Monday, 16 September 2024 19:24
The 'Flying Lovers of Vitebsk' is an uplifting experience of true love that changed the world
Written by Kimberly Katz
I am delighted that Northlight Theatre chose to produce The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk, penned by Daniel Jamieson and expertly staged and directed by Elizabeth Margolius, especially given the alarming rise of antisemitism currently sweeping the country. The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk is a play that tells the love story…
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Theatre in Review
Monday, 16 September 2024 12:11
Kokandy Productions Presents INTO THE WOODS - October 10 – December 22, 2024 at The Chopin Theatre
Written by Buzz Center Stage
Kokandy Productions is pleased to conclude its 2024 season with an immersive production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's classic Into The Woods, the first Chicago storefront production of the beloved musical in over a decade. Directed and choreographed by Producing Artistic Director Derek Van Barham with music direction by Nick Sula, Into The Woods will play October 10 – December 22,…
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Theatre in Review
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Monday, 16 September 2024 12:01
“East Texas Hot Links” Sizzles at Court Theatre
Written by Wesley David
I was skeptical when I learned that Court Theatre was staging "East Texas Hot Links." The Pulitzer prize nominated play first debuted in Chicago at Onyx Theatre Company in 1995, with subsequent productions in 1998 and a recent one at Writers Theatre in 2019. Although it’s not rare for a…
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Theatre in Review
I chose to review LIGHT SWITCH because the play sounded intriguing, and also because every production I’ve seen at Open Space Arts (OSA) has been excellent. OSA can be relied upon to deliver thought-provoking, enlightening and captivating pieces played by super-talented actors. LIGHT SWITCH was no exception. LIGHT SWITCH tells…
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Theatre in Review
Sunday, 15 September 2024 12:41
Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s HENRY V Features Stunning Design and Standout Cast
Written by Lauren Katz
It’s the top of Act IV, and King Harry (Elijah Jones) stands alone on stage. The lights are dim – save for a spotlight, leaving the surrounding empty benches in shadow. His soldiers have all exited, each more excited than the one before him as they run off to battle…
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Theatre in Review
Saturday, 14 September 2024 12:17
Review: Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 at Writers Theatre
Written by John Accrocco
“Gonna have to study up a little bit if you wanna keep up with the plot ‘cause it’s a complicated Russian novel,” so says the prologue in Writers Theatre’s Chicago premiere of ‘Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812’. Don’t let the complicated Russian novel part scare you off…
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Theatre in Review
Sunday, 08 September 2024 18:24
'South Pacific' Soars Musically with Classic Romance and Drama
Written by Kimberly Katz
South Pacific, with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein, is undoubtedly one of my all-time favorite musical theater pieces. This beautiful, lengthy show features some of the most enduring and heartwarming classic Broadway hits of romance ever written, including “Bali Ha’i,” “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m in Love…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Tuesday, 10 September 2024 14:09
Review: Beneath The Willow Tree at The Den Theatre
Written by Wesley David
“To love the beauty of the mistakes….the imperfect.” Isis Elizabeth, Playwright In Beneath The Willow Tree, playwright Isis Elizabeth weaves an emotionally rich tapestry that examines the intricacies of familial bonds, generational trauma, and the delicate interplay between tradition and change. Set in the heart of the Louisiana Bayou, the…
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Theatre in Review
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Monday, 09 September 2024 13:14
He Was Really This Good: ‘Royko’ at Chopin Nails Essence of This Influential Chicago Writer
Written by Bill Esler
Mike Royko is a seminal influence on—and expression of—Chicago culture. Even today, if many locals might not know who Royko was, millions across the country do—his column was syndicated in 600 newspapers. The Pulitzer prize-winning columnist published non-stop for 30 years, starting at the now defunct Chicago Daily News, moving…
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Theatre in Review
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Friday, 06 September 2024 11:05
Outstanding Performances Make 'This Is Our Youth' a Winning Production
Written by Bill Esler
“This Is Our Youth,” with mesmerizing performances by Kason Chesky as Warren, Grayson Kennedy as Dennis, and Annalie Ciolino as Jessica, is still vital and fresh nearly thirty years after its Off Broadway premiere. Playwright Kenneth Lonergan set it in 1982 during the Reagen era, but these 48 hours in…
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Theatre in Review
Wednesday, 04 September 2024 11:54
The Marvel Universe: ‘House of Ideas’ Explores Stan Lee and Jack Kirby Creative Tension
Written by Bill Esler
“The House of Ideas,” directed by Terry McCabe, is an aptly named recount of the rise of Marvel Comics and its two driving forces: Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. The Marvel Universe has indeed become a dominating force in creative media, spawning blockbuster films, hit TV series, and a world…
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Theatre in Review
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Friday, 30 August 2024 14:57
'[Title of the Show]' Is a Hilarious Musical About Writing a Musical In A Hurry
Sarz Maxwell![Lexi Alioto (left), Casey Coppess, Shannon McEldowney, and Jonah Cochin in "[title of the show]" at PrideArts Theatre through September 22, 2024.](/media/k2/items/cache/bddddad8eeb01fc98a40503c7ca4463f_XS.jpg)
I think I’d better begin by answering some questions, starting with ‘WTF is the title of this show?’ to which I respond, the title actually is "[title of show]." The play was conceived by a pair of artists in NYC, Jeff Bowen (Jonah Cochin) and Hunter Bell (Casey Coppess). Upon…
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Theatre in Review
Though Larry Kramer did not live to see the end of the 2020 COVID-19 lock downs, no doubt his contributions to the 1980s AIDS outbreak inspired a new generation to demand accountability for what is widely regarded as a botched response. Larry Kramer was known as a firebrand who often…
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Theatre in Review
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Review: 'it's been ten years since everybody died' at Open Space Arts
Written by Sarz MaxwellI’ve reviewed a number of shows at Open Space Arts (OSA) – I love the place – so I’m familiar with OSA’s attributes: unique productions that battle antisemitism and homophobia with art; premiere plays by previously-unknown writers; small, intimate venue;… -
Open Space Arts announces staged reading series and a powerful premiere for April through June
Written by Buzz Center StageOpen Space Arts (OSA), who recently won some of the top honors in the Joseph Jefferson Awards for 2024 productions, wraps up its dynamic second season in April and May with three programs of staged readings and the international premiere… -
Dynamic South Chicago Dance Theatre at The Auditorium in one perf only, May 3
Written by Buzz Center StageThe Auditorium (Chicago’s Landmark Stage® at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) proudly welcomes back the eclectic energy of hometown favorite South Chicago Dance Theatre (SCDT) with IN/WITHIN, a mixed repertory program in one performance only Saturday, May 3 at 7:30 PM. In addition to…
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Writers Theatre announces 2025/26 season
Written by Buzz Center StageArtistic Director Braden Abraham and Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma announce Writers Theatre's 2025/26 season. The five-play season is marked by four productions never seen before in Chicago and two add-on special engagements. Following Hershey Felder's sold-out, acclaimed appearance at Writers Theatre in the 2023-24 season, Felder returns…
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