Displaying items by tag: Mary Ann Bowman
'Mr. Parker' at Open Space Arts: A Thoroughly Outstanding Theatrical Journey
Open Space Arts presents a premiere performance of Michael McKeever’s MR PARKER. Like everything I’ve seen at Open Space Arts (OSA), the acting was superlative: kudos to Andrew Kain Miller (Terry), Riley Capp (Justin), and Mary Ann Bowman (Cassie)! and their maneuverability in the confined space displayed expert blocking by Director/Producer/(EverythingElse-Er) David G. Zak.
The story of a widow just beginning to emerge from mourning is a familiar shared experience, bringing us immediately into rapport with Terry (Andrew Kain Miller). The complications of his journey are just as classical: his ambivalence toward accepting what the far-younger Justin (Riley Capp) is offering, and the affirmation of his doubts by Cassie (Mary Ann Bowman), his sister-in-law and sole remaining family.
It bears repetition: the cast as a whole was amazing. As usual however, I have a favorite: Riley Capp was singularly convincing as young Justin. From his first appearance Capp was compelling, maintaining Justin’s manic energy to the end – a fairly difficult bit of stagecraft, at that. Honestly, I loved his work – this isn’t simply faghag inclination toward a perfectly adorable faggot (Justin – I’ve no clue about Riley).
I have a special affection for Chicago’s small storefront theatres. I love being engulfed in the performers’ pheromone cloud. More significantly, I am consistently awestruck at the excellence of the casts and production crews in these presumably insignificant venues, rivalling – even surpassing – the large professional productions in the Loop and other glittering venues. I applaud David G. Zak for bringing his long mastery to work with the Second City’s abundance of unsung prodigies.
MR PARKER explores many universal questions and themes: how do love and sexuality interact? how, when, and for how long should grief be expressed? how does personal loss affect one’s other relationships? what are the ‘acceptable’ age boundaries for couples? And, most importantly (to me, any road), how do unspoken mandates and exigencies prevent our aging with joy?
I’m always amazed at how skillfully Open Space Arts’ production crew utilizes the restricted and compromised (6” pipe through centre stage? 6.5’ ceiling?) space. But clearly Set Designer Anna Burke and Lighting Designer Lex Newmane see these not as flaws but as creative challenges, which they most assuredly rise to. Stage Manager Lauren Littlejohn, with Assistant Kate Schnetzer, keep the company focused, despite three (three!) entrances and a ceiling that brushes heads. Open Space Arts is a classic Chicago storefront theater; one isn’t just seeing a play but enjoying a unique theatrical experience. Oh yeah! Angela Joy Baldasare managed Sound Design, and Intimacy Coordinator Greta Zandstra artfully demonstrated the complexity of emotional relationships.
It's my opinion that MR PARKER would benefit from a bit of judicious editing. Much of the script flowed evenly but some transitions were more ragged. In particular I found some of Terry’s (Andrew Kain Miller) solo scenes superfluous – though my companion was most moved by Terry’s soliloquies… de gustibus non disputandum, n’est-ce pas? Personally, I would have liked to see more of and about Cassie (Mary Ann Bowman) … or maybe I just lusted after her wardrobe! especially that luscious black blouse with pave-set rhinestones at the neckline and cuffs. Can I have it when you’re done with it, Costume Designer Benjamin Mills??
Overall, I recommend MR PARKER as an excellent theatrical experience. I think perhaps my enjoyment was enhanced by events immediately preceding and following the play – repeated instances of the kindness of strangers. Certainly, that is welcome in today’s political zeitgeist.
MR PARKER is playing at Open Space Arts through March 2nd – plenty of time to get a ticket, and a wonderful choice for Valentine’s Day!
IDENTITY PERFORMING ARTS Presents Spring Concert 2026 “EFFERVESCENT”
10 March 2026 in Upcoming DanceIdentity Performing Arts presents “Effervescent” with two original dance premieres: “Enthralled" created by Artistic Director, Ginny Ching Yin Lo, and…
World Premiere BOTH from Teatro Vista Productions & Steppenwolf Theatre Company
10 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreSteppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation’s premier ensemble theater company, and Teatro Vista Productions are pleased to announce the world premiere…
IDLE MUSE THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS THE THREE MUSKETEERS, MARCH 26 - APRIL 25 AT THE EDGE OFF-BROADWAY
10 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreIdle Muse Theatre Company launches its 20th anniversary season with The Three Musketeers, March 26 - April 25, written by…
Physical Theater Festival Chicago Announces 2026 Lineup and Companies for its 14th season, June 1 - 7
10 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatrePhysical Theater Festival Chicago is proud to announce the full lineup for its 13th anniversary celebration, June 1 - 7. The Festival…
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND BLUEY’S BIG PLAY RETURNS TO CHICAGO THIS YEAR!
