Sunday, 27 April 2025 20:03
‘Kairos’ Is One of the Most Enjoyable and Provocative Shows in Chicago
Written by Bill Esler
Lisa Sanaye Dring’s play “Kairos,” which just opened at The Edge Off Broadway theater, is one of the most thought-provoking and enjoyable productions I have seen lately. Set in the near future, the 90-minute play (no intermission) is as good anything you might see in streaming shows ("Black Mirror" comes…
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Theatre in Review
Thursday, 24 April 2025 13:18
David Mamet's 'Henry Johnson' in High Powered Premiere at Victory Gardens Biograph
Written by Bill Esler
“Henry Johnson,” David Mamet’s new play running at the vintage Biograph Theatre, is like many of his works, enigmatic and demanding of his audience. With Mamet one must pay close attention to the dialog, packed with foreshadowing and reveals. Miss a line or even a word, and you’ll miss out.…
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Theatre in Review
Monday, 21 April 2025 12:36
A WONDROUS SOUND - Orchestra and Chorus of the Chicago Lyric Opera is a wondrous compilation of the best of the best!
Sarz Maxwell
The repertoire for this fabulous program - A WONDROUS SOUND, showcasing the full force of Lyric’s amazing orchestra and chorus, was developed in collaboration between Lyric Conductor Enrique Mazzola and Chorus Director Michael Black. The orchestra started it off with the thrilling overture from Carmen, followed by some of that…
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Theatre in Review
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Monday, 21 April 2025 15:03
Stellar Performances in “Prayer for the French Republic”
Written by Bill Esler
Early in the first act I whispered to my companion and said “I love this!” Extremely well written by Joshua Hartman with stellar performances directed by Jeremy Wechsler, “Prayer for the French Republic” (a Northlight Theatre Theatre Wit co-production) attempts to reveal the soul-searching and angst among a Jewish family…
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Theatre in Review
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Sunday, 20 April 2025 12:06
Citadel's 'A Jukebox for the Algonquin" - The Reality of Life in a Senior Center sets the Stage for Tunes, Friendship and Rebellion!
Written by Kimberly Katz
Citadel’s latest production, A Jukebox for the Algonquin, truly captured my heart. It’s a refreshing reminder that as we age, life doesn’t lose its spark—it merely shifts to a new rhythm, one filled with laughter, camaraderie, and unexpected joys. This delightful offering beautifully showcased the vibrant lives that still await…
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Theatre in Review
Thursday, 17 April 2025 14:48
A Night to Remember Aboard Marriott Theatre’s Titanic
Written by CJ Burroughs
As a lifelong aficionado of the ill-fated ocean liner RMS Titanic, I’ve always gravitated toward any experience that would leave me feeling immersed in that famous moment of an era that nobody any of us knows anymore is alive to remember. I’ve watched every grainy, dated video interview with actual…
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Theatre in Review
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Monday, 14 April 2025 15:44
Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces casting for the NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE of a new musical from the producers of SIX - 42 Balloons
Written by Buzz Center Stage
Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces today the cast of the North American premiere of the new musical 42 Balloons. From the multi-award-winning producers Kevin McCollum (Oh, Mary!, Rent), Andy Barnes and Wendy Barnes (SIX), and Sonia Friedman Productions (Merrily We Roll Along), 42 Balloons is an '80s-inspired musical based on the unbelievable true story of Larry Walters' daring lawn chair flight. The show is…
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Upcoming Theatre
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Wednesday, 16 April 2025 15:41
Pegasus Theatre Chicago announces cast for its revival of Shakin' the Mess Outta Misery
Written by Buzz Center Stage
Pegasus Theatre Chicago and Director ILesa Duncan proudly announce the casting for the revival of playwright Shay Youngblood's Shakin' the Mess Outta Misery, which follows "Daughter", who returns home to eulogize the last of the women who raised her in 1960s Georgia. Shakin' the Mess Outta Misery runs at the Chicago Dramatists' Russ Tutterow Theatre, 798 N.…
