With “HIR” by Taylor Mac, Steppenwolf Theatre continues its legacy of pushing relevant and sometimes uncomfortable topics onto its audiences. Directed by Hallie Gordon, this is the Chicago premiere of Mac’s acclaimed 2015 Off-Broadway hit. This vivid production is sure to unsettle some subscribers, but that’s the point. Mac’s script…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Sunday, 09 July 2017 09:51
'The Bridges of Madison County" A Romantic Musical that Warms the Heart and Soul
Written by Kimberly Katz
If you haven't seen the film version of “The Bridges of Madison County” starring Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood, do not fear - the musical adaptation for the stage is full of beautiful songs and choreography that make this production a whole different animal than the 1995 movie and 1992…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Tuesday, 11 July 2017 21:29
In Masterful Production of O’Neill’s Ah Wilderness, Niall Cunningham Is the Wunderkind
Written by Bill Esler
In Ah Wilderness, Eugene O’Neill tackles the emotional struggles of an upper middle class family, with sibling rivalries and marital and romantic dynamics that ring true today. Goodman Theatre’s current production struck gold, however, with Niall Cunningham - he's a TV star of Life in Pieces - in the lead…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Tagged under
Sunday, 02 July 2017 17:38
"The Gin Game" Delivers Powerful Message for Seniors with Top Notch Acting by Two Chicago Greats
Written by Kimberly Katz
If you saw "The Gin Game", a timely play about the coming together of two lonely but feisty seniors at a run-down nursing home, when you were younger - you should see it again now at Drury Lane. John Reeger and Paula Scrofano, a long-time married couple who met at…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Monday, 26 June 2017 07:13
David Cerda's "The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes" is Solid Gold Comedy
Written by Kimberly Katz
Fun! Funny! Funnier! If you are fan of The Golden Girls TV show, then run, don't walk, to see Hell in a Handbag’s The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes at Mary's Attic before its special, recently extended, run is over. The show opens with a heart lifting, hug your best…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Tagged under
- The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes
- Mary's Attic
- Hell in a Handbag
- David Cerda
- Ed Jones
- AJ Wright
- Adrian Hadlock
- Chazie Bly
- Kristopher Bottrall
- Grant Drager
- Lori Lee
- David Lipschutz
- Terry McCarthy
- Michael S Miller
- Robert Williams
- Myron Elliot
- Keith Ryan
- The Golden Girls
- Chicago
- theatre
- Parody
- Kimberly Katz
- Buzz Center Stage
Sunday, 25 June 2017 23:38
Review: COR Theatre's "Late Company" at Pride Arts Center
Written by John Accrocco
“Late Company” is the fairly literal title of a new play by Canadian playwright Jordan Tannahill. Presented by COR Theatre, Jessica Fisch directs the regional premiere at Pride Arts Center. The 80-minute play is a response to the uptick in teen suicides triggered by cyberbullying. “Late Company” takes on the…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Saturday, 24 June 2017 02:03
Akvavit's "Hitler on the Roof" Sheds Light on Media Influence
Written by Vika Lvova
In Akvavit Theatre Company's Hitler On The Roof, playwright Rhea Leman has devised the perfect post-mortem punishment for the man behind the Nazi propaganda machine. It’s spring of 1945, Berlin, infamous Fuhrerbunker; the war is all but lost, Hitler had just committed suicide, Dr. Joseph Goebbels and his wife have…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Monday, 19 June 2017 02:37
Moby Dick is a spectacular physical theatre experience
Written by Vika Lvova
Winner of four Jeff Awards, including Best Production, and fresh off a national tour, Moby Dick, adapted and directed by David Catlin from the book by Herman Melville, returns to the Lookingglass Theatre. The play is produced in association with The Actors Gymnasium, a circus and performing arts training center.…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Sunday, 18 June 2017 19:00
The King and I at Oriental Theatre a true theatrical gem
Written by Kimberly Katz
Oriental Theatre is currently housing one of the finest productions of The King and I that you will ever see. From its colorful set to its superb cast including Jose Llana who has mastered the role of the Siamese King, this particular creation if The King and I is simply…
Published in
Theatre in Review
More...
Monday, 12 June 2017 17:29
"Pilgrims" Takes the Universal Story of Falling in Love to Futuristic Heights
Written by Kimberly Katz
As soon as I saw the warm, rich lighting of a luxurious futuristic bedroom on the Space Ship Destiny lit and decorated by designers Heather Gilbert and Christopher Kriz and the set design by Arnel Sancianco, where the entire action of the play takes place, I thought this is going…
Published in
Theatre in Review
In Native Gardens, an ambitious young couple moves into a fixer-upper in an affluent DC neighborhood. Husband Pablo (Gabriel Ruiz) is a lawyer, his pregnant wife Tania (Paloma Nozicka) is working on her doctorate dissertation. Their nice and lively, albeit politically incorrect, neighbors are a defense contractor Virginia (Janet Ulrich…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Tuesday, 13 June 2017 04:28
Delightfully entertaining, Pass Over is a work of genius, and a work of art
Written by Bill Esler
The producers at Steppenwolf describe Pass Over as a “riff on Waiting for Godot” – and that’s true - except for this: Pass Over is not boring. In fact it is gripping and entertaining for every one of its 80 minutes of run time. Written by Antoinette Nwandu and premiering…
Published in
Theatre in Review
In 1996 Ragtime made its stage debut in Toronto and a year later it found itself making waves on Broadway. Based on the 1975 novel by E.L. Dotorow, the musical, with a book by Terrence McNally, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty, kept gaining momentum winning thirteen…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Register
Login
Latest Articles
-
Citadel's 'A Jukebox for the Algonquin" - The Reality of Life in a Senior Center sets the Stage for Tunes, Friendship and Rebellion!
Written by Kimberly KatzCitadel’s latest production, A Jukebox for the Algonquin, truly captured my heart. It’s a refreshing reminder that as we age, life doesn’t lose its spark—it merely shifts to a new rhythm, one filled with laughter, camaraderie, and unexpected joys. This… -
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…
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.