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Northlight Theatre announces the inaugural season in the company's new home in Downtown Evanston
10 March 2026 in Theatre BuzzNorthlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, proudly announces its inaugural…
Static, Signals, and Surprises: City Lit’s Changing Channels Tunes In
09 March 2026 in Theatre in ReviewThe year is 1952. Television is rapidly gaining popularity over radio, to the delight of some and the disgust of…
Beautifully Produced 'Two Sisters and a Piano,' But Script Misses the Mark
09 March 2026 in Theatre in ReviewIn “Two Sisters and a Piano” written by Nilo Cruz and directed by Lisa Portes, we soon learn these two…
CHUCK SMITH AND HARRY LENNIX REUNITE FOR A MAJOR REVIVAL OF MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM, AUGUST WILSON'S ONLY PLAY SET IN CHICAGO, APPEARING AT THE GOODMAN STARTING MARCH 28
09 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreNearly 30 years after its box-office-record-setting 1997 Chicago premiere production, August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom returns to The Goodman, helmed by Chicago…
Open Space Arts' Chicago premiere of A THIRD WAY, begins Friday, April 3
09 March 2026 in Theatre in ReviewOpen Space Arts has announced casting for its Chicago premiere of A THIRD WAY, a sharply funny, deeply compassionate new play…
Driehaus Museum announces spring activation dates for Brendan Fernandes: In the Round APRIL 10 & 11 AND MAY 6–9, 2026
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producingbody Announces the Chicago Premiere of SPACEMAN, May 19 - June 13, at The Edge Off-Broadway
09 March 2026 in Upcoming Theatre[producingbody] is pleased to announce the Chicago premiere of Spaceman, by Leegrid Stevens and directed by Eric Slater, May 19 - June 13, at The Edge Off-Broadway, 1133…
A Night in Jellicle Heaven: Music Theater Works Delivers a Stunning 'Cats'
08 March 2026 in Theatre in ReviewAndrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats remains one of musical theatre’s most distinctive creations - a sung‑through, dance‑driven spectacle that swaps traditional…
The Lord of the Rings in Concert at the Auditorium with 238 piece Orchestra with movie playing on 60-ft Friday, March 13, and Saturday, March 14
06 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreDue to overwhelming demand, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring — In Concert has added a third performance…
Step inside Bunny’s bedroom in Goodnight Moon, Chicago Children’s Theatre’s immersive 20th season finale, dir. by Mikael Burke, April 11-June 7
06 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreIt’s been more than a decade since Chicago Children’s Theatre presented Goodnight Moon, the popular musical about a bunny who doesn’t…
Celebrate Asian American, Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian Heritage Month with Asian American Arts' EVOLUTION: ASIAN AMERICAN ARTS FESTIVAL, May 2 and 3
06 March 2026 in Theatre in ReviewAsian American Arts Chicago (AAAC) announces the Festival schedule and that tickets are now on sale for EVOLUTION: Asian American Arts Festival, Saturday, May 2 from 12…
Filament Theatre announces world premiere of Farewell Opportunity
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TimeLine Theatre Company announces inaugural season at new Uptown home
05 March 2026 in Theatre BuzzTimeLine Theatre Company is thrilled to announce its 2026–27 Inaugural Season in the company’s first permanent home at 5035 N. Broadway…
Her Story Theatre's World Premiere "THE OFFICAL BIOGRAPHY" - Wednesday, April 1 at 7:30 pm at The Den Theatre
05 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreHer Story Theatre has announced the World Premiere of Kurt McGinnis Brown's two-hander THE OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY, to play March 28 –…
WALKABOUT THEATER COMPANY CELEBRATES A RETURN TO ITS ROOTS WITH POOR POOR LEAR AT THE CHOPIN THEATRE, MARCH 12 - 15
04 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreWalkabout Theater Company returns to producing in Chicago with the production that launched the company in 1999, Poor Poor Lear,…
Steppenwolf Theatre Company Announces 2026/27 Season
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Three Plays to See This Weekend - Shattered Globe Theatre, The Story Theatre and American Blues Theater Should Be High On Your List!
04 March 2026 in Now PlayingChicago theatre‑goers have one of those rare, golden weekends where three very different companies are all firing at full power—each…
TIN DRUM THEATRE COMPANY ANNOUNCES THE CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM FOR THE CHICAGO PREMIERE OF SOUTHERN RAPTURE, JUNE 11 - 28, AT THEATER WIT
04 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreTin Drum Theatre Company is proud to announce the cast and creative team for the Chicago premiere of Southern Rapture at Theater Wit,…
Splish Splash: A Day on the Lake - Goodman Theatre - Through March 22nd
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A Wondrous Production of Oscar Wao at The Goodman Theatre
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In Timeless ‘Come Back, Little Sheba,’ American Blues Theater Speaks for Today, as Well
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Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical" featuring Meat Loaf's greatest hits at The Auditorium on April 9 - One Night Only
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THE JOFFREY BALLET ANNOUNCES 2026–2027 SEASON AT LYRIC OPERA HOUSE
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BrightSide Theatre's PRIVATE LIVES April 10 - 26, Meiley-Swallow Hall in Naperville
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A professor finds himself in a firestorm in The Ally, the 2025 Pulitzer-nominated new play by Itamar Moses, at Theater Wit March 20-May 2
03 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreFrom the Tony Award-winning author of The Band's Visit comes a provocative new play about identity, loyalty, and the complexities of unity.A…
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IDENTITY PERFORMING ARTS Presents Spring Concert 2026 “EFFERVESCENT”
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Written by Buzz Center StageSteppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation’s premier ensemble theater company, and Teatro Vista Productions are pleased to announce the world premiere production of TVP Artistic Collective member Paloma Nozicka’s* BOTH, as a part of a new, multi-year partnership between the two…
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Northlight Theatre announces the inaugural season in the company's new home in Downtown Evanston
Written by Buzz Center StageNorthlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, proudly announces its inaugural season in the company's new home at 1012 Church Street in Downtown Evanston. With its own venue built from the ground up,…
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