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Upcoming Theatre
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Tuesday, 15 April 2025 13:54
Steppenwolf Theatre Announces LookOut's Summer 2025 Season
Written by Buzz Center Stage
Steppenwolf's LookOut Series is pleased to announce its action-packed summer lineup of comedy, magic, storytelling, drag and more! The Summer 2025 Season includes captivating solo works from some of Chicago's most accomplished storytellers; showcases of comedy, theatre and puppetry artists; and a 50th year celebration from Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater. The popular local…
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Wednesday, 09 April 2025 13:49
Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces a Bold 2025/26 Season of 12 productions
Written by Buzz Center Stage
Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) Artistic Director Edward Hall and Executive Director Kimberly Motes announce today the 2025/26 Season. As the nation's largest year-round theater dedicated to the works of Shakespeare, CST is committed to creating vivid, entertaining theatrical experiences that invigorate and engage people of all ages and identities by illuminating the complexity, ambiguity, and…
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Thursday, 17 April 2025 12:26
The Artistic Home presents CUT TO THE CHASE festival of one-act plays May 1-4 at The Den Theatre
Written by Buzz Center Stage
The Artistic Home Studio will present the 2025 edition of its annual CUT TO THE CHASE festival of new one act plays, from May 1-4, 2025, in the Upstairs Mainstage at the Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Avenue. Six plays by six different authors and helmed by six directors will…
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Thursday, 17 April 2025 12:20
Chopin Theatre & Gwydion Theatre present "Theatre of the Absurd" festival Eight Darkly Comedic Tales May 2 – May 25, 2025 | Chopin Theatre Studio
Written by Buzz Center Stage
In an era that often defies reason, Chopin Theatre and Gwydion Theatre launch the first annual Theatre of the Absurd Festival, bringing together eight works of absurdist theater May 2-May 25, 2025. The Theatre of the Absurd traces its roots to post-war/Cold War disillusions in Europe. The name was coined…
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Tuesday, 15 April 2025 11:54
Writers Theater Excels in Brian Friel's Funny, Complicated 'Translations'
Written by Bill Esler
Brian Friel’s “Translations,” now playing at Writers Theatre in Glencoe, IL, shows off the renowned Irish playwright’s signature skill in creating a stage full of memorable characters, 10 in this case, each with depth sufficient to fuel their dramatic paths. “Translations” as Friel tells us, “has to do with language…
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Theatre in Review
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Latest Articles
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‘Kairos’ Is One of the Most Enjoyable and Provocative Shows in Chicago
Written by Bill EslerLisa Sanaye Dring’s play “Kairos,” which just opened at The Edge Off Broadway theater, is one of the most thought-provoking and enjoyable productions I have seen lately. Set in the near future, the 90-minute play (no intermission) is as good… -
David Mamet's 'Henry Johnson' in High Powered Premiere at Victory Gardens Biograph
Written by Bill Esler“Henry Johnson,” David Mamet’s new play running at the vintage Biograph Theatre, is like many of his works, enigmatic and demanding of his audience. With Mamet one must pay close attention to the dialog, packed with foreshadowing and reveals. Miss…
-
A WONDROUS SOUND - Orchestra and Chorus of the Chicago Lyric Opera is a wondrous compilation of the best of the best!
Written by Sarz MaxwellThe repertoire for this fabulous program - A WONDROUS SOUND, showcasing the full force of Lyric’s amazing orchestra and chorus, was developed in collaboration between Lyric Conductor Enrique Mazzola and Chorus Director Michael Black. The orchestra started it off with… -
Stellar Performances in “Prayer for the French Republic”
Written by Bill EslerEarly in the first act I whispered to my companion and said “I love this!” Extremely well written by Joshua Hartman with stellar performances directed by Jeremy Wechsler, “Prayer for the French Republic” (a Northlight Theatre Theatre Wit co-production) attempts…
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