Home

Displaying items by tag: Brightside Theatre

Brightside Theatre's latest production, Jekyll And Hyde In Concert is a truly mesmerizing experience. And if you are a Chicago resident like myself, this theatrical performance is well worth the not-so-long trek to the burbs. The musicians and the impressive array of talented singers delivered a performance that seized my attention from the very start and held me spellbound throughout. With cozy table seating on the floor and traditional theater seating in the rear, there isn't a bad spot in the house. The acoustics are superb, and the singers frequently stroll through the audience, creating an immersive and intimate experience.

Jekyll and Hyde In Concert rejuvenates the eerie narrative of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson. This musical retelling masterfully brings the enthralling story to life on stage, showcasing the complexity of human nature through riveting songs and dynamic performances. The plot centers on the esteemed Dr. Henry Jekyll, whose attempt to distinguish the good from the evil within himself results in the birth of the malevolent Edward Hyde. As Hyde's horrifying deeds escalate uncontrollably, Jekyll battles with the monster he has unleashed, culminating in a heart-wrenching and inevitable end. The concert format accentuates the stirring score, featuring unforgettable pieces that illuminate the internal and external struggles of the characters. With its powerful melodies and expressive lyrics, the audience is drawn into the mesmerizing and dark world of Jekyll and Hyde, promising an unforgettable theatrical journey.

Picture a theater abuzz with excitement as the audience prepares for an "on book" concert performance of Jekyll And Hyde. The performers, each clutching their scripts and scores, take their places at music stands arranged across the stage. Behind them, a full orchestra sits poised, instruments at the ready. Magical.

As the orchestra dives into the stirring opening notes, the performers join in, bringing to life characters such as Dr. Henry Jekyll, Lucy Harris, Emma Carew, and Sir Danvers Carew with their powerful vocals and deep emotion. The "on book" format adds an intimate, unpolished charm to the performance, allowing the audience to focus on the music and the performers' interpretations. Throughout the concert, the orchestra's lush harmonies and soaring crescendos amplify the drama and intensity of the story, creating a gripping and immersive experience. This fusion of live orchestration and on-book singing offers a distinct and unforgettable rendition of the cherished musical.

Gerald Kelel masterfully leads this concert, seamlessly transitioning between the roles of Dr. Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde, executing each note with precision and authority. Rachel Carreras as Lucy Harris and Julie Ann Kornak as Emma Carew also deliver standout performances, showcasing their impressive vocal range. Veteran stage actor Stan Austin shines as Sir Danvers Carew, bringing intensity and robust vocals to the role. While the entire cast is brimming with talent, both Molly Bremer and Sean Rhead each have their moments to highlight their remarkable vocal prowess. This is just a brilliant piece of theatre in concert form that was such a pleasure to watch.

This particular performance of Jekyll And Hyde In Concert is a highlight of Brightside Theatre’s Concert Series, following the company’s spectacular run of Dracula. Artistic Director Jeffrey Cass has skillfully curated the upcoming season, featuring Beetlejuice Jr., Pippin, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, promising an exhilarating 2025.

Brightside Theatre, nestled in the heart of Naperville's historic downtown district, is a professional non-profit theatre company dedicated to enlightening, educating, and entertaining audiences. Established in 2011, it holds the distinction of being the only professional non-profit theatre in Naperville. Brightside Theatre's diverse offerings include comedies, inspirational stories from around the globe, mainstage productions, a musical theatre concert series, and a free Summer in the Parks Series. They also provide educational programs and summer camps for young performers. Recognized with multiple awards, Brightside Theatre has been named the Best Entertainment Venue by Naperville Magazine for five consecutive years.

RECOMMENDED!

Jekyll And Hyde In Concert

About: Conceived for the stage by Frank Wildhorn and Steve Cuden

Music by Frank Wildhorn, Book and Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse

Directed by De Haddad

Musical Direction by Phil Videckis

2 hours 15 minutes including intermission

Where: Madden Theatre, North Central College, 171 Chicago Avenue, Naperville, IL

When: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm from January 17 through 26, 2025.

