Tuesday, 01 May 2018 18:14
"The Madres" says "Never Again" to a Genocidal Dictatorship with Strong Performances from Ivonne Coll (Jane, The Virgin) and Lorena Diaz
Written by Kimberly Katz
The play is set in the late 1970s during Argentina’s notorious Guerra Sucia, otherwise known as the “Dirty War.” Three story follows three generations of women - a grandmother, a mother and a daughter – as they stand together against a corrupt government that has been known make its opposers…
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Theatre in Review
Wednesday, 02 May 2018 08:11
Lyric Opera of Chicago's flawless production of "Jesus Christ Superstar"
Written by Ken Payne
It’s been three days since seeing Jesus Christ Superstar at Lyric Opera’s Civic Center and I still find myself going from character to character in the kitchen, in the car, while I’m working, while doing chores around the house and, moments ago, in the elevator. I may not be able…
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Theatre in Review
“I don’t speak for people, I speak to people.” playwright Dael Orlandersmith says in conversation about her new play ‘Until the Flood.’ Orlandersmith’s one-woman show is a docudrama about the ordinary citizens in and around Furguson, Missouri at the time of Michael Brown’s death. ‘Until the Flood’ was shortlisted for…
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Theatre in Review
Monday, 30 April 2018 16:24
In Grand Hotel, a lively Broadway musical, scales elegantly to Theatre Wit stage
Written by Bill Esler
Grand Hotel at Theater Wit is a revelation! It shows how much punch you can pack in a storefront stage production with the right mix of great singing talent and artful production. Kokandy Productions has brought to life the 1989 Broadway musical extravaganza, which traces its roots back through the…
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Theatre in Review
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Saturday, 21 April 2018 22:11
"Oklahoma!" as romantic as a Ride to the Dance in a Yellow Surrey with the Fringe on Top!
Written by Kimberly Katz
I am constantly amazed as the way directors use the intimate, theater in the round, at The Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre and this exuberant production of “Oklahoma!” celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the classic Rogers and Hammerstein musical is no exception. As soon as the dancing begins, this production shows that…
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Theatre in Review
Friday, 20 April 2018 12:18
Rainn Wilson one of the many reasons to see Steppenwolf's "The Doppelganger"
Written by Ken Payne
Steppenwolf Theatre’s latest production is going to generate much buzz – quickly - and with good reason. In fact, it’s already been extended through June 2nd. Playwright Matthew-Lee Erlbach’s The Doppelganger (an international farce) is a riotous comedy that doesn’t skip a beat, boasting a cast that is as good…
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Theatre in Review
Saturday, 21 April 2018 00:20
Lettie Pairs Great Cast With Strong Writing for a Story of our Time
Written by Bill Esler
Lettie, by Boo Killebrew and directed by Chay Yew, is a very finely crafted work, an artfully produced show with sensitive performances that gradually unveil the complicated personalities on stage. When we meet Lettie, she is in the visitors lounge area of a halfway house somewhere in Chicago, transitioning from…
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Theatre in Review
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Friday, 20 April 2018 10:07
Two is better than one: il Pigmalione + Rita at The Studebaker Theater
Written by Kendall Royzen
In so many aspects of life, two is better than one. The Studebaker Theater knows all about this principle and brought together two operas in the space of one evening: il Pigmalione + Rita. A double bill of Italian composter Domenico Gaetano Maria Donizetti’s first work and one of his…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Tuesday, 17 April 2018 17:20
"Our Great Tchaikovsky" is an intimate, haunting study of the beloved Russian composer
Written by Vika Lvova
The immensely talented Hershey Felder’s new solo act, Our Great Tchaikovsky, is the latest in a series of plays about world’s greatest composers and musicians, including Gershwin, Chopin, Beethoven, Bernstein, et al. that span nearly two decades. Directed by Trevor Hay and written by Hershey Felder, the play is being…
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Theatre in Review
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Sunday, 15 April 2018 23:49
É strano, Art comes to life in Chicago Opera Theater’s sunny Amalfi Coast vacation. “Il Pigmalione” and “Rita”
Written by William and Margaret Swain
If you’re weary of Chicago’s delayed Spring, do yourself a favor and take a warming break with the sunny pairing of two rarely heard one act operas by Gaetano Donizetti as presented this chilly Saturday evening at the Studebaker Theater by Chicago Opera Theater. “Il Pigmalione” was Donizetti’s first opera,…
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Theatre in Review
Saturday, 14 April 2018 17:41
United We Stand! Firebrand's "9 to 5 the Musical"
Written by Sara Hassan
Many of us know the story. Three women who work in an office and seek revenge on an abusive male boss. Who can forget Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda as they made a united stand for women in the now classic film “9 to 5”. Our women heroes…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Sunday, 15 April 2018 00:11
Drury Lane's "South Pacific" a fun, romantic adventure
Written by Kimberly Katz
“South Pacific” is a timeless Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical full of wonderful romance and social commentary about racism that is important for young and old to experience today and I was thoroughly impressed with Drury Lane’s warm, happy, romantic interpretation of the classic show. It is the latest of shows…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Sunday, 08 April 2018 18:26
A Tony Award classic returns - "The Diary of Anne Frank" at Playhouse Theatre at College of DuPage
Written by Ron Reis
“The Diary of Anne Frank” is a familiar story to many people. While two Jewish families are hiding out from the Nazis in Holland during World War II, the story centers around the diary of a young girl, Anne Frank, belonging to one of one of those families. Such circumstances…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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Hershey Felder Brilliant as Monsieur Chopin
Written by Kimberly KatzIf you appreciate classical music and captivating stories about brilliant artists from the past, Hershey Felder’s one-man show, Monsieur Chopin: A Play with Music, is an absolute delight. Felder, an accomplished pianist and composer, has previously wowed audiences with his… -
Emile Zola Adaptation 'Nana' Is a Triumph at Magical Trap Door Theater
Written by Bill EslerFor the final show of its 30th anniversary season, Trap Door Theatre—the little company that could—has selected a sure-fire hit with a production of “Nana,” a play based on the 19th century melodrama about an actress and bordello courtesan, Nana,… -
Chicago Writers' Bloc Announces 2024 New Play Festival May 5 - 19 at Theater Wit
Written by Buzz Center StageChicago Writers' Bloc has announced the lineup of plays and musicals for its biennial festival of new plays, to be held this year from May 5 to 19 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. The 2024 festival will… -
Jackalope Theatre Announces Cast and Creative Team for the World Premiere of THE SINGULARITY PLAY, May 19 - June 22
Written by Buzz Center StageJackalope Theatre Company continues its 16th season at Edgewater’s Berger Park, 6205 N. Sheridan Rd., with the announcement of the cast and creative team for the world premiere of The Singularity Play, May 19 – June 22, by Jay Stull, directed by Georgette Verdin. Previews…
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