Wednesday, 20 February 2013 18:00
FELA! Magnificent, the most important and exciting show of the year!
Written by Kimberly Katz
Fela! is based on the biography of Fela Kuti, a Nigerian superstar singer, musician, and composer who became an iconic spokesman for the country's underclass against the brutal and corrupt Nigerian military government in the 1970s and 80s. Playing at the Arie Crown Theatre in McCormick Place through Saturday, Fela!…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Thursday, 21 February 2013 09:36
Attention!: A Soldier’s Play is a must see at The Raven
Written by Kendall Royzen
The Raven theatre has never disappointed me. Their performances strike an emotional chord with their audiences and their actors are among the best I’ve seen in Chicago. On a rainy Monday night, A Soldier’s Play premiered with mixed reviews, but from my perspective, this play is timeless and one you shouldn't miss. When Captain…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Tuesday, 12 February 2013 18:00
"Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo" Asks Many Questions
Written by Ken Payne
Lookingglass Theatre’s “Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo” is a dark comedy that questions human nature, the existence of God and explores living with the decisions we have made. Directed by ensemble member Heidi Stillman and written by Rajiv Joseph, “Bengal Tiger” takes us to Baghdad and centers around two…
Published in
Theatre in Review
For a night of laugh out loud moments, take in Jeeves Takes a Bow, an adaptation of the series by PG. Wodehouse appearing at the First Folio Theater. It is an entertaining play which allows audience members to get lost in the debauchery of the 1930’s prohibition era of speak…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Friday, 08 February 2013 17:44
Steppenwolf Takes on Pinter's "The Birthday Party"
Written by Ken Payne
“The Birthday Party” at Steppenwolf’s new upstairs theatre, is theatre in the round at its best, with the living room set in the middle of the room amidst the audience, almost giving us the feeling that we are part of the play. With Chicago theatre heavyweights filling the cast, including…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Simply put, Christine Sherrill puts on one of the best all around performances I’ve seen in some time. Playing “Norma Desmond” in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Sunset Boulevard”, Sherrill clearly shows why she is a top stage talent with her brilliant use of dramatics, comedic timing and, maybe most of all,…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Monday, 04 February 2013 20:17
An American Play, a Chicago Premiere; 'Southbridge' surprises at Chicago Dramatists
Written by Kendall Royzen
In a small and unassuming theatre on a low traffic corner in Chicago rests a playhouse that offers some big surprises. We ventured into this playhouse to see, unbeknownst to us, a world premiere production. Southbridge, written by Reginald Edmund and directed by Russ Tutterow was as unassuming as the…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Sunday, 03 February 2013 13:29
A Smart, but not Steamy "Other Desert Cities" at Goodman
Written by Zach Zimmerman
It's 2004 and a violent war is raging in the desert. In Afghanistan, young, fatigued soldiers fight against terror, but in a secluded West Coast mansion, a war of word wages between a strained family. Brooke, the daughter of two prominent old-school Republicans - Ron and Nancy are among the…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Thursday, 10 January 2013 18:00
“The Motherf**ker With The Hat” Wins Big at Steppenwolf
Written by Ken Payne
Steppenwolf Theatre Company kicks in the 2013 season with a dark comedy that is both engaging and compelling from the opening scene that has “Jackie” finding the hat of his girlfriend “Veronica’s” alleged lover. Just out of prison, “Jackie” takes a big step towards starting his new life by getting…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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The highly anticipated musical theatre production, “The Book of Mormon”, winner of nine Tony Awards, has made its way to Chicago’s Bank of America Theatre (18 W Monroe) amidst its second national tour. With a humorous story revolving around young Mormons spreading the word of “Heavenly Father” according to The…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Friday, 21 December 2012 18:00
Don't Hate him Because He's Beautiful! "Rudolph, The Red Hosed Reindeer"
Written by Kimberly Katz
I do love all the standard holidays shows and music that come with the season but there comes a point where I feel overloaded by all the sticky sweet extravaganzas and tearjerkers and just want to laugh my ass off. That is when I head straight to Mary's Attic for…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Saturday, 15 December 2012 18:00
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular - Big Holiday Fun!
Written by Kimberly Katz
Merry Christmasukah! Looking for a fun way to get you and your family into the Christmas spirit? Look no further – The Radio City Spectacular at Rosemont’s Akoo Theatre featuring the Rockettes pulls out all the stops. From singing Christmas favorites to the dazzling famed New York chorus line, this…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Thursday, 06 December 2012 18:00
Jeff Garlin In Concert - "Get Comfortable... it's Going to be a Long, Funny Night."
Written by Kimberly Katz
I just love Jeff Garlin's work. It was really great to see him in his second two week run at Steppenwolf Theater here in Chicago titled, "Closer Than I Appear", a year after his sold out run there with "No Sugar Tonight". Each show started out with Jeff telling…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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