Displaying items by tag: Christopher Sheard
Review: Remy Bumppo's 'Dear Elizabeth' at Theater Wit
What a treat to have two of Evanston-native Sarah Ruhl’s plays running concurrently at Theatre Wit. Alongside the Shattered Globe Theatre’s Midwest premier of Ruhl’s Becky Nurse of Salem is Remy Bumppo’s production of Dear Elizabeth. Directed by Christina Casano, this epistolary play has all the elements that make Ruhl’s plays so enjoyable.
Dear Elizabeth is an intimate play that explores the letters between two of the world’s most celebrated poets: Robert Lowell and Elizabeth Bishop. Ruhl crafts a tender narrative out of the beautifully written letters, and it’s wonderfully acted by Christopher Sheard and Leah Karpel.
Sarah Ruhl is one of America’s most popular playwrights because of her unique brand of quirky storytelling. Through her inventive style audiences who may not be familiar with the poets will walk away with more than just a book report. Though, this play will certainly tickle classic literature enthusiasts. The 90-minute play is crackling with trivia and humorous hot takes.
The dialogue in Dear Elizabeth may be contained to letters, but the contents of those letters whisk audiences all over the world. Both poets did extensive traveling during their careers, with Elizabeth Bishop residing in Brazil for some years. Through their words we get rich descriptions of where these characters are in their lives physically but more importantly emotionally. Though the romantic throughline is a bit mirky (as is often the case in life), the deep love between them is palpable.
Staging and visuals are important aspects of Ruhl’s work. Seeing how she sees her story, and seeing how a director and set designer interprets her vision are as moving as the words themselves. Catalina Niño’s design for Dear Elizabeth is nothing short of gorgeous. Though minimal in nature, the emotions certain moments conjure are haunting.
Dear Elizabeth is also a celebration of the art of letter writing. This is a theme Ruhl has touched on in other works as well. We may be living in the most advanced age of communication, but so much is lost in emojis and brief text messages. In these heartfelt letters there’s such depth and substance that you’re nearly envious of their loyal friendship.
If it’s Sarah Ruhl you’re after this season, look no further than Theatre Wit in Lakeview. Two of Chicago’s most esteemed companies impeccably bring her riveting works to life. Dear Elizabeth is a great showcase of Ruhl’s earlier style whereas Becky Nurse of Salem feels more like a new direction. And just like Robert and Elizabeth, they’re great companions.
Through November 17 at Remy Bumppo at Theater Wit. 1229 W Belmont Ave. (773) 975-8150
Review: Porchlight Music Theatre's 'Fun Home' at Ruth Page Center for the Arts
21 January 2025 in Theatre in ReviewBefore Alison Bechdel became famously associated with her “Bechdel Test” for evaluating fiction by how women are portrayed, she published…
Dual Delights: A Spellbinding Journey with Jekyll And Hyde In Concert
20 January 2025 in Theatre in ReviewBrightside Theatre's latest production, Jekyll And Hyde In Concert is a truly mesmerizing experience. And if you are a Chicago…
"Braids, Dreams, and Resilience: JaJa’s African Hair Braiding Shines at Chicago Shakespeare Theater"
20 January 2025 in Theatre in ReviewJaJa’s African Hair Braiding, written by first-generation Ghanaian American playwright Jocelyn Bioh and directed by Obie Award-winning Whitney White, is…
XAVIER MORTIMER: MASTER OF MAGIC Now On Sale
20 January 2025 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago and Starvox Touring are excited to announce individual tickets for XAVIER MORTIMER: MASTER OF MAGIC are now on sale. XAVIER MORTIMER: MASTER…
Drury Lane Theatre launches 2025/26 Season with the thrilling Chicago Regional Premiere of The Da Vinci Code
18 January 2025 in Upcoming TheatreDrury Lane Theatre opens its 2025/26 with the thrilling Chicago Regional Premiere of The Da Vinci Code, based on the novel by Dan Brown,…
Joffrey Ballet presents two World Premieres in upcoming 'Golden Hour' mixed rep program
17 January 2025 in Upcoming TheatreThis winter, The Joffrey Ballet presents Golden Hour, a radiant mixed repertoire program of warmth and splendor. Featuring world premieres by Yuri Possokhov and Dani Rowe,…
Marriott Theatre Kicks off Spectacular 50th Anniversary Season with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
16 January 2025 in Upcoming TheatreChicagoland's longest running musical theatre, Marriott Theatre, officially kicks off its spectacular 50th Anniversary Season with one of the most enduring and beloved musicals…
TOO HOT TO HANDEL: the Jazz-Gospel Messiah … SIZZLES!!
