Monday, 24 March 2025 14:06
Definition Theatre Defines the Crisis: 'Splash Hatch on the E Going Down'
Written by Wesley David
In Definition Theatre's production of "Splash Hatch on the E Going Down," Kia Corthron's 1997 work feels unnervingly relevant in 2025. Under Cheryl Lynn Bruce's incisive direction, this story of environmental racism and maternal health transforms from a Clinton-era critique into a mirror reflecting our ongoing, unresolved struggles with environmental…
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Theatre in Review
Friday, 21 March 2025 12:08
The Search for Truth Turns to War in Oil Lamp’s Outstanding ‘The Lifespan of a Fact’
Written by Mitchell Oldham
Don’t be deceived by the title. The phrase “lifespan of a fact” sounds about as dry as the Mojave Desert and just a mite confusing. But, as Glenview’s Oil Lamp Theater’s current stage production proves, those knee jerk perceptions turn out to be completely absurd. Instead, its The Lifespan of…
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Theatre in Review
Friday, 21 March 2025 12:36
Hive of Hilarity: Copley Theatre’s 'Spelling Bee' is a Buzzing Triumph!
Written by Kimberly Katz
I’m not holding back—Copley Theatre’s latest offering, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, is an absolute winner! I’ve seen this delightfully offbeat musical brought to life at various theaters, but Copley’s rendition? It’s absolutely “F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S.” This production earns its place at the very top, possibly stealing the crown altogether.…
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Theatre in Review
Thursday, 20 March 2025 12:53
Invictus Theatre Presents Enchanting Production of The Winter’s Tale
Written by Lauren Katz
Walking into Windy City Playhouse, audiences are immediately transported to somewhere new. Scenic Designer Kevin Rofls fills the space with trees, branches, and flowers – drawing the audience into the story as soon as they enter the space. Lighting Designer Trey Brazeal highlights the room in a mix of various…
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Theatre in Review
Wednesday, 19 March 2025 01:06
Grand Opera that is Truly Grand: La Bohème at the Lyric
Written by Bill Esler
Going into “La Bohème” with little knowledge of Puccini’s masterpiece, I was just a naive theater-goer seeing it fresh at its opening Saturday night at Chicago’s Lyric. It is beautifully directed by Melanie Bacaling - striking massive two-story sets and colorful, ever varying crowd scenes. Especially intriguing to me are…
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Theatre in Review
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Sunday, 16 March 2025 12:35
Teatro La Plaza teams up with Chicago Latino Theatre Alliance for wonderful production of Hamlet at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Sarz Maxwell
Ser o no ser esa es la cuestión We are all familiar with Shakespeare’s iconic line: to be or not to be; famous enough that it doesn’t need the projected English supertitles to be recognized. This adaptation of the celebrated play is written and directed by Chela De Ferrari, in…
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Theatre in Review
Sunday, 09 March 2025 01:05
Luck Be a Lady Tonight: A Rollicking Review of Music Theater Works’ 'Guys and Dolls'
Written by Kimberly Katz
Following a string of successful shows, Music Theater Works has once again hit the jackpot with their 2025 season opener, Guys and Dolls. This delightful production is currently wowing audiences at the North Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts. With infectious tunes and clever lyrics by…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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- Guys and Dolls
- Music Theatre Works
- North Shore Center for the Performing Arts
- Frank Loesser
- Jo Swerling
- Abe Burrows
- Sasha Gerritson
- Clayton Cross
- Callen Roberts
- Jeffrey Charles
- Kristin Brintnall
- Cecilia Iole
- Andrew Freeland
- Ian Reed
- Carey Lovett
- Caron Buinis
- Bob Sanders
- Peter Ruger
- Jenny Couch
- Catherine Rodriguez O’Connor
- Emily Holland
- Emma Jean Eastland
- Linda Madonia
Saturday, 01 March 2025 16:25
Citadel’s I and You Delivers a Dynamite Story that Closes with a Knockout
Written by Mitchell Oldham
Prolific, and routinely recognized as being one of the most produced playwrights in the country, Lauren Gunderson’s range is as impressive as the quality and popularity of her work. Inspiration for her plays often springs from things she loves, with history and science at the top of the list. They…
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Theatre in Review
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Do not bring the kids to TITUS ANDRONICUS; it has 14 killings, 9 of them on stage, 6 severed members, 1 rape (or 2 or 3, depending on how you count), 1 live burial, 1 case of insanity and 1 of cannibalism – an average of 5.2 atrocities per act.…
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Theatre in Review
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I’ve never seen Cirque and have always longed to. It was SO worth the wait! Here’s what I saw: Color. And light. And color. And music (Berna Ceppas Composer and Musical Director) – or sound, any road -- Sound Designer Jonathan Deans says, “I need the audience to know they…
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Theatre in Review
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Saturday, 22 February 2025 15:35
Review: ‘Hedda Gabler’ at The Artistic Home at The Den Theatre
Written by John Accrocco
‘Hedda Gabler’ has mystified audiences for generations, as this was certainly Ibsen’s intention when creating this endlessly fascinating character. The Artistic Home transforms the Den Theatre into 1890s Norway for their production of Irish playwright Mark O’Rowe’s 2015 adaptation of ‘Hedda Gabler’. Under Monica Payne’s direction, this contemporary-voiced retelling is…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Saturday, 22 February 2025 10:59
Get It While It’s Hot: Waitress now serving at Paramount Theatre
Written by Kendall Royzen
Sugar, butter, flour…beneath the flaky layers and buttery crusts of pies lay these three simple ingredients. They’re mixed and blended together to form the foundation of endless possibilities to what it could become, pecan, blueberry, or apple pies, cutie pies, sweetie pies, or humble pies. It’s nice to remember that…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Monday, 17 February 2025 15:24
A new "cult" classic: Missy Mazzoli's The Listeners comes to Lyric Opera, Mar 30
Written by Buzz Center Stage
Do you hear it? The haunting hum of Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek's The Listeners will transfix audiences at Lyric Opera of Chicago from March 30 to April 11, 2025. Conducted by Music Director Enrique Mazzola and presented in the world-premiere production of Lileana Blain-Cruz revived by Mikhaela Mahony, The Listeners is a theatrical…
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Theatre in Review
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Hell in a Handbag Productions' World Premiere of SCARY TOWN By Artistic Director David Cerda Directed by Cheryl Snodgrass April 9 – May 11, 2025 at The Clutch
Written by Buzz Center StageHell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to continue its 2024/25 Season with the world premiere of Scary Town, Artistic Director David Cerda's semi-autobiographical tale about growing up, seeing things differently and questioning your very existence – as told through the lens of a… -
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