Tickets: $37 for Adults and $32 for Seniors and Students

Show and Theatre Information: http://www.brightsidetheatre.com/ 



Published in 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 12th season, entitled “A Season of Passion,” with this impassioned classic rock opera.

From the iconic solo guitar rift to the poignant close as Mary, Jesus’ mother, cradles her crucified son’s head in her lap, BrightSide’s production at North Central College’s Meiley-Swallow Hall in Naperville provides a fast-paced and thoroughly entertaining evening powered by the strong vocal performances of the main cast and an exuberant ensemble.

The show, loosely based on the Gospels, focuses on the final days of Jesus’ life leading up to his crucifixion, as seen largely through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. At the heart of the story are the personal conflicts between Jesus, his disciples, the Jewish people, and the leadership of Rome, with special attention given to Jesus’ relationships with Judas and Mary Magdalene.

Conceived at first as a groundbreaking rock double-album in the early 70s, the music and lyrics by Rice and Webber, then only 25 and 21 respectively, has held up through the years. In BrightSide’s production, artistic Director Jeffrey Cass takes a contemporary approach to the show by imagining Jesus’ story in a modern setting, challenging the audience to consider how Jesus might be received in today’s culture.

To set the tone, the cast is clad in contemporary, edgy clothes and the set is minimal, utilizing metal scaffolding to flow from one scene to another. Cass also adds nice touches such as when the ensemble takes out their cell phones to record Jesus’ response after meeting with the Jewish High Priest, Caiaphas (played by Stan Austin). And, as what would be expected with any celebrity-sighting today, they jostle one another to grab a “selfie” with the proclaimed Messiah.

The only off-note for me was the wardrobe choice for Jesus, played by BrightSide veteran Edward MacLennan. While everyone else is edgy and modern, Jesus arrives on stage with what looked like a hooded bathrobe. I would have preferred him to have a more updated, dignified vibe than he did.

That aside, MacLennan turns in a masterful performance and demonstrates his incredible vocal range in two incredibly powerful scenes. In Act One, MacLennan captures Jesus’ passion and righteous anger in “The Temple,” and then his frustration as Jesus is overwhelmed by the needs of those clamoring for healing and help. In Act Two, MacLennan is outstanding as he portrays Jesus in Gethsemane, as Jesus struggles to comprehend and accept that path before him, his anguish palpable through MacLennan’s masterful vocalizations.

Turning in an equally strong performance is Michael Davis Arnold as Judas. Making his debut at BrightSide Theatre, Arnold’s strong and expressive vocals underscore his character’s personal doubts and questions about this man Jesus and his claims to be God. Arnold ably portrays Judas’ inner struggles, which come to a crashing climax as Judas, horrified by Jesus’ harsh treatment and the knowledge that he will forever be remembered as a traitor, can no longer live with his regrets. Encouraged by the three Tormentors (wonderfully performed by Kassidy Alderman, Amber Golich, and Julia Hope Budd), Judas kills himself.

Meghan Kessel, another BrightSide veteran, shines in her role as Mary Magdalene. Her beautiful and soulful rendition of “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” possibly the show’s most well-known signature songs, does not disappoint. And Caleb Hand’s Herod is hilarious. Flanked by his party-loving court, Herod struts and postures across the stage as he tries to coax Jesus into doing just one little miracle for him.

The show is propelled by an excellent ensemble that moves adroitly from adoring crowd to questioning disciples to a jeering mob calling for Jesus’ crucifixion, driven by the choreography of Jake Ganzer. The ensemble and cast are backed up by a talented group of musicians, under the experienced direction of Phil Videckis.

The show explodes into a glittering climax as the ensemble, led by Judas’ spirit, performs the title song, “Superstar,” questioning Jesus’ plan and purpose in coming to the world when he did before the dramatic closing as Jesus is led to the cross and put to death.

