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…
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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…
Published in
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_S.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
Friday, 23 August 2024 11:25
'Network' at Invictus Theatre Co. is one fun, funny, exciting show
Written by Bill Esler
“Network” at Invictus Theatre Co. is one fun, funny, exciting show. In this full-throttle Chicago debut at the WIndy City Playhouse on Irving Park Road, we get a powerhouse rendering of Lee Hall’s script. Adapted to the stage in 2017 for a London production from the Oscar-winning 1976 screenplay by…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Sunday, 11 August 2024 14:26
Paramount Theatre’s PETER AND THE STARCATCHER is Filled with Magic and Wonder
Written by Lauren Katz
It’s dark on the Neverland ship, and Molly, Prentis, Ted, and Boy are hiding in a corner – waiting for the coast to clear. As they huddle and watch, the four begin talking about dreams. All have experienced their fair share of hardships, but for the briefest moment, they look…
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Theatre in Review
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Tuesday, 13 August 2024 10:50
REVIEW: SONDHEIM TRIBUTE REVUE BY 4 CHAIRS THEATRE
Written by Anne Rakowiecki
We are all lucky that we’ve gotten to live at the same time and in the same timeline as Stephen Sondheim, possibly the most influential and important composer and lyricist in modern Broadway history. From his most popular musicals — Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Into the…
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Theatre in Review
Wednesday, 31 July 2024 10:17
Steep Theatre’s A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD Is Full of Heartfelt Layer Upon Layer
Written by Lauren Katz
Keith (Debo Balogun) and Ryan (Nate Faust) sit in their rolling chairs in the middle of Keith’s office. The lighting is highly florescent, and the two are discussing Ryan’s current status and ability to convince a bank to give him a loan. Tension is high, and with Ryan’s desperation only…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Sunday, 28 July 2024 14:30
Spend an evening in Middle Earth - THE LORD OF THE RINGS: A MUSICAL TALE at The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Sarz Maxwell
I first read JRR Tolkien’s trilogy, The Lord of the Rings, when I was eleven; since then I have reread the entire story almost every year. My birthday is September 22, same as Bilbo and Frodo. The quote [NOT that of the One Ring!] tattooed on my arm is in…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Tagged under
- The Lord of the Rings
- Chicago Shakespeare Theater
- Middle Earth
- Paul Hart
- The Yard
- Navy Pier
- Edward Hall
- Kimberly Motes
- Will James Jr
- Tom Amandes
- Eileen Doan
- Ben Mathew
- Michael Kurowski
- Rick Hall
- Spencer Davis Milford
- Tony Bozzuto
- Justin Albinder
- Ian Maryfield
- Matthew C Yee
- Jeff Parker
- Alina Taber
- Lauren Zakrin
- Suzanne Hannau
- Frodo
- Bilbo
- Gandolph
- Gollum
- Musical
Sunday, 21 July 2024 17:51
A Young Man Reckons With Middle Passage, and his Family, in ‘Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea’
Written by Bill Esler
Pegasus Theatre’s “Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea” is a family drama with plenty of comedic overtones. Director ILesa Duncan relies on very strong performances by Maya Abram as Mom, the whirling core of the family, along with David Goodloe as a deadpan Dad, to center the show in the Jones…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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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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