13 January 2025 in Theatre in ReviewWe all have Christmas rituals; practices we incorporate into our personal experiences of the holidays. For me, it used to…
Broadway Tribute Introduces A New Generation of Musical Titans
13 January 2025 in Theatre in ReviewCollaborations can produce tremendous results and the one between Nathan Gunn, his wife Julie Jordan Gunn and Jam Orchestra counts…
Drury Lane Theatre brings the music of Carole King to the stage with its stellar cast of Beautiful, beginning January 29
10 January 2025 in Upcoming TheatreDrury Lane Theatre is thrilled to announce casting for Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, a heartwarming journey through Carole King's inspirational life story, where…
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to The Auditorium March 7-9
10 January 2025 in Upcoming DanceAlvin Ailey American Dance Theater, one of the world's most popular dance companies, returns to The Auditorium, Chicago's landmark stage at…
Announcing 42 BALLOONS, a soaring original musical inspired by an unbelievable true story
09 January 2025 in Upcoming TheatreChicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces today an exciting addition to the 2024/25 season: the North American premiere of the new musical 42 Balloons.…
Broadway in Chicago’s production of Shucked Charms and Delights
09 January 2025 in Theatre in ReviewIt’s the second act, and Beau (Jake Odmark) is in quite a state. The love of his life is about…
Court Theatre presents A Raisin in the Sun for the first time in company's history
08 January 2025 in Upcoming TheatreCourt Theatre – under the continuing leadership of Executive Director Angel Ysaguirre, with interim artistic leadership from Senior Artistic Producer Gabrielle Randle-Bent and Senior Managing…
Steppenwolf Theatre Presents FOOL FOR LOVE - January 30 – March 16, 2025
07 January 2025 in Upcoming TheatreSteppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to present a searing revival of Sam Shepard's dark and beautiful…
Writers Theatre to present Frida...A Self Portrait, opening January 31st
06 January 2025 in Upcoming TheatreWriters Theatre, under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Artistic Director Braden Abraham, continues its 2024/25 Season with Frida...A Self Portrait, starring acclaimed…
Invictus Theatre Company announces its 2025 season
06 January 2025 in Upcoming TheatreInvictus Theatre Company has announced programming for its 2025 season, its second in residence at the Windy City Playhouse. As…
Submissions Open for 2025 CHICAGO MUSICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL - Returning April 3 – 6, 2025 at The Chopin Theatre
02 January 2025 in Upcoming TheatreKokandy Productions is pleased to open submissions for the 2025 Chicago Musical Theatre Festival (CMTF), returning April 3 – 6, 2025 on The Chopin Theatre…
The Artistic Home to present HEDDA GABLER February 20 - March 23
02 January 2025 in Upcoming TheatreThe Artistic Home will present the Chicago premiere of Mark O'Rowe's adaptation of Ibsen's HEDDA GABLER. This pioneering work of…
Review: The Berlin Diaries by Andrea Stolowitz at Open Space Arts
24 December 2024 in Theatre in ReviewMy companion was apprehensive about the press release’s statement that “… the two-person cast will play all characters and will…
Legally Blonde at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts: Blonde Ambition Takes Center Stage in Skokie!
24 December 2024 in Theatre in ReviewUnlike many of the shows I review, which I’ve often seen in other productions elsewhere, I went into Music Theater…
Presenting AVAAZ, written and performed by Emmy Award nominee Michael Shayan
23 December 2024 in Upcoming TheatreChicago Shakespeare Theater presents Olney Theatre Center's production of Avaaz, a "powerful, defiant, celebratory" (Washington Post) exploration of family and the immigrant…
Restaged OVO by Cirque du Soleil heads to Hoffman Estates for six performances only Feb. 13-16
19 December 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBetween a triumphant European tour and a highly anticipated return to North America, OVO by Cirque du Soleil has undergone a full ‘metamorphosis’ under…
Beetlejuice on sale December 20th
19 December 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBeetlejuice, Beetlejuice… Beetlejuice! You’ve summoned him once again, Chicago— BEETLEJUICE is back for another hauntingly hilarious run! Broadway In Chicago announced that tickets…
CLUE On Sale Now
18 December 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is delighted to announce that individual tickets for CLUE, the hilarious murder mystery comedy inspired by the Hasbro board game…
Three-time Jeff Award winner Ron OJ Parson to direct Hymn
17 December 2024 in Upcoming TheatreChicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces renowned Chicago director Ron OJ Parson will helm the North American premiere of Lolita Chakrabarti's Hymn, making his CST directorial debut.…
25 Years of Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer: A Warm and Sparkling Celebration of Individuality!
17 December 2024 in Theatre in ReviewI fondly recall watching the 1964 children’s television special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer each year with great wonder! Its message…
Trap Door Theatre Presents: The Mannequins Ball, Opening January 23rd
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Teatro ZinZanni's Love, Chaos, and Dinner: A Spectacular Romantic Journey of Joy and Laughter
13 December 2024 in Theatre in ReviewUpon entering the beautifully decorated lobby of Teatro Zinzanni theater on the 14th floor of the Cambria Hotel, you are…
This Charles Dickens Gets to the Heart of 'Christmas Carol' In Spectacular Performance
11 December 2024 in Theatre in ReviewJust as there are many Santa’s around town, this time of year we have a wide selection of Christmas and…
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Review: Porchlight Music Theatre's 'Fun Home' at Ruth Page Center for the Arts
Written by John AccroccoBefore Alison Bechdel became famously associated with her “Bechdel Test” for evaluating fiction by how women are portrayed, she published the now classic graphic novel ‘Fun Home’. Through meticulously created panels, Bechdel explores her splintered relationship with her father who… -
Drury Lane Theatre launches 2025/26 Season with the thrilling Chicago Regional Premiere of The Da Vinci Code
Written by Buzz Center StageDrury Lane Theatre opens its 2025/26 with the thrilling Chicago Regional Premiere of The Da Vinci Code, based on the novel by Dan Brown, adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel, and directed by Elizabeth Margolius. Witness the action-packed novel live on stage as Professor Robert Langdon and cryptologist Sophie Neveu race… -
Joffrey Ballet presents two World Premieres in upcoming 'Golden Hour' mixed rep program
Written by Buzz Center StageThis winter, The Joffrey Ballet presents Golden Hour, a radiant mixed repertoire program of warmth and splendor. Featuring world premieres by Yuri Possokhov and Dani Rowe, the return of Cathy Marston, and an audience favorite by Nicolas Blanc, the curated program welcomes audiences in from the cold to…
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Marriott Theatre Kicks off Spectacular 50th Anniversary Season with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Written by Buzz Center StageChicagoland's longest running musical theatre, Marriott Theatre, officially kicks off its spectacular 50th Anniversary Season with one of the most enduring and beloved musicals of all time, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, previewing on Wednesday, February 5, opening on Wednesday, February 12 at 7pm and running through March…
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