Here is a theater event that is so rich you cannot be disappointed. Anyone who attends Dynamite Divas: A Tribute to Women in Soul will be richly rewarded by the experience. In fact, it is so good, I would say run, don't walk, to the Black Ensemble theater to see…
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Theatre in Review
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Monday, 21 December 2015 20:49
Apollo Chorus Delivers in Up-Tempo Handel's Messiah
Written by Bill Esler
The Apollo Chorus has been performing Handel's Messiah since 1879 and they have it nailed. Singing through the 53 Bible passages Handel set to a Baroque score 250 years ago, it becomes quickly clear - three numbers in - as the choir sings its first part, who owns this performance:…
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Theatre in Review
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Tuesday, 08 December 2015 08:18
"Christmas Dearest" Is Laugh Out Loud Holiday Fun
Written by Kimberly Katz
I've seen Hell in a Handbag’s production of “Christmas Dearest” before and the dazzling funny and yet touching show has now officially become part of my true Holiday tradition. The reason being is that it takes the classic tale "A Christmas Carol" and throws some six-inch, size 11 heeled, f*ck…
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Theatre in Review
Monday, 07 December 2015 22:24
The Nutcracker Captures the Magic of the Holiday Season
Written by Michelle Reidy
There is no better way to get in the holiday spirit than with the classic Christmas ballet, the Nutcracker. Twenty-eight years after Robert Joffrey’s original production, this is the final year that the Joffrey Ballet will perform this Nutcracker (2016 brings us the world premier of Christopher Wheeldon’s Nutcracker!). Even…
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Theatre in Review
In a cramped police station in Southern France, a handful of men argue about why they were picked up for questioning. During the Nazi occupation of France in WWII, Germany left Vichy to be governed by France. This didn't exempt the zone from mass deportation of Jews living on false…
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Theatre in Review
Wednesday, 02 December 2015 22:09
Review: Beautiful "The Carole King Musical" at Oriental Theatre
Written by John Accrocco
Everyone's mom has a copy of "Tapestry," and by now the songs are almost as familiar as the Star Bangled Banner. What many may not know is that composer Carole King and lyricist Gerry Goffin literally shaped the sound of early rock 'n roll with their songs made popular by…
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Theatre in Review
Tuesday, 24 November 2015 21:38
"Burning Bluebeard" Has Become Rich Holiday Tradition in Chicago
Written by Kimberly Katz
Chicagoans' love for historical dramas and our ghost and gangster bus tours are very popular here, so it is not surprising that this very well written and performed ensemble play about the very real, tragic Iroquois Theater fire in 1903 that killed over six hundred people packed in for an…
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Theatre in Review
Thursday, 26 November 2015 00:42
Even Arquette's Funny Can't Save Sherlock Holmes
Written by Kimberly Katz
Broadway in Chicago and producers Starvox Entertainment and June Entertainment present “Sherlock Holmes”, starring the often very funny David Arquette in the title role that is based on the shrewd detective in the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle mystery novels. Now, I like David Arquette, I think he’s a talented comedic…
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Theatre in Review
Tuesday, 24 November 2015 20:46
"That's Weird Grandma: The Holiday Special" Brings Big Holiday Laughs
Written by Eden Diez
Check out the Barrel of Monkeys on a first date, see if your date has a sense of humor. Take your 4th grader and laugh over ice cream after the show. Drag the whole office to the Neo-Futurist Theater and forget about the overwhelming stress for an hour, then return…
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Theatre in Review
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Use the bathroom before you take your seat at Theater Wit for Joe Mantello’s stage adaptation of David Sedaris’ now-classic holiday essay, Santaland Diaries. Trust me. The show runs one hour 20 minutes without an intermission. But more to the point, you will laugh your jingle bells off! Mitchell Fain…
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Theatre in Review
Tuesday, 24 November 2015 22:11
Holidaze Touches the Heart with Six Poignant One-Act Plays
Written by Mariah Sulaiman
What do you do with your family over the holidays? Stay at home? Eat a meal together? Dress the tree? Give gifts to your work family? How do you show your loved ones you care for them? Step Up Productions and its HoliDaze one-acts continues its 3rd season and supports…
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Theatre in Review
Thursday, 19 November 2015 21:15
Review: Fulfillment at American Theatre Company
Written by John Accrocco
Sex sells as the old adage goes. It may be marketable, but you have to ask yourself what it has to say. Likely sex will dominate the discussion among patrons of Thomas Bradshaw's new play at American Theater Company. With bold direction by Ethan McSweeney, Fulfillment will undoubtedly ruffle some…
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Theatre in Review
Wednesday, 18 November 2015 21:03
Review: Never the Sinner at Victory Gardens
Written by John Accrocco
Apparently thrill-killing isn't a new sign of the gradual breakdown of society. John Logan's historical thriller "Never the Sinner" explores the trial of wealthy, local killers Leopold and Loeb in what was once hailed as the crime of the century. Director Gary Griffin brings this story to life in an…
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Theatre in Review
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