut this past Saturday night.  A pop-punk band since 1997, it’s surprising that these gentlemen have only now just graced this stage.  It was evident that their signature tracks, in their pop-punk style are the back beat in the lives of so many. “1234” and “Hey There Delilah” raved in echoed singing voices, and dancing couples waved across the grass and over the hills of Ravinia.  Know that their most recent album, released earlier this year “American Nights” is another great summer album to rock with your windows rolled down. Their new single “Rhythm of Love” got the crowd up on their feet.  Tunes like “Stay” and “Heavy Rotations” are high energy with new beats, great heat, and are easy to sing along to.  For the love of the music, and for the heart, take a look at this soon to be your favorite new album.

Another album release coming out this year in August, introduces us to a new side of Rob Thomas, the headlining act for the evening.  Known for being a part of Matchbox 20, and for his hit song with Santana “Smooth”, this pop prince is roaming his way toward country.  The crowd was on their feet for most of the heated show (as Rob, changed his shirt half way through). Old and new tracks, “Lonely No More,” “Boom Shake” and even a remix of “Let’s Dance” brought cheers for Rob and his band, and sing-alongs from the crowd.  The first single “Trust You” from his new album “The Great Unkown” was an introduction to all the great things to come.  You only get “One Shot” to make a night at Ravinia, Rob heated up the stage and set fire to the release of his upcoming album.

Check out upcoming Ravinia shows at www.Ravinia.org.

Published in In Concert
Monday, 16 March 2015 00:00

Review: The Full Monty

One can never have enough of imports from across the sea, “The Full Monty” based on the book by Terrence McNally which earned a 2001 Tony Away nomination and based on the movie by Fox of the same name, is no exception.  Currently being performed at the intimate space of Chicago's Theatre Wit, the audience becomes part of the struggle of the men in a town who are just trying to get by. The Full Monty is set in Buffalo, New York, rather than its original setting in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. But that doesn't really matter. 
  
David Yazbek, wrote the script and music for this new interpretation for the cast of twenty, and the audience can tell that with his talent and the work of director John D. Glover, the 2 hour and 20 minute show, draws the audience into the lives of the regular men in Buffalo as they get over their insecurities, fear and doubts through their chances of changing their situation, their jobs and their lives, with one night of stripping.
 
Your heart sympathizes with the mastermind of the disrobing plan, Jerry Lukowski (Garrett Lutz) unexpected along for the ride, his best friend Dave Bukatinsky (Scott Danielson).  Bringing the group up from a two man show, the friends draw in some of the local gentleman from the mill they had all been laid off from, Harold (Eric Lindahl), Malcolm (George Toles), “Horse” (Randy Johnson) and Ethan (Greg Foster). These men come together to overcome their obstacles and support each other in ways they never expected.
 
You will laugh out loud, you will clap along, you will try to sing a long, you will tear up and you will root for the underdog, praying all six of them (the old, the young, the skinny, the round, the hairy and the hairless) will succeed. The Full Monty hits on many topics including obesity, depression, impotency and father's rights to name a few. As much of a show for the working man, father, husband or boyfriend, as it is a treat for the ladies, all walks of life should enjoy The Full Monty.  Although, more of an adult show (parental guidance would be suggested), teenagers would relate to the family dynamic and stand behind Jerry Lukowski’s son, Nathan (played by Kyle Klein II and Seth Steinberg).
 
The Full Monty is playing at Theatre Wit through April 12th. For show info and/or tickets visit www.theaterwit.org.
Published in Theatre in Review
Page 2 of 2

A Hull Lot of Laughs: Titanique Makes Waves On Stage

02 April 2025 in Theatre in Review

All hands on deck Titanic fans! Get ready for a lavishly produced musical that boldly reimagines the Titanic story, navigating…

Disney's THE LION KING Returns to Chicago

01 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

By popular demand, Disney’s The Lion King will return to Chicago for the first time since 2023, where the production played a sold-out…

Review: The Listeners at Lyric Opera of Chicago

31 March 2025 in Theatre in Review

THE LISTENERS has undergone several incarnations since the 2021 novel by Jordan Tannahill. It’s been a full-length movie, a TV…

IDENTITY PERFORMING ARTS: Spring Concert 2025 - 'Instinct' at Ann Barzel Theater (April 26-27)

31 March 2025 in Upcoming Dance

IDENTITY PERFORMING ARTS Presents Spring Concert 2025  “Instinct”   A captivating performance of four distinct works on April 26 & 27…

Dynamic South Chicago Dance Theatre at The Auditorium in one perf only, May 3

26 March 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

 The Auditorium (Chicago’s Landmark Stage® at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) proudly welcomes back the eclectic energy of hometown favorite South…

Open Space Arts announces staged reading series and a powerful premiere for April through June

26 March 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Open Space Arts (OSA), who recently won some of the top honors in the Joseph Jefferson Awards for 2024 productions,…

Review: 'it's been ten years since everybody died' at Open Space Arts

26 March 2025 in Theatre in Review

I’ve reviewed a number of shows at Open Space Arts (OSA) – I love the place – so I’m familiar…

Hell in a Handbag Productions' World Premiere of SCARY TOWN By Artistic Director David Cerda Directed by Cheryl Snodgrass April 9 – May 11, 2025 at The Clutch

25 March 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Hell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to continue its 2024/25 Season with the world premiere of Scary Town, Artistic Director David Cerda's semi-autobiographical…

Definition Theatre Defines the Crisis: 'Splash Hatch on the E Going Down'

24 March 2025 in Theatre in Review

In Definition Theatre's production of "Splash Hatch on the E Going Down," Kia Corthron's 1997 work feels unnervingly relevant in…

Kokandy Productions Announces Line-Up for CHICAGO MUSICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL Returning April 3 – 6, 2025 at The Chopin Theatre

22 March 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Kokandy Productions is pleased to announce the official selections for the annual Chicago Musical Theatre Festival, a celebration and showcase of the…

Hive of Hilarity: Copley Theatre’s 'Spelling Bee' is a Buzzing Triumph!