For those who grew up listening to the album as well as newcomers to this iconic rock opera, BrightSide’s entertaining rendition of Jesus Christ Superstar is a must-see production and well worth the trip to the western suburbs. You can catch Jesus Christ Superstar at North Central’s Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth, Naperville, now through June 23. Ticket information can be found at www.BrightSidetheatre.com or by phone at 630-447-TIXS (8497). 

Published in Theatre in Review
Saturday, 09 March 2024 12:58

Deathtrap: A Thriller to Die For

It was a dark and stormy night (yes, it really was!) – the perfect ambiance for taking in one of theatre’s classic comedic thrillers, Ira Levin’s Deathtrap, staged by BrightSide Theatre at North Central College’s Meiley-Swallow Hall, in Naperville.

For knowledgeable theatre buffs, Deathtrap holds the record for the longest-running comedic thriller on Broadway. It was nominated for four Tony Awards, including Best Play, and was later adapted for the screen, starring Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve.

It’s the story of world-famous playwright Sidney Bruhl, who for the past 11 years has been riding the fading fame of his one and only hit play, The Murder Game. Having to squeak by on his wife’s income and forego his once lavish lifestyle, Sidney is looking for a way to regain his fame – and fortune.

As the play opens, Sidney is reading a manuscript that arrived in the mail from one of his seminar students. Much to his chagrin, the script is brilliant, and in his estimation, bound to be a smash hit. Sidney shares his thoughts with his wife, Myra, and together the pair conspire to make the manuscript their own. While Myra promotes collaboration (with Bruhl’s name taking top billing, of course), Sidney has a more sinister solution to their dilemma in mind.

At Sidney’s invitation, the young playwright, Clifford Anderson, arrives at their secluded Connecticut farmhouse, to discuss the manuscript. What ensues is a series of twists and turns, unexpected and shocking events, that keeps the audience guessing as to what will happen next. Throw in a hilarious neighbor, Helga ten Dorp, who just happens to be a noted psychic whose suspicions are spiked by the strange goings-on at the Bruhl’s house, and you have all the ingredients for an entertaining and lively evening.

Under the skillful direction of Jason Harrington, who directed BrightSide’s The Odd Couple last season, the cast turns in a well-paced and skilled performance. Even for those familiar with the plot, as I was, I found myself jumping and gasping at all the right places and thoroughly engaged throughout the evening.

Scott Kelley stars as Bruhl and turns in a convincing performance as the washed-up playwright looking for an easy way out of his writer’s block. Kelley has appeared in numerous other BrightSide productions, including the 2021 Miracle on 34th Street, and is a veteran actor on the Chicago theatre scene. His hapless and anxiety-ridden wife, Myra, is excellently portrayed by Marianne Embree, who is appearing in her third BrightSide production.

Tyler Szarabajka, who plays the young playwright, Clifford Anderson, is making his professional debut in Deathtrap. He plays the role with just the right amount of cockiness and youthful assurance that makes him a great foil to his uptight, older mentor and hero. And Lisa Braatz absolutely shines as the quirky psychic, Helga ten Dorp, as she makes one outlandish prediction after another as she “senses” the pain and trauma in the room. The cast is rounded out by John Zimmerman as Porter Milgrim, the staid family friend and attorney for the couple, who brings a modicum of somberness to the proceedings – until the final scene!

Adding to the overall experience of the production is the theatre itself. Located on North Central College’s campus, just a few blocks off downtown, this gem of a theatre offers theatregoers an intimate and cozy interaction with the performers. There’s not a bad seat in the house, and you feel as if you are in on the action because of the proximity to the actors.

BrightSide Theatre, under Artistic Director Jeffrey Cass and Executive Director Julie Ann Kornak, is now in its 13th season. Billed as Naperville’s only professional theatre performing in the historic downtown district, BrightSide has won “Best of Naperville” Live Entertainment Venue for the past six years. Even though I’ve lived in Naperville for years, this was my first introduction to BrightSide Theatre, and I was not disappointed.

