There is something timeless and lasting about 1920s and 1930s jazz. The lively tunes and sultry tempos defined an era and resonates throughout every aspect of our culture from movies and cinema, music and radio, and to literature and theatre. I jumped at the opportunity to revisit the art-deco, jazz-fueled…
Published in
Theatre Reviews
Sunday, 30 June 2024 12:51
Writers Theatre’s “The Hot Wing King” with extra sauce
Written by Wesley David
Katori Hall is an acclaimed American playwright, screenwriter, and director, known for her vivid portrayal of African American experiences and social issues. Her notable works include "The Mountaintop," which won an Olivier Award, "Hurt Village," and "Pussy Valley," which she adapted into the successful TV series "P-Valley." Hall's "The Hot…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Thursday, 27 June 2024 10:49
Laurie Metcalf Shines on Expressive Barcaloungers in 'Little Bear Ridge Road’ at Steppenwolf
Written by Bill Esler
Steppenwolf’s Laurie Metcalf gives us a tour de force performance in playwright Samuel D. Hunter’s masterful “Little Bear Ridge Road.” But you might find this is a little different than the roles from Ibsen and Albee for which she won Tony’s on Broadway. As Sarah, the 60ish cranky nurse living…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Sunday, 23 June 2024 21:28
The Butler with the Candlestick in the Study: CLUE Walking Mystery Experience Spoilers
Written by Kendall Royzen
The running joke in my family is that we’ll go to the opening of an envelope if it were being opened at a theatre in Chicago. Whatever the show, the restaurant, the experience, we’re in. The third largest metropolitan in the United States boasts never before seen shows, touring productions,…
Published in
Theatre Reviews
Tagged under
Tuesday, 18 June 2024 13:52
Review - 1619: THE JOURNEY OF A PEOPLE by Ted Williams III At Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre
Sarz Maxwell
My first impression was, naturally, of the set: a stunning mural by Sholo Beverly in shades of blues and grays, the only color the red white & blue of an American flag. A series of posters were hung from the ceiling, from an announcement of a slave auction through Emancipation,…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Saturday, 15 June 2024 17:27
Like Lightning Striking: Percy Jackson Musical Brings Myths, Gods, and Fantasy to Life at Skokie Theatre
Written by Kendall Royzen
We all can do with a little more magic in our lives. Myths and Gods, magic and fantasy, these are the foundations of the stories we’re drawn to. They have a way of pulling us in, making us believe, and letting us escape the world around us, even if it…
Published in
Theatre Reviews
First on the stage was Tabla artist Salar Nader, considered Afghanistan’s premier virtuoso on the tabla. His unceasing accompaniment was at times almost subliminal, then bursting out with intentional significance, but ever present, keeping us firmly rooted in Afghani culture … though I hadn’t been aware that in August 2021…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Thursday, 13 June 2024 07:24
Three's Good Company; Three Sisters at Windy City Playhouse
Written by Kendall Royzen
When we think of summertime in Chicago, we probably wouldn’t associate it an existential play set in a small Russian town filled with woe and dread and longing. That style of play would fit better with the dark winter days. But like a required literature course in high school, or…
Published in
Theatre Reviews
Monday, 10 June 2024 13:45
'Die Hard 4 Your Luv' Is a Great Parody of Boy Bands, and Action Thrillers
Written by Bill Esler
“Die Hard 4 Your Luv” by Kirk Pynchon and Mike Beyer at The Factory Theater is a great send-up of boy bands, those popular generators of light-pop ear worms that drew masses of devoted followers for the music, or the sexy styling. Groups like Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, One Direction and…
Published in
Theatre in Review
More...
For more than 50 years, Tim Rice & Andrew Lloyd Webber’s powerful masterpiece, Jesus Christ Superstar, has wowed audiences with its unorthodox look at the life and persona of Jesus Christ through its soaring lyrics and driving rock score. And so, it is most appropriate that BrightSide Theatre concludes its…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Thursday, 06 June 2024 11:20
You Go Queens: "SIX" is the Perfect Pride Month Musical
Written by Wesley David
This Pride Month, the electrifying musical "SIX" playing at the James Nederlander Theatre isn’t just a celebration of female empowerment – it's a vibrant anthem for self-expression and defying societal expectations. Forget the dusty history books and the traditional view of Henry VIII's wives as mere pawns. "SIX" explodes onto…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Tuesday, 04 June 2024 13:50
Strong Production, Great Cast Give Powerful "Turret" a Grand Premier at Chopin Theatre
Written by Bill Esler
Something special has been afoot at Chopin Theatre for the past few weeks: the world premiere of “Turret,” written and directed by Levi Holliday. Created as a vehicle for two-time Oscar nominee Michael Shannon, the production by A Red Orchid Theatre (Shannon is a founding member) has turned into so…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Sunday, 02 June 2024 18:52
“Stokely: The Unfinished Revolution” A Court Theatre World Premiere
Written by Wesley David
"Stokely: The Unfinished Revolution" a world premiere written by Nambi E. Kelley and directed by Tasia A. Jones, ambitiously attempts to capture the essence of civil rights icon Stokely Carmichael in a mere 90-minute play. The title, hinting at a deep dive into Carmichael's revolutionary ideologies, might mislead audiences expecting…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Register
Login
Latest Articles
-
A Night to Remember Aboard Marriott Theatre’s Titanic
Written by CJ BurroughsAs 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… -
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 StageChicago 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… -
Pegasus Theatre Chicago announces cast for its revival of Shakin' the Mess Outta Misery
Written by Buzz Center StagePegasus 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…
-
Steppenwolf Theatre Announces LookOut's Summer 2025 Season
Written by Buzz Center StageSteppenwolf'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…
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.