21 March 2025 in Theatre in Review

I’m not holding back—Copley Theatre’s latest offering, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, is an absolute winner! I’ve seen…

The Search for Truth Turns to War in Oil Lamp’s Outstanding ‘The Lifespan of a Fact’

21 March 2025 in Theatre in Review

Don’t be deceived by the title.  The phrase “lifespan of a fact” sounds about as dry as the Mojave Desert…

Disability-inclusive company brings Frankenstein to Chicago Shakespeare Theater

21 March 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

A.B.L.E.—Artists Breaking Limits & Expectations—a Chicago-based nonprofit that creates theatre and film for, with, and by individuals with Down syndrome…

Invictus Theatre Presents Enchanting Production of The Winter’s Tale

20 March 2025 in Theatre in Review

Walking into Windy City Playhouse, audiences are immediately transported to somewhere new. Scenic Designer Kevin Rofls fills the space with…

Writers Theatre announces 2025/26 season

19 March 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Artistic Director Braden Abraham and Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma announce Writers Theatre's 2025/26 season. The five-play season is marked by four productions never seen before…

About Face Theatre presents the return of Re/Generation Studio at The Alice at Goodman Theatre March 28-30, 2025

19 March 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

About Face Theatre announces the return of Re/Generation Studio, a weekend of community building, education, and performance to help build the future…

Steppenwolf Theatre Presents Broadway's Kelli O'Hara - April 18 & 19, 2025

19 March 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Fresh off her critically acclaimed and Tony-nominated run in Broadway's Days of Wine and Roses, Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Mark Cortale are pleased to present…

Grand Opera that is Truly Grand: La Bohème at the Lyric

19 March 2025 in Theatre in Review

Going into “La Bohème” with little knowledge of Puccini’s masterpiece, I was just a naive theater-goer seeing it fresh at…

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Returns to Chicago

18 March 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Cameron Mackintosh is delighted to announce that a revitalized new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, will play…

Marriott Theatre Continues 50th Anniversary Season with Tony Award-Winning Titanic the Musical - Opening April 16th

18 March 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Chicagoland's longest running musical theatre, Marriott Theatre, continues its 50th Anniversary Season celebration with the epic production of Titanic The Musical, directed and choreographed by Connor…

Teatro La Plaza teams up with Chicago Latino Theatre Alliance for wonderful production of Hamlet at Chicago Shakespeare Theater

16 March 2025 in Theatre in Review

Ser o no ser   esa es la cuestión We are all familiar with Shakespeare’s iconic line: to be or not…

Announcing CityTalk: A Series of Conversations on Assimilation, Antisemitism and Culture

14 March 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Theater Wit, in collaboration with the Crown Family Center for Jewish Studies at Northwestern and Northlight Theatre, hosts CityTalk: A Series of Conversations on Assimilation, Antisemitism…

Steppenwolf Theatre Presents THE BOOK OF GRACE - March 27 – May 18, 2025 - Chicago Premiere!

13 March 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Steppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to continue its 49th season with the Chicago premiere of The…

Lyric Opera announces 2025/26 season, including major collaborations with Billy Corgan, avery r. young

12 March 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Lyric Opera of Chicago today announces the company's 2025/26 Season, its first complete season under the leadership of new General…

BEETLEJUICE is Now Playing Through March 16

11 March 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice… Beetlejuice! You’ve summoned him once again, Chicago— BEETLEJUICE is back for another hauntingly hilarious run! The edgy and irreverent Broadway…

The Auditorium proudly presents Parsons Dance One Night Only: Saturday, April 12 at 7:30 PM

11 March 2025 in Upcoming Dance

The Auditorium (Chicago’s Landmark Stage® at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) proudly presents a special evening with Parsons Dance, the New…

The critically acclaimed hit production of Obliteration returns

10 March 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Obliteration, LLC & The Revival Theater announce a limited engagement of Obliteration, written by Andrew Hinderaker, directed by Jonathan Berry, featuring Michael Patrick Thornton and Cyd Blakewell. Obliteration runs April 10-May 4,…

Red Clay Dance Company’s 16 centers perseverance and legacy in Vershawn Sanders-Ward Revival and Bebe Miller Premiere

10 March 2025 in Upcoming Dance

The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago announces 16 by Red Clay Dance Company for three performances only, April 17-19, 2025, featuring Founding Artistic Director and CEO Vershawn…

Stand Up Together Comedy stars unite during Chicago fundraiser to support California wildfire victims Thursday, March 27 at Laugh Factory Chicago

10 March 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Stand Up Together, a comedy benefit in support of artists impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires, hosted by Second City and SNL…

Luck Be a Lady Tonight: A Rollicking Review of Music Theater Works’ 'Guys and Dolls'

09 March 2025 in Theatre in Review

Following a string of successful shows, Music Theater Works has once again hit the jackpot with their 2025 season opener,…

 

 

         17 Years and counting!

Register

     

Latest Articles

Guests Online

We have 740 guests and no members online

Buzz Chicago on Facebook Buzz Chicago on Twitter 

Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.