Boys love their rockets. We find this out rather quickly in Marriott Theatre’s world premiere of October Sky, a new musical based on the 1999 film featuring Jake Gyllenhaal and Chris Cooper. Written by Aaron Thielen with the music and lyric by Michael Mahler, the play opens with a heavy…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Dorothy Parker once said, "If you want to know what god thinks of money, just look at the people he gave it to." Arthur Miller's 'The Price' centers itself around a middle aged couple getting on toward their golden years, but for them, it's not so golden. The horrors of…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Thursday, 20 August 2015 15:03
"Assassination Theater: Chicago's Role in the Crime of the Century" Hard-Hitting as it is Revealing
Written by Ken Payne
In the highly engaging, thought-provoking world premiere, “Assassination Theatre: Chicago’s Role in the Crime of the Century” by investigative reporter and author Hillel Levin, the audience is thrust into a very well-presented exploration into the murder of President John F. Kennedy. Offered as somewhat of an acted out documentary complimented…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Tagged under
- Assassination Theater: Chicago's Role in the Crime of the Century
- Museum of Broadcast Communications
- John F Kennedy Assassination
- JFK Assassination
- Hillel Levin
- Kevin Christopher Fox
- Michael Joseph Mitchell
- Tony Accardo
- Zechariah Shelton
- Mark Ulrich
- Ryan Kitley
- Martin Yurek
- Lee Harvey Oswald
- Jack Ruby
- Ken Payne
- Buzz News Chicago
- Buzz Chicago
Wednesday, 05 August 2015 11:50
Get Your Bingo On with the Wildly Fun "We Gotta Bingo"
Written by Kimberly Katz
Similar to the interactive comedy hit “Tony and Tia’s Wedding” where actors stroll about the hall in character to mingle with audience members, Chicagoans can now enjoy what might just possibly be a new dinner theatre hit, “We Gotta Bingo”. In “We Gotta Bingo”, housed at Chicago Theatre Works on…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Over 40 years ago, Pippin made its debut on Broadway and now it is back and in Chicago for the next few weeks. Pippin is the story of a young prince on his somewhat Faustian journey to find purpose in life, as told through the mysterious performance troupe lead by…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Wednesday, 22 July 2015 00:00
[Title of Show] A Fun Musical...About Making a Musical
Written by Kimberly Katz
Although the idea of two gay friends, Hunter and Jeff, sitting down to write their own musical for a competition deadline in three weeks’ time may seem a little bit dated, these performers including Matt Frye, and Yando Lopez do a great job of making the piece seem vibrant and current. Hunter and…
Published in
Theatre in Review
This year is the 15th anniversary of New Dances, a series brought to life by Thodos Dance Chicago. New Dances is forum designed to foster and support dance artists in the creation of new works, an often challenging and expensive ordeal. In addition to providing support for dancers and choreographers,…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Throughout the years, we have seen all kinds of homages to Elvis Presley whether it be Elvis impersonators, biographical films, Elvis night at U.S. Cellular Field and, of course, theatrical productions. Of these few tribute samples, some are serious and sensitive while others more tongue-in-cheek. “All Shook Up”, a musical…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Tuesday, 14 July 2015 00:00
Smash-Hit Summer Musical “Men of Soul” Comes Highly Recommended
Written by Rachel M Payne
A dazzling high-energy jukebox musical with history and astonishing talent, Black Ensemble Theatre's “Men of Soul” is sure to be a smash-hit! Brimming with electrifying artistry, the show brings to mind another long-running Chicago musical favorite “Million Dollar Quartet”, which features an array of 1950’s icons. “Men of Soul” shares…
Published in
Theatre in Review
More...
Set beneath the stars on the beautiful grounds that encompass the ever-impressive Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oakbrook, Illinois, First Folio Theatre Company continues its rich tradition in bringing engaging, well-acted and provocative stage performances to life that can be enjoyed by most every type of theatre goer. This year’s summer…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Wednesday, 15 July 2015 00:00
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Hauntingly Delivers Songs from Tim Burton Films
Written by Anne Rakowiecki
Few creative partnerships in cinema have been as long-lasting or fruitful as the 20+ year collaboration between filmmaker auteur Tim Burton and composer Danny Elfman. Haunting, eerie, at times chaotic and bizarre, ominous, melancholy, yet often soothing and serene: These words can be used to describe both the stark visual…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Bard Fiction retells the cult classic Pulp Fiction, transplanting the story in time and space to London 1614. Cool cars become carriages, motorcycles become stallions, guns become swords, a quarter pounder becomes cottage pie and drugs…. well they stay drugs! Written in Shakespearean prose by Ben Tallen, Aaron Greer, Brian…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Friday, 10 July 2015 00:00
Time to get your heels on! Kinky Boots is in Chicago!
Written by Michelle Reidy
Kinky Boots, based on the 2005 British dramedy film, was written for the stage by Harvey Fierstein with music by Cyndi Lauper. It tells the story of the unlikely friendship between Charlie Price, who inherits his fathers failing shoe company, and Lola, a drag queen from London who inspires Charlie…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Register
Login
Latest Articles
-
A Hull Lot of Laughs: Titanique Makes Waves On Stage
Written by Ken PayneAll hands on deck Titanic fans! Get ready for a lavishly produced musical that boldly reimagines the Titanic story, navigating it into fresh and unforeseen waters. The story of the "unsinkable" Titanic is one most of us know well—the ship’s… -
Review: The Listeners at Lyric Opera of Chicago
Written by Sarz MaxwellTHE LISTENERS has undergone several incarnations since the 2021 novel by Jordan Tannahill. It’s been a full-length movie, a TV series’, and now an opera, premiering in New York and now brought to Chicago by the renowned composer/librettist team Missy Mazzoli… -
Disney's THE LION KING Returns to Chicago
Written by Buzz Center StageBy popular demand, Disney’s The Lion King will return to Chicago for the first time since 2023, where the production played a sold-out run at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. This three-week return engagement at the Cadillac Palace Theatre begins Friday, October 3, 2025… -
IDENTITY PERFORMING ARTS: Spring Concert 2025 - 'Instinct' at Ann Barzel Theater (April 26-27)
Written by Buzz Center StageIDENTITY PERFORMING ARTS Presents Spring Concert 2025 “Instinct” A captivating performance of four distinct works on April 26 & 27 Ann Barzel Theater Visceral Dance Center, 3121 N Rockwell St, Chicago IL 60619 Tickets $30 Saturday, April…
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.