Ken Payne
Drury Lane's “The Odd couple” A Must See
Most of us know playwright Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple from either the big screen with Walter Matthau and Jack Lemon as the quirky pair of opposite roommates or more recently (30 years ago) from the TV adaptation that starred Tony Randall as the germaphobic neat freak Felix Ungar and Jack Klugman as the slobbish sports writing Oscar Madison. However, whether you are familiar...
Flaming Dames in “Bump and Grindhouse”
With 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”.
Crossing California Hits Home
Remember 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 Superman!
The 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...
Cat’s Cradle Keeps ‘em Guessing
I’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...
Ted Neeley Regains his Crown in Jesus Christ Superstar
If 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.
Mamma Mia!
Just 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...
Louis C.K.'s "Hilarious" Tour, Hilarious
I 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...
Kumail Nanjiani: Undeniable
Growing 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: A Laughing Matter at Lakeshore Theater
Whether 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
Layers Unfold in “The Book of Grace” at Steppenwolf
08 April 2025 in Theatre in ReviewIn a masterful stroke of programming, Steppenwolf Theatre Company presents the Chicago premiere of "The Book of Grace," Suzan-Lori Parks'…
GDC Spring Program Eloquently Distills the Vagaries and Splendor of Life Through Dance
07 April 2025 in Dance in ReviewDance performances can often be moving events but rarely do they hold the density, breadth and depth of emotions Giordano…
Chicago Shakespeare Theater Presents Lively Production of Sunny Afternoon
06 April 2025 in Theatre in Review“It’s not us… all this mucking about with our sound.” Sunny Afternoon is about many things. This is in…
‘Trial of Themistocles’ Shows Off Best of the Culture of Greece, and Chicago Jurisprudence
05 April 2025 in Theatre in ReviewWalking into the Harris Theater for the “Trial of Themistocles,” I was expecting something translated from ancient Greek, togas, masks,…
A Hull Lot of Laughs: Titanique Makes Waves On Stage
02 April 2025 in Theatre in ReviewAll hands on deck Titanic fans! Get ready for a lavishly produced musical that boldly reimagines the Titanic story, navigating…
MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL is Now Playing
02 April 2025 in Upcoming TheatreWelcome back to the Moulin Rouge! Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce the Tony Award® winning production, MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL is now playing…
Disney's THE LION KING Returns to Chicago
01 April 2025 in Upcoming TheatreBy 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 ReviewTHE 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 DanceIDENTITY 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 TheatreThe 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 TheatreOpen 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 ReviewI’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 TheatreHell 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 ReviewIn 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 TheatreKokandy 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 ReviewI’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 ReviewDon’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 TheatreA.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 ReviewWalking 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 TheatreArtistic 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 TheatreAbout 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 TheatreFresh 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 ReviewGoing 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 TheatreCameron 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 TheatreChicagoland'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 ReviewSer 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 TheatreTheater 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 TheatreSteppenwolf 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 TheatreLyric 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 TheatreBeetlejuice, Beetlejuice… Beetlejuice! You’ve summoned him once again, Chicago— BEETLEJUICE is back for another hauntingly hilarious run! The edgy and irreverent Broadway…
Latest Articles
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Chicago Shakespeare Theater Presents Lively Production of Sunny Afternoon
Written by Lauren Katz“It’s not us… all this mucking about with our sound.” Sunny Afternoon is about many things. This is in so many ways a rock concert – with a score that makes it impossible not to dance and clap along… -
Layers Unfold in “The Book of Grace” at Steppenwolf
Written by Wesley DavidIn a masterful stroke of programming, Steppenwolf Theatre Company presents the Chicago premiere of "The Book of Grace," Suzan-Lori Parks' incendiary companion piece to her Pulitzer Prize-winning "Topdog/Underdog." Director Steve H. Broadnax III has crafted a searing production that peels… -
GDC Spring Program Eloquently Distills the Vagaries and Splendor of Life Through Dance
Written by Mitchell OldhamDance performances can often be moving events but rarely do they hold the density, breadth and depth of emotions Giordano Dance Chicago’s (GDC) Spring engagement encompassed Friday night at the Harris Theater. Part tribute, part commemoration of a milestone, and… -
‘Trial of Themistocles’ Shows Off Best of the Culture of Greece, and Chicago Jurisprudence
Written by Bill EslerWalking into the Harris Theater for the “Trial of Themistocles,” I was expecting something translated from ancient Greek, togas, masks, maybe a chorus, and a scholarly script that would take some work to wade through. Instead I found the latest…
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