Displaying items by tag: August: Osage County
Review: Superior Donuts at The Artistic Home at The Den Theatre
“You can’t raise kids without hope.” says terminally pessimistic Arthur Pryszbyszewski in Tracy Letts’ 2008 play “Superior Donuts” now running at The Artistic Home at The Den Theatre. Directed by Artistic Home ensemble member John Mossman, “Superior Donuts” tells an authentic Chicago story in the cozy kind of theater our city is known for.
Originally produced by Steppenwolf on the heels of Letts’ Pulitzer Prize landmark “August: Osage County”, this play feels almost lighthearted by comparison. “Superior Donuts” swaps the blues of the Oklahoma plains for the desperation of Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, before the Target opened on Wilson.
Arthur Pryszbyszewski, impeccably played by Scott Westerman, is a complicated, introverted middle aged man who’s devoted himself to keeping the family donut shop in business long after its heyday. One morning he finds his shop vandalized and in walks Franco, a young man with big dreams but even bigger debts. Franco is an aspiring novelist with no shortage of things to say on virtually every topic. His stream of conscious babble eventually helps Arthur open up.
Letts’ has a real knack for gritty stories, but what he does especially well is cleanly written scenes. Playwriting doesn’t have to be complicated. “Superior Donuts” excels much like his other work in that each characters’ desires and disappointments are clearly laid out. You’re never wondering what the point of a scene is. That is to say, Letts never leads you into the weeds.
In two briskly paced acts, “Superior Donuts” is both a male-driven comedy and a hard-hitting drama. Letts explores what happens to neighborhoods when small businesses close. You don’t just lose the business; you lose pillars of neighborhoods. Arthur is a reluctant pillar but his paternal affection for Franco becomes his greatest achievement.
Featuring a cast of Artistic Home ensemble and newcomers, Mossman's’ production is stacked. John N. Williams is well suited to the awkward but endearing Franco. Ensemble member Kristin Collins plays CPD officer Randy Osteen, Arthur’s burgeoning love interest. Collins’ Chicago accent and mannerisms are incredibly comforting.
“Superior Donuts” is not only a love letter to Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood but also a world you don’t mind spending a little more time in. In fact, it was adapted into a relatively successful CBS tv series in 2010.
Artistic Home reinterprets “Superior Donuts” at a time when Uptown has more or less been gentrified. No longer on the cusp as depicted in the play. In 2025, it feels more like a heartwarming period piece that true Chicagoans will fondly remember.
Through December 6 at Artistic Home at The Den Theatre. 1331 N Milwaukee Ave. 773-697-3830
Theater of the Mind: Not Your Typical Juggernaut
10 November 2026 in Theatre in ReviewAt this stage of his career, David Byrne’s name alone fills concert halls and theaters. The “singer, songwriter, musician, record…
An Incredibly Good Snapshot of Our Social Discourse in 'Heroes of the Fourth Turning'
10 November 2026 in Theatre in ReviewSettling in for A Red Orchid Theatre’s Heroes of the Fourth Turning, I knew next to nothing, having no familiarity…
Porchlight’s Out of This World “Little Shop of Horrors” lands at Biograph Theater
10 November 2026 in Theatre in ReviewFew musicals are as fun to sing (and watch) as “Little Shop of Horrors”. It’s not a huge surprise that…
Giordano’s delectable Untamed Passion lights the fire of true love
10 November 2026 in Dance in ReviewFew dance companies can claim both the history and continued relevance of Giordano Dance Chicago. More than sixty years after…
A Murder Is Announced Is Murderously Entertaining
09 November 2026 in Theatre in ReviewFew authors have mastered the art of the whodunit quite like Agatha Christie, whose intricate mysteries continue to captivate audiences…
Oil Lamp Theater Announces Single Tickets for its 2027 Season are Now On Sale
09 November 2026 in Upcoming TheatreOil Lamp Theater announces that single tickets are now available for its 2027 season in addition to four-show and three-show…
Mexodus Gives Voice to a Rarely Told Story of Freedom
08 November 2026 in Theatre in ReviewWhat is Mexodus? Part concert, part theatrical journey, and part history lesson, it explores a rarely told chapter of the…
Sardonic Love In The Time of Gen Z: World Premiere of The Break Up at Rivendell Theatre
08 November 2026 in Theatre in ReviewThere are more important things in the world to worry about. At some point in our lives we’ve heard this…
Finding Light in Winter: The Snow Queen at The Den Theatre
07 November 2026 in Theatre in ReviewFirst published by Hans Christian Andersen in 1844, The Snow Queen has captivated readers for nearly two centuries. Now, The…
25 Years of It's A Wonderful Life at American Blues Theater
06 November 2026 in Upcoming TheatreAmerican Blues Theater announces its 25th Anniversary production of It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! from Frank Capra's film…
Dear Rhoda, a new play set at Chicago’s Dil Pickle Club, opens January 7 at Theater Wit
05 November 2026 in Upcoming TheatreDear Rhoda invites audiences into the chaotic world of 1920s Chicago, where love refuses to surrender to fear. Inspired by…
Goodman Theatre Announces Cast of JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN Playing January 23 – February 21
05 November 2026 in Upcoming TheatreSmall-town scandal ignites the Albert Theatre stage this winter at the Chicago premiere of Kimberly Belflower's Tony Award-nominated Broadway smash…
9th Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival Brings Global Artists to Chicago, January 20-31, 2027
04 November 2026 in Upcoming TheatreThe puppets are coming!The Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, the largest of its kind in North America, has announced the…
Steppenwolf's Adirondack Chair Circle: The Joke Lands. Then What?
