Tuesday, 17 September 2019 12:47
'Vanya On the Plains' attempts a glimpse into humanity’s depressing future
Written by Vika Lvova
Imagine some not too distant in the future totalitarian society where young people have never seen a book (much less a theatre play), computer screens had moved inside people’s heads, and language has so many technological terms, it’s barely recognizable. People work all the time, no one goes out anymore,…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Monday, 16 September 2019 14:26
Review: 'Tiny Beautiful Things’ at Victory Gardens
Written by John Accrocco
How does an advice column translate to stage? Surprisingly well in the case of 'Tiny Beautiful Things’ at Victory Gardens. From an adaptation of Cheryl Strayed’s book penned by “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” star Nia Vardalos comes this uplifting one-act. Directed by Vanessa Stalling, this production marks the Chicago…
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Theatre in Review
Would you be able to spot a person in trouble? Lucas Hnath’s new play “Dana H” is a fascinating look at what the seedy underbelly of America may be (or sound) like. Goodman Theatre gives this unique new drama its Chicago premiere with direction by Les Waters. “Dana H” is…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Saturday, 14 September 2019 16:04
Winning Direction Anchors Caryl Churchill’s Hilariously Disturbing Play, Love and Information
Written by Bill Esler
Directors say Caryl Churchill’s Love and Information is a challenging play, but in good hands, it is a treasure. And this is what we have at Trap Door Theatre’s production – an absolutely enthralling experience directed by Kim McKean. It is like a tightly scripted improv show, packed with familiar…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Sunday, 08 September 2019 16:11
Marriott Theatre's 'Something Rotten' Wonderfully Celebrates the Romance of Words!
Written by Kimberly Katz
The only "rotten" thing about this super funny and colorful production is the title, a line taken from a Shakespeare play. ‘Something Rotten’ is the latest comedy-musical at Marriott Theatre and is full of laughs. I went to the show not knowing anything about its brief Broadway debut in 2015 and…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Sunday, 08 September 2019 16:42
'Midsummer (A Play with Songs)' invites you to a weekend you’ll never forget
Written by Michael Chandler
It’s a rainy night in Edinburgh, a divorce lawyer name Helena is sitting alone in the corner of a pub. She has just been stood up by her lover who so happened to be married to another woman. Across the room is a petty criminal named Bob who’s reading Notes…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Tuesday, 10 September 2019 12:39
Review: Shattered Globe's 'Be Here Now' at Theater Wit
Written by John Accrocco
How odd that a play about nihilism could be so uplifting. ‘Be Here Now’ at Shattered Globe is just that. Shattered Globe ensemble member Sandy Shinner directs a new play by Deborah Zoe Laufer. A small, mostly ensemble cast opens the season with a relevant play about the state of…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Thursday, 05 September 2019 23:24
D.H. Lawrence Sons and Lovers: Beautiful Performances Worth Seeing
Written by Bill Esler
When we meet Paul Morel, he is just being born. A bearded gentleman off to the side offers commentary on the scene as the nurses attend to his mother. That narrator turns out to be D.H. Lawrence, and he reappears regularly in Sons and Lovers, adapted and directed from Lawrence’s breakthrough…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Out of Love by Elinor Cook examines the dynamics of a close, at times even unhealthy and overly enmeshed relationship, between two women friends. Cook artfully displays that elusive quality of intimacy that courses between people who are too close – an almost inexpressible aspect of the attraction that keeps…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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I’ve said it before and I’ll surely say it again: We Chicagoland theatergoers find ourselves wandering through — lost in, even — a fairyland of shows and venues and world-class talent. And never was that more evident than when I experienced the Writers Theatre’s current production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Monday, 29 July 2019 16:24
Drury Lane's 'And Then There Were None,' A Murder Mystery that Shocks and Delights
Written by Kimberly Katz
As with any good mystery, suspense, intrigue and surprise are the key elements in making a successful story that keeps one on the edge of their seat and keeps you guessing. ‘And Then There Were None’ at Drury Lane in Oakbrook has it all. And even though I have seen…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Tagged under
- And Then There Were None
- Drury Lane Theatre
- Agatha Christie
- Whodunnit
- Cher Alvarez
- Matt Decaro
- Jennifer Engstrom
- Marilyn Dodds Frank
- Casey Hoekstra
- PaulJordan Jansen
- Zachary Keller
- David Kortemeier
- yousof sultani
- Paul Tavianini
- Bruce Young
- Jessica Fisch
- theatre
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- Kimberly Katz
- Buzz Center Stage
Thursday, 01 August 2019 23:47
Role-Players Take Soap Opera from Screen to Life in Calderon's Kiss
Written by Bill Esler
Kiss produced by Haven Theatre (and playing at The Den Theatre) is a stealthily crafted play. Delightfully engaging, loaded with laughs, it tells the story of two couples, none married, who double date regularly to watch soap operas at one of their apartments. Kiss is also a theatrical event for…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Thursday, 18 July 2019 12:12
‘Over the Tavern’ packs a punch in its return to TATC
Written by Ken Payne
Theatre at the Center brings back ‘Over the Tavern’ fourteen years after the 1950’s comedy brought audiences to their feet. Finely directed by Ericka Mac, ‘Over the Tavern’ is set in 1959 and is a comedy centered around the Pazinski family. Devout Catholics, young Rudy (Logan Baffico) is a precocious…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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