For theatre-enthusiasts, or anyone looking for an entertaining night at the theatre, without the fuss and bother of going downtown Chicago, BrightSide’s Deathtrap production will more than satisfy. Add in its location right off the downtown with access to Naperville’s many and varied dining options, and you have the perfect combination for dinner and theatre.

You can catch Deathtrap at North Central’s Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth, Naperville, now through March 24th. Ticket information can be found at www.BrightSidetheatre.com or by phone at 630-447-TIXS (8497). 

Published in Theatre in Review

Disney's THE LION KING Returns to Chicago

01 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

By popular demand, Disney’s The Lion King will return to Chicago for the first time since 2023, where the production played a sold-out…

Review: The Listeners at Lyric Opera of Chicago

31 March 2025 in Theatre in Review

THE LISTENERS has undergone several incarnations since the 2021 novel by Jordan Tannahill. It’s been a full-length movie, a TV…

IDENTITY PERFORMING ARTS: Spring Concert 2025 - 'Instinct' at Ann Barzel Theater (April 26-27)

31 March 2025 in Upcoming Dance

IDENTITY PERFORMING ARTS Presents Spring Concert 2025  “Instinct”   A captivating performance of four distinct works on April 26 & 27…

Dynamic South Chicago Dance Theatre at The Auditorium in one perf only, May 3

26 March 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

 The Auditorium (Chicago’s Landmark Stage® at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) proudly welcomes back the eclectic energy of hometown favorite South…

Open Space Arts announces staged reading series and a powerful premiere for April through June

26 March 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Open Space Arts (OSA), who recently won some of the top honors in the Joseph Jefferson Awards for 2024 productions,…

Review: 'it's been ten years since everybody died' at Open Space Arts

26 March 2025 in Theatre in Review

I’ve reviewed a number of shows at Open Space Arts (OSA) – I love the place – so I’m familiar…

Hell in a Handbag Productions' World Premiere of SCARY TOWN By Artistic Director David Cerda Directed by Cheryl Snodgrass April 9 – May 11, 2025 at The Clutch

25 March 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Hell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to continue its 2024/25 Season with the world premiere of Scary Town, Artistic Director David Cerda's semi-autobiographical…

Definition Theatre Defines the Crisis: 'Splash Hatch on the E Going Down'

24 March 2025 in Theatre in Review

In Definition Theatre's production of "Splash Hatch on the E Going Down," Kia Corthron's 1997 work feels unnervingly relevant in…

Kokandy Productions Announces Line-Up for CHICAGO MUSICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL Returning April 3 – 6, 2025 at The Chopin Theatre

22 March 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Kokandy Productions is pleased to announce the official selections for the annual Chicago Musical Theatre Festival, a celebration and showcase of the…

Hive of Hilarity: Copley Theatre’s 'Spelling Bee' is a Buzzing Triumph!

21 March 2025 in Theatre in Review

I’m not holding back—Copley Theatre’s latest offering, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, is an absolute winner! I’ve seen…

The Search for Truth Turns to War in Oil Lamp’s Outstanding ‘The Lifespan of a Fact’

21 March 2025 in Theatre in Review

Don’t be deceived by the title.  The phrase “lifespan of a fact” sounds about as dry as the Mojave Desert…

Disability-inclusive company brings Frankenstein to Chicago Shakespeare Theater

21 March 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

A.B.L.E.—Artists Breaking Limits & Expectations—a Chicago-based nonprofit that creates theatre and film for, with, and by individuals with Down syndrome…

Invictus Theatre Presents Enchanting Production of The Winter’s Tale

20 March 2025 in Theatre in Review

Walking into Windy City Playhouse, audiences are immediately transported to somewhere new. Scenic Designer Kevin Rofls fills the space with…

Writers Theatre announces 2025/26 season

19 March 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Artistic 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…

About Face Theatre presents the return of Re/Generation Studio at The Alice at Goodman Theatre March 28-30, 2025

19 March 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

About Face Theatre announces the return of Re/Generation Studio, a weekend of community building, education, and performance to help build the future…

