Displaying items by tag: Larry Yondo
Porchlight's "The Scottsboro Boys" Serves As A Powerful Reminder
In 1931 nine African American teenagers were wrongly accused of raping two white women while aboard a freight train in Alabama. Worried they might get imprisoned for prostitution while traveling aboard the same train, Victoria Price and Ruby Bates quickly cried rape, diverting the attention rather to the handful of innocent boys. These nine boys became known as The Scottsboro Boys, growing more and more infamy as their many trials became public interest throughout the nation. Fighting through Southern angry mobs, an all-white jury and a trial that was hastened, the nine boys were quickly convicted and sentenced to death by hanging. As word spread of the prejudice demonstrated, Northerners eventually stepped in to see that such a miscarriage of justice be overturned, but that was just the beginning of a process clouded by an ugly and unjust preconception. The uphill fight was long and grueling and successes were slow in the making. The story, superbly performed by Porchlight Music Theatre, is remarkable, sad and hopeful.
Written by David Thompson and directed by Samuel G. Roberson, “The Scottsboro Boys” is a controversial musical, now making its debut in Chicago after Broadway and London runs, and is the last featuring the music and lyrics of John Kander and Fred Ebb, mostly known for their triumphant smash hits “Chicago” and “Cabaret”. The story, a compelling and emotional ride through the racist South is a painful lesson of our nation’s dark history and serves as a stark reminder that change for a better world must never be ignored as we move forward as a unified people.
Throughout the musical’s duration, we see an image of a pained Rosa Parks (Cynthia Clarey) who plays witness to the injustices that take place. Though her stand wouldn’t take place until years later, we see the effect such a stirring account would have on approaching generations. Sad as this tragic story as such is, we feel hope for the future by the play’s end and a realization for the work that still needs to be done.
“This is a story that needs to be told,” says Mark J.P. Hood who stars as Mr. Tambo.
The nearly all African American cast delivers several all-around brilliant performances, doling out tremendous vocal harmony efforts, powerful acting and dance numbers that are both inventive and energetic. Currently running at Stage 773, a mid-sized theatre, the only drawback is that it is easy to envision the musical preformed on a larger stage, sometimes routines appearing a bit crowded. Still, that’s a very small drawback, because the play’s director is able to utilize its given space to maximize this Broadway-sized show effectively, moving boxcars and all.
Denzel Tsopnang and Mark J.P. Hood lead this gifted ensemble along with James Earl Jones II with commanding acting performances that would be hard to beat. The Scottsboro Boys is a real showcase for both Tsopnang and Hood, who flex their versatility while taking on a handful of roles. Veteran actor Larry Yondo, most recently known for his spot-on portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge in Goodman’s “A Christmas Carol”, also puts forth yet another admirable effort as The Interlocutor. With several beautiful vocal harmonies that sweep the house with robust sentiment, it is perhaps “Go Back Home”, a pivotal number that relates to those longing to find peace passionately led by Jones II, that will truly resonate with theatre goers long after the show. Though the vocal finesse is abundant throughout, fourteen-year-old Cameron Goode and Stephen Allen Jr. somehow find room to dazzle us even more.
As jaw dropping as many of the numbers are in their performance, the audience often finds reluctance in their clapping, the weight of the subject matter almost seemingly inappropriate to applaud. But it is in these performances that the story is told so well. A handful of poignant casting twists take place as the white policemen and the woman accusers are played by African Americans.
“The Scottsboro Boys” is a highly recommended theatre experience, both exceptional in its performance and its ever-important message. Wonderfully staged, acted and sung, this is a thoroughly entertaining production that will invoke much thought, inspire bravery and encourage action to be taken long afterwards.
“The Scottsboro Boys” is being performed at Stage 773 through March 12th. For tickets and/or more show information click here.
Reservation Mayhem, One Man, Forty Voices: Mike Newquist Ignites 'Fully Committed' at The Den
14 March 2026 in Theatre in ReviewGet ready - those phones are about to explode, and Sam is already spinning like a top trying to catch…
A Winning Combination: Winning Works at the Museum of Contemporary Art
13 March 2026 in Dance in ReviewIt was the flippant statement heard round the humanities. An errant comment, a sweeping generalization, and another dismissive remark towards…
Grelley Duvall Best Actress - The Chopin Theatre - Through April 12th
13 March 2026 in Now PlayingThe Grelley Duvall Show returns with the world premiere of Grelley Duvall Best Actress, written and conceived by Alex Grelle with Jesse Morgan Young, directed by Kasey…
Larkspur Productions Opens World Premiere of