03 November 2026 in Theatre in ReviewI went into Adirondack Chair Circle wondering what a new play about book bans could add to a conversation whose…
Broadway In Chicago presents MAYBE HAPPY ENDING at CIBC Theatre January 5 – 17
03 November 2026 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce that single tickets for the critically and widely acclaimed Tony Award winning Best…
Nov. 23 at the MAC: "An Evening with Gary Sinise" Author of "Graceful Warrior" to Benefit WSFDV
03 November 2026 in Theatre BuzzWest Suburban Foundation for Disabled Veterans (WSFDV) presents "An Evening with Gary Sinise," Author of "Graceful Warrior" at the McAninch Arts…
David Salsbery Fry returns to Chicago Opera Theater for fourth production with company in Chicago Premiere The Importance of Being Earnest - December 2-6
02 November 2026 in Upcoming TheatreDavid Salsbery Fry sings the role of Rev. Canon Chasuble in the Chicago Premiere of Chicago Opera Theater’s (COT) production…
Rick Bayless, Anthony Rapp, Jeff Tweedy and More Join Goodman Theatre's Holiday Season
02 November 2026 in Upcoming TheatreFrom an internationally renowned chef and the world-famous rock frontman of Wilco, to a Pulitzer Prize-nominated author and a handful…
Oil Lamp Academy Announces the Schedule of 2027 Youth and Adult Winter and Spring Class Offerings - Tickets Now On Sale
02 November 2026 in Theatre BuzzOil Lamp Theater’s Oil Lamp Academy, 1009 Waukegan Rd., announces 2027 winter and spring classes are on sale now. Offerings…
Remarkable Production Makes 'The Royale" a Knockout Show
02 November 2026 in Theatre in ReviewWriters Theatre scores a knockout production with Marco Ramirez’s 2013 play, The Royale. Under the direction of Tyrone Phillips, we…
Socks & Co. - The Edge Theater - Through November 21st
31 October 2026 in Now PlayingEclectic Full Contact Theatre is proud to announce the cast and crew for their first show of season 15, Socks…
Artemisia Theatre Announces Cast and Festival Lineup for 2026 WeWomen Play Festival November 16-18
31 October 2026 in Upcoming TheatreArtemisia Theatre has announced casting for its annual WeWomen Play Festival, a celebration of new feminist work featuring six staged…
A Call You Want To Answer: Jerker, Or The Helping Hand speaks volumes in Uptown
30 October 2026 in Theatre in ReviewThere are no shortage of stories to be told in Chicago. Whether you’re visiting a museum, riding the L, or…
The Apiary - Bramble Arts Loft - Through November 22nd
30 October 2026 in Now PlayingClark Week Productions is thrilled to continue its third season with a workplace comedy meets apocalyptic grief meditation, THE APIARY,…
Joffrey Ballet's The Nutcracker returns with all-new projections, Dec 4-27
30 October 2026 in Upcoming DanceThe Joffrey Ballet announces the return of two-time Tony Award®-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon's The Nutcracker this holiday season. For the…
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre Presents A CHRISTMAS CAROL December 3 - 19
30 October 2026 in Upcoming TheatreMetropolis Performing Arts Centre, located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights, 111 W. Campbell St., is proud to announce…
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre Announces Cast and Creative Team for The Christmas Schooner, November 24, 2026 - January 3, 2027
30 October 2026 in Upcoming TheatreMetropolis Performing Arts Centre, located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights, 111 W. Campbell St., is proud to announce…
Comedian Nate Jackson brings 'Big Dog Tour' to The Auditorium December 4th
30 October 2026 in Upcoming TheatreThe Auditorium (Chicago’s landmark stage at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) proudly presents comedian Nate Jackson as part of…
A Mystery of Mysteries : David Parr: Time Traveler Transcends Logic at Chicago Magic Lounge
30 October 2026 in Theatre in ReviewIt wouldn’t be Chicago history without a few mysteries nestled amongst the ivy and six cornered paths. For every historical…
ROMEO + JULIET FILM IN CONCERT Coming to Broadway In Chicago January 30th, 2027
29 October 2026 in Upcoming TheatreGEA Live, in collaboration with Disney Concerts and Baz Luhrmann , along with Broadway In Chicago, are excited to announce…
Latest Articles
-
Porchlight’s Out of This World “Little Shop of Horrors” lands at Biograph Theater
Written by John AccroccoFew musicals are as fun to sing (and watch) as “Little Shop of Horrors”. It’s not a huge surprise that Porchlight Music Theatre is christening their new home at the Biograph with a sure-fire crowd pleaser. Even better news is… -
Giordano’s delectable Untamed Passion lights the fire of true love
Written by Kimberly KatzFew dance companies can claim both the history and continued relevance of Giordano Dance Chicago. More than sixty years after its founding as Dance Incorporated Chicago in 1963, America's original jazz dance company continues to evolve while remaining firmly rooted… -
Theater of the Mind: Not Your Typical Juggernaut
Written by Mitchell OldhamAt this stage of his career, David Byrne’s name alone fills concert halls and theaters. The “singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, actor, writer, music theorist, visual artist and filmmaker” is best known for his affiliation with the rock band Talking… -
An Incredibly Good Snapshot of Our Social Discourse in 'Heroes of the Fourth Turning'
Written by Bill EslerSettling in for A Red Orchid Theatre’s Heroes of the Fourth Turning, I knew next to nothing, having no familiarity with the playwright Will Arbery. Partly by design, I avoid preconceived notions and try to listen to the play itself,…
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.