When one first thinks of improvised comedy (and perhaps this is an unfair assumption), the mind immediately jumps to the image of a group of extremely energetic and theatrical actors, running onto the stage and asking the audience for a suggestion. From the start, TJ and Dave’s take on long-form…
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Theatre in Review
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Thursday, 11 July 2024 15:10
Hedwig and the Angry Inch Rocks Anew at The Den
Written by Betsy Schmitt
You might think that a rock musical featuring a genderqueer, hard-rockin’ and brokenhearted performer born on the wrong side of the Berlin Wall and the recipient of a sex-change operation gone horribly wrong might not be the show for you. But you would be making a big mistake. Hedwig and…
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Theatre in Review
Wednesday, 10 July 2024 12:39
"Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" Enchants at The Goodman Theatre
Written by Wesley David
“Truth, like art, is in the eye of the beholder” Jim Williams The Goodman Theatre has conjured a spellbinding spectacle with the world premiere musical adaptation of John Berendt's captivating "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." Tony Award winning Director Rob Ashford masterfully weaves together a tapestry of…
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Theatre in Review
Sunday, 30 June 2024 12:51
Writers Theatre’s “The Hot Wing King” with extra sauce
Written by Wesley David
Katori Hall is an acclaimed American playwright, screenwriter, and director, known for her vivid portrayal of African American experiences and social issues. Her notable works include "The Mountaintop," which won an Olivier Award, "Hurt Village," and "Pussy Valley," which she adapted into the successful TV series "P-Valley." Hall's "The Hot…
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Theatre in Review
Thursday, 27 June 2024 10:49
Laurie Metcalf Shines on Expressive Barcaloungers in 'Little Bear Ridge Road’ at Steppenwolf
Written by Bill Esler
Steppenwolf’s Laurie Metcalf gives us a tour de force performance in playwright Samuel D. Hunter’s masterful “Little Bear Ridge Road.” But you might find this is a little different than the roles from Ibsen and Albee for which she won Tony’s on Broadway. As Sarah, the 60ish cranky nurse living…
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Theatre in Review
Tuesday, 18 June 2024 13:52
Review - 1619: THE JOURNEY OF A PEOPLE by Ted Williams III At Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre
Sarz Maxwell
My first impression was, naturally, of the set: a stunning mural by Sholo Beverly in shades of blues and grays, the only color the red white & blue of an American flag. A series of posters were hung from the ceiling, from an announcement of a slave auction through Emancipation,…
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Theatre in Review
First on the stage was Tabla artist Salar Nader, considered Afghanistan’s premier virtuoso on the tabla. His unceasing accompaniment was at times almost subliminal, then bursting out with intentional significance, but ever present, keeping us firmly rooted in Afghani culture … though I hadn’t been aware that in August 2021…
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Theatre in Review
Monday, 10 June 2024 13:45
'Die Hard 4 Your Luv' Is a Great Parody of Boy Bands, and Action Thrillers
Written by Bill Esler
“Die Hard 4 Your Luv” by Kirk Pynchon and Mike Beyer at The Factory Theater is a great send-up of boy bands, those popular generators of light-pop ear worms that drew masses of devoted followers for the music, or the sexy styling. Groups like Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, One Direction and…
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Theatre in Review
For more than 50 years, Tim Rice & Andrew Lloyd Webber’s powerful masterpiece, Jesus Christ Superstar, has wowed audiences with its unorthodox look at the life and persona of Jesus Christ through its soaring lyrics and driving rock score. And so, it is most appropriate that BrightSide Theatre concludes its…
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Theatre in Review
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Thursday, 06 June 2024 11:20
You Go Queens: "SIX" is the Perfect Pride Month Musical
Written by Wesley David
This Pride Month, the electrifying musical "SIX" playing at the James Nederlander Theatre isn’t just a celebration of female empowerment – it's a vibrant anthem for self-expression and defying societal expectations. Forget the dusty history books and the traditional view of Henry VIII's wives as mere pawns. "SIX" explodes onto…
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Theatre in Review
Tuesday, 04 June 2024 13:50
Strong Production, Great Cast Give Powerful "Turret" a Grand Premier at Chopin Theatre
Written by Bill Esler
Something special has been afoot at Chopin Theatre for the past few weeks: the world premiere of “Turret,” written and directed by Levi Holliday. Created as a vehicle for two-time Oscar nominee Michael Shannon, the production by A Red Orchid Theatre (Shannon is a founding member) has turned into so…
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Theatre in Review
Sunday, 02 June 2024 18:52
“Stokely: The Unfinished Revolution” A Court Theatre World Premiere
Written by Wesley David
"Stokely: The Unfinished Revolution" a world premiere written by Nambi E. Kelley and directed by Tasia A. Jones, ambitiously attempts to capture the essence of civil rights icon Stokely Carmichael in a mere 90-minute play. The title, hinting at a deep dive into Carmichael's revolutionary ideologies, might mislead audiences expecting…
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Theatre in Review
Tuesday, 28 May 2024 09:25
Compelling One-act Opera Is Based on Amazing Story by Tribune Reporter Howard Reich
Written by Bill Esler
Chicago Opera Theater premiered a one-act opera, “Before It All Goes Dark,” in two performances over Memorial Day weekend at the Studebaker Theater in Chicago. Semi-staged with chamber orchestra conducted by Joseph Mechavich, the compact work was commissioned by Seattle-based Music of Remembrance. Acclaimed for developing new works that confront…
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Theatre in Review
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Writers Theater Excels in Brian Friel's Funny, Complicated 'Translations'
Written by Bill EslerBrian Friel’s “Translations,” now playing at Writers Theatre in Glencoe, IL, shows off the renowned Irish playwright’s signature skill in creating a stage full of memorable characters, 10 in this case, each with depth sufficient to fuel their dramatic paths.… -
Writers Theater Excels in Brian Friel's Funny, Complicated 'Translations'
Written by Bill EslerBrian Friel’s “Translations,” now playing at Writers Theatre in Glencoe, IL, shows off the renowned Irish playwright’s signature skill in creating a stage full of memorable characters, 10 in this case, each with depth sufficient to fuel their dramatic paths.…
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Theo Ubique and CPA Theatricals to co-produce SENTINELS, a play with music celebrating the contributions of women over the past 80 years, August 1-10
Written by Buzz Center StageCPA Theatricals and Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre today announced a co-production of the play with music SENTINELS, which imagines a secret society of women that supports and promotes each other's talents in the same way secret societies have provided powerful networks… -
KIMBERLY AKIMBO On Sale
Written by Buzz Center StageBroadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce individual tickets for KIMBERLY AKIMBO, winner of five 2023 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL and the most critically acclaimed musical of its season, will go on sale starting Tuesday, April 8. KIMBERLY AKIMBO will play Broadway In Chicago’s CIBC…
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