It's been two years since the California band, Incubus, charmed Chicagoan's with a stellar performance on the scenic Charter One stage. For anybody who attended in 2009, the set was amazing - complete with a great light set, killer vocals, instrumental perfection, and an ensued misty rain that only enhanced the experience further. Fast forward to 2011 and Incubus is back with a new album, If Not Now, When? , and they are ready to grace the stage yet again for another incredible show. The set will include classic Incubus songs, as well as new material for hungry Chicago fans. Opening for Incubus is Tom Morello, former vocalist of Rage Against the Machine, making this show one worth catching. Everything kicks off at 7:30PM on Sunday, August 21st, 2011.
Tickets are still on sale for both general admission and the seating area, so grab yours before it's too late and I'll see you there!
Check Incubus out at www.enjoyincubus.com
The University of Chicago's very own, Court Theatre, was decorated with an array of scattered paintings, brilliant lighting, skinny doors, and fitted trash on Saturday, September 25th, as I sat down for Director Sean Graney's witty adaption of William Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors, showcasing until October 17th, 2010. As I existed among a full room of spectators, I found myself readily open to be not just amused, but impressed. The cast consisted of six exceptional performers at any given time, bringing to life twenty animated characters that had the audience filling the air with laughter. Not only were my expectations met, but they were exceeded.
With some modern Graney renovations, The Comedy of Errors presented itself ninety minutes straight, and kept a consistency of clever puns throughout the time allotted. Elizabeth Ledo started the play out with high energy, entering stage right on a scooter as a towncrier who warns the people of Ephesus that none from Syracuse are welcome. Subsequently, the plot unfolds to reveal two unrelated twins, played by Alex Goodrich and Erik Hellman, from Syracuse who arrive in Ephesus in search of their identical brothers, also played by Goodrich and Hellman, which causes much confusion amongst the Ephesus townspeople (especially considering the sets of twins share the same names: Dromio and Antipholus). Significant others, friends, merchants, and even the police of Ephesus find themselves confused on what to make of the utter chaos that is bestowed upon the stage. The humor is endless, and sometimes pushes the envelope, which I loved. Somehow the ending out-did itself, as the confusion is resolved and the lights paint the stage for a dance party while the six actors do lightening quick costume changes, allowing a variety of characters to be involved in the ending. When the final bows were taken I sat in my seat for a moment hoping that I could watch the play just once more before heading back home.
Aside from an eye-catching stage arrangement, a gifted director, and a hilarious plot, this play had what is most necessary for a stellar show: notable performers. Kurt Ehrmann played four characters, including Dr. Pinch and the Courtezan, all of which had me laughing out loud. He delivered unfailing amusement for the viewers, as well as an eye full that no one saw coming. Elizabeth Ledo tackled four characters, her most memorable being Luciana and Luce. Ledo was not shy to step out of her shell and show everybody what she was capable of. In return, her enthusiasm drove her characters as far to the brink as possible, and left admiration from the crowd. The only other female performing alongside Ledo was Stacy Stoltz, who shined in her role as Antipholus' significant other, Adriana, a whiny wife with no clue as to which Antipholus is which. Also filling the stage with three characters to play was Steve Wilson, who created such a strong presence with not only his amusing facial features, but his ability to deliver well executed farce comedy for the crowd. Handling the main characters (as well as other roles) were Hellman and Goodrich, as mentioned earlier. Both actors did a wonderful job of winning over the audience in belief. Hellman did a fantastic job with his roles, and I enjoyed that his twin characters had different accents that he managed to keep straight. As a closet critic, I had a personal preference towards Goodrich's style of presence on the stage, everything from his faces to his voices had me wishing he was on a television sitcom so that I could watch him more. Everybody did a great job of highly entertaining me.
If you are wanting to do something new, or just laugh, I fully recommend stopping by Court Theatre to see The Comedy of Errors while it is still playing. If you miss it, then I am sorry, because great plays aren't as common as your favorite television show. The entire show was made possible with the help of raw talent - director, actor, and even the behind the scenes crew. Yet again, Chicago has not failed to disappoint me with what it has to offer.
Frolicking season is upon us once again and Joffrey Ballet welcomes summer with the return of Alexander Ekman’s “Midsummer Night’s…
As the audience takes its seats we are greeted by an atmosphere of foreboding, a trestle bridge girder to the…
Director Chuck Smith returns to Goodman with another major August Wilson revival–“Joe Turner’s Come and Gone”. This is the second…
Broadway In Chicago is excited to announce that individual tickets for the world premiere of the first ever touring production…
Full cast and crew have been announced for BrightSide Theatre's upcoming production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, the rock opera that…
Chicago Opera Theater (COT), Chicago’s foremost producer of new and reimagined opera, closes its 50th Anniversary season presenting the final performances of…
Tim Rhoze, Artistic Director of Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, has announced the company's 2024 season of four productions. The season will open with…
David Williamson, regarded as one of the top magicians in the world today, makes his Rhapsody Theater debut with Ridiculous! Known for his tours…
Curious Theatre Branch is pleased to announce the 35th annual Rhinoceros Theater Festival, May 25 - June 30 at six venues across Chicago. The…
It’s often said that in the workplace you should refrain from talking about politics and religion; too personal, too easy…
BALLET 5:8 is a female - and minority-led ballet company resident at Harris Theatre in Millenium Park. Under the leadership…
When life’s chaos is full of impossible choices, how are we possibly meant to move forward? Brooklyn Laundry is about…
I would absolutely bomb out of jury selection cos I have a very definite bias: I’ve been a fan(atic) of…
You got trouble, my friends, if you’re going to put on Meredith Willson’s The Music Man. If you’re going to…
This year's Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater 65th-anniversary engagement at Chicago's historic Auditorium Theatre held particular importance as it marked…
For the final show of its 30th anniversary season, Trap Door Theatre—the little company that could—has selected a sure-fire hit…
Chicago’s National Landmark Auditorium Theatre (50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) proudly announces its 2024-25 performance season presenting a vibrant mix of…
Chicago Writers' Bloc has announced the lineup of plays and musicals for its biennial festival of new plays, to be…
If you appreciate classical music and captivating stories about brilliant artists from the past, Hershey Felder’s one-man show, Monsieur Chopin:…
Jackalope Theatre Company continues its 16th season at Edgewater’s Berger Park, 6205 N. Sheridan Rd., with the announcement of the cast…
Born and raised in Mexico City, Dr. Ricardo Rosenkranz, MD, Chicago’s own Physician Magician, will celebrate the festive Cinco de Mayo holiday weekend by…
The Player (Lorenze Rush Jr) has just run into Rosencrantz and Guildenstern with his troupe of players. As he explains…
Those were my first words when I left the performance of COCK to David Zak, producer and resident wizard of…
If you’re a magic enthusiast, Joshua Jay’s captivating new show, Look Closer, is currently enchanting audiences at the Rhapsody Theater. But even…
Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name. Sometimes you want to be surrounded by people to experience the…
About Face Theatre announces casting for the Midwest Premiere production of Lavender Men by Roger Q. Mason, directed by Lucky Stiff, running May 9 -June 8,…
The Artistic Home Studio will present the 2024 edition of its CUT TO THE CHASE festival of new one act…
Hell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to continue its 22nd season with the world premiere of POOR PEOPLE! The Parody Musical, an…
Author Percival Everett is having his moment, and Exile in Bookville gave us a chance to meet him up close…
Physical Theater Festival Chicago is proud to announce the complete lineup for its 11th anniversary celebration, July 13 - 21. The Festival begins…
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.