Steppenwolf Theatre Presents Broadway's Kelli O'Hara - April 18 & 19, 2025

19 March 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Fresh off her critically acclaimed and Tony-nominated run in Broadway's Days of Wine and Roses, Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Mark Cortale are pleased to present…

Grand Opera that is Truly Grand: La Bohème at the Lyric

19 March 2025 in Theatre in Review

Going into “La Bohème” with little knowledge of Puccini’s masterpiece, I was just a naive theater-goer seeing it fresh at…

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Returns to Chicago

18 March 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Cameron Mackintosh is delighted to announce that a revitalized new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, will play…

Marriott Theatre Continues 50th Anniversary Season with Tony Award-Winning Titanic the Musical - Opening April 16th

18 March 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Chicagoland's longest running musical theatre, Marriott Theatre, continues its 50th Anniversary Season celebration with the epic production of Titanic The Musical, directed and choreographed by Connor…

Teatro La Plaza teams up with Chicago Latino Theatre Alliance for wonderful production of Hamlet at Chicago Shakespeare Theater

16 March 2025 in Theatre in Review

Ser o no ser   esa es la cuestión We are all familiar with Shakespeare’s iconic line: to be or not…

Announcing CityTalk: A Series of Conversations on Assimilation, Antisemitism and Culture

14 March 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Theater Wit, in collaboration with the Crown Family Center for Jewish Studies at Northwestern and Northlight Theatre, hosts CityTalk: A Series of Conversations on Assimilation, Antisemitism…

Steppenwolf Theatre Presents THE BOOK OF GRACE - March 27 – May 18, 2025 - Chicago Premiere!

13 March 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Steppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to continue its 49th season with the Chicago premiere of The…

Lyric Opera announces 2025/26 season, including major collaborations with Billy Corgan, avery r. young

12 March 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Lyric Opera of Chicago today announces the company's 2025/26 Season, its first complete season under the leadership of new General…

BEETLEJUICE is Now Playing Through March 16

11 March 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice… Beetlejuice! You’ve summoned him once again, Chicago— BEETLEJUICE is back for another hauntingly hilarious run! The edgy and irreverent Broadway…

The Auditorium proudly presents Parsons Dance One Night Only: Saturday, April 12 at 7:30 PM

11 March 2025 in Upcoming Dance

The Auditorium (Chicago’s Landmark Stage® at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) proudly presents a special evening with Parsons Dance, the New…

The critically acclaimed hit production of Obliteration returns

10 March 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Obliteration, LLC & The Revival Theater announce a limited engagement of Obliteration, written by Andrew Hinderaker, directed by Jonathan Berry, featuring Michael Patrick Thornton and Cyd Blakewell. Obliteration runs April 10-May 4,…

Red Clay Dance Company’s 16 centers perseverance and legacy in Vershawn Sanders-Ward Revival and Bebe Miller Premiere

10 March 2025 in Upcoming Dance

The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago announces 16 by Red Clay Dance Company for three performances only, April 17-19, 2025, featuring Founding Artistic Director and CEO Vershawn…

Stand Up Together Comedy stars unite during Chicago fundraiser to support California wildfire victims Thursday, March 27 at Laugh Factory Chicago

10 March 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Stand Up Together, a comedy benefit in support of artists impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires, hosted by Second City and SNL…

Luck Be a Lady Tonight: A Rollicking Review of Music Theater Works’ 'Guys and Dolls'

09 March 2025 in Theatre in Review

Following a string of successful shows, Music Theater Works has once again hit the jackpot with their 2025 season opener,…

Auditorium Theatre’s Presentation of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Company Soars and Astounds

08 March 2025 in Dance in Review

Two dancers stand center stage. The traditional, spiritual music begins to play as they start to move. Very much in…

 

 

         17 Years and counting!

Register

     

Latest Articles

Guests Online

We have 997 guests and no members online

Buzz Chicago on Facebook Buzz Chicago on Twitter 

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.