Displaying items by tag: Steve Haggard
Review: 'Witch' at Writers Theatre
Ask yourself, do you have hope that things can get better? The word itself certainly echoes back to a different political climate in America. Now it seems the very word has been replaced with fear. Jen Silverman’s new play ‘Witch’ is holding its world premiere at Writers Theatre in Glencoe. It’s an update on a seventeenth century tragicomedy but don’t let that fool you, this play has a lot to say about our modern world.
Directed by Marti Lyons, ‘Witch’ tells the tale of the devil coming to a small village. Like all plays concerning Satan, the devil is after souls in exchange for worldly goods or successes of some kind. Ryan Hallahan plays Scratch, one of the devil’s henchman. His wile body language and delivery make him a slick salesman for the master of dark desires. For the villagers already lacking good morals, his pitch is an easy sell. He quickly pits the son of the richest man in town, Cuddy Banks (Steve Haggard) against an ambitious interloper Frank Thorney (Jon Hudson Odom) in a battle for inheritance and land.
This arc serves as the main driver of plot in this 90-minute play but the real meat lies in the battle between Scratch and the town outcast, or witch, Elizabeth Sawyer (Audrey Francis). Elizabeth begins the play with a monologue that asks about hope and explains the mundane cruelties we commit against one another. Francis is captivating. The character is sarcastic and dry. Silverman’s dialogue flows perfectly through Francis’ performance and her emotional reckoning brings about one of the play’s most powerful moments.
Finally, a play about witches that isn’t ‘The Crucible’. Silverman’s script is a lot of fun. It gets to mingle in the 1600s but enjoy the freedom and accessibility of modern dialogue. The contrast is purposeful, asking the audience, has anything really changed? Whether the play is optimistic or pessimistic is really up to the viewers’ interpretation. Either way, there are a lot of laughs here that in the end build to a greater philosophical question. Is change possible or do we have to just start over again from scratch?
If it’s something spooky you’re after, ‘Witch’ will scratch your itch. Though not really a horror story, the intricate production design by Yu Shibagaki gets into the Halloween spirit. Even with the devil, and a supposed witch, this play isn’t really about the supernatural. Rather, it relies on human meanness as the haunting theme, and honestly what’s scarier than that?
Through December 16 at Writers Theatre 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe. 847-242-6000
Accidentally, Like A Martyr Comes Up Big at A Red Orchid Theatre
Accidentally, Like A Martyr is a witty comedy drama now playing at A Red Orchid Theatre that packs a punch with its humor and charm but also with its intrigue. Taking place in a seedy gay bar on Manhattan's lower east side we meet a colorful group of regulars, are dosed with whimsical bar chat and are soon thrust into a compelling story that builds one's curiosity plenty as the show continues.
The set is cozy as the audience is seated around a fully functioning bar and often gets the feeling they too are patrons. Decorative Christmas lights are strung throughout and a vintage jukebox sits to one end. It's easy to lose oneself in the atmosphere alone and, once immersed with the character's variety of personalities, feel as though we are bonded with each.
Manned with a strong cast, we are exposed to some dynamite performances including Layne Manzer's as "Brendan" whose tough exterior can only shield his vulnerabilities for so long. Manzer showed a great range of versatility and raw intensity and is certainly someone to keep an eye on in the theatre scene. Steve Haggard also gave a stellar performance as "Mark" the grief-stricken lover desperately searching for a taste of the past. Accidentally, Like A Martyr also contains several terrific veteran performers including Troy West, Doug Vickers and David Cerda, the mastermind behind Hell in a Handbag Productions, one of Chicago's funniest theatre companies.
Ensemble member Shade Murray directs this Chicago premiere wonderfully written by Grant James Varjas. This is a touching story of friendship, survival and soul searching. Accidentally, Like A Martyr is playing at A Red Orchid Theatre located at 1531 N Wells through March 1st. For tickets and/or more information visit www.aredorchidtheatre.org or call (312) 943-8722.
Oh Baby, Baby: BABY the Musical at Citadel Theatre
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Jackalope Theatre Announces Cast and Creative Team for the World Premiere of THE SINGULARITY PLAY, May 19 - June 22
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Spanish Language Magic Shows at Rhapsody Theater to celebrate Cinco de Mayo
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About Face Theatre announces casting for Midwest Premiere of Lavender Men
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CUT TO THE CHASE festival of one-act plays returns May 2-5 with theme "Face-to-Face" at The Den Theatre
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Hell in a Handbag Productions Presents the World Premiere of POOR PEOPLE! The Parody Musical
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Take Flight and Feel the Magic with ‘Peter Pan: The Hit Broadway Musical'
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Casting for Lifeline Theatre’s production of “Native Son” adapted by Chicagoan Nambi E. Kelley, May 10 - June 30
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A.B.L.E. presents "The Odyssey" at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on May 11
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Review: Remy Bumppo Theatre Company's "Love Song' at Theater Wit
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“Navigating Family, Truth, and Legacy: A Must-See Journey in ‘Purpose’”
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Eddie Izzard performs Shakespeare’s "Hamlet" in limited engagement, April 19–May 4
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Identity Performing Arts presents spring concert “Muted”
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Joffrey Ballet closes season with remount of crowd favorite, Alexander Ekman's "Midsummer Night's Dream"
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Oh Baby, Baby: BABY the Musical at Citadel Theatre
Written by Kendall RoyzenIt’s often said that in the workplace you should refrain from talking about politics and religion; too personal, too easy to offend someone. Throughout my working years the only topic of conversation that has caused controversy is that around children;… -
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Written by Lauren KatzWhen life’s chaos is full of impossible choices, how are we possibly meant to move forward? Brooklyn Laundry is about a lot of things. There’s love. There’s heartbreak. There’s family, and there’s grief. However, at its center, you might find… -
Babes with Blades triumph over time and space in THE S PARADOX!
Written by Sarz MaxwellI would absolutely bomb out of jury selection cos I have a very definite bias: I’ve been a fan(atic) of Babes with Blades Theatre Company (BWBTC) forever – since their very first show in 1997. Favoritism notwithstanding, I try to… -
Auditorium Theatre Announces vibrant 2024-25 Season
Written by Buzz Center StageChicago’s National Landmark Auditorium Theatre (50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) proudly announces its 2024-25 performance season presenting a vibrant mix of contemporary and culturally significant dance companies, and the return of the Auditorium’s powerful Too Hot to Handel concert presentation. Kicking…
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