Just after the show’s beginning, Jackie Taylor asks the crowd what the world needs. In unison, many voices shout back, “Love!”. And when do we need it? “Now!” Love is the theme in Black Ensemble’s latest production, From Jackie with Love (What the World Needs Now), a three-day engagement that…
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Theatre in Review
Monday, 06 March 2017 13:11
Flanagan's Wake A Frightfully Funny, Interactive Send Off for the Dearly Departed
Written by Ken Payne
Flanagan is dead. Crushed by luggage, the resident roustabout has left us too early. Leaving a healthy amount of family and friends behind, we gather at a local pub in Grapplin, County Sligo, Ireland to celebrate the life of our dear Flanagan. A large, wooden crate holding the body of…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Sunday, 05 March 2017 19:45
The Scene: Watching the decline and fall of a moderately good man
Written by Bill Esler
We first meet Clea as she traipses into the great room of a sky-high Manhattan penthouse, enraptured by the “surreal” view. Looking on disdainfully are Charlie (Mark Montgomery), an actor who has been struggling to get cast lately, and his wing-man Lewis (La Shawn Banks). In the world of theater,…
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Theatre in Review
Wednesday, 01 March 2017 13:43
Lifeline Breathes Magical Life into Madeline L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time
Written by Ken Payne
Lifeline Theatre is currently bringing to life the 1963 Madeline L’Engle award-winning, sci-fi novel for young adults, A Wrinkle in Time. It is the first in a series of five books that follow the escapades of Meg Murray, a thirteen-year-old student whom her teachers see as stubborn and difficult. The…
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Theatre in Review
Thursday, 23 February 2017 20:35
"Jesus the Jew" Delivers the Most Important Message of our Time with Grace and Humor
Written by Kimberly Katz
I thoroughly enjoyed the world premiere of Jesus the Jew: As Told by His Brother James. The play is the seventeenth work produced by Forum Productions. The one-man show by playwright William Spatz is very well-written and in my opinion contains some of the answers of the most important issues…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Saturday, 25 February 2017 14:23
The Best of Bri-Ko An Innovative, Comedy-Crammed Experience
Written by Ken Payne
For those looking for about as much funny as can be compacted into sixty minutes, one would be hard pressed to find as many laughs as The Best of Bri-Ko, a sidesplitting theatre experience where the absurd is creatively implemented into a series of sketch acts, each one stranger than…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Saturday, 25 February 2017 12:38
The Columnist an engaging story of control that hits home in today's world
Written by Michaelle Bradford
Never has a play about journalism, the presidency and Cold War with Russia seemed more relevant than now. And The Columnist, performed by The American Blues Theater at Stage 773, is all of that and more. In a story that could have easily been set during today’s heated political environment,…
Published in
Theatre in Review
In 2010, Goodman Theatre Artistic Director adapted "The Seagull" by Chekhov. An all-star cast, a stellar script and unique staging made for a memorable production. For this season, Robert Falls returns Chekhov to the Goodman with a new adaptation of "Uncle Vanya" by Annie Baker. This production of "Uncle Vanya"…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Friday, 24 February 2017 12:04
Collaboraction Theatre's "Gender Breakdown" an eye-opening look into the entertainment system
Written by Adam Jewell
It’s time for some facts, and not the fake news facts. During the Chicago theatre season of 2015-2016, 25% of shows produced had female authorship. Only 36% of plays were directed by women. Someone reading might think that 36% isn’t all that bad and maybe it’s a step in the…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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Sunday, 19 February 2017 14:03
"A Wonder in My Soul" A Heartwarming and Humorous Story of Friendship
Written by Kimberly Katz
Two girlfriends grow up in Mississippi, one wants to be a hairdresser to the stars and the other a singing star in her own right. An opportunity to run their own beauty shop binds the two friends together for life, and helps a South Side Chicago neighborhood maintain a sense…
Published in
Theatre in Review
“What do you see when you look at me?” That was the final line of Steve Harmon (Daniel Kyri) from the stage adaptation of the best-selling book Monster. Monster is an award-winning novel by Walter Dean Myers and has been adapted by Aaron Carter. The show tells the story of…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Tuesday, 21 February 2017 16:37
High-flying Dance Routines and Excitement Aplenty in Black Ensemble's Touching "My Brother's Keeper: The Story of the Nicholas Brothers
Written by Ken Payne
Black Ensemble Theater CEO/Artistic Director Jackie Taylor has yet again brought a story to the forefront that is as entertaining as it is remarkable, this one written by Associate Director Rueben Echoles. Their current production, “My Brother’s Keeper: The Story of the Nicholas Brothers”, is just the latest at Black…
Published in
Theatre in Review
With a title like "Straight White Men" there's a lot to unpack. Asian American playwright Young Jean Lee directs her 2014 play at The Steppenwolf. "Straight White Men" ran Off-Broadway at the Public Theater to critical acclaim. It helped establish the career of up-and-comer Young Jean Lee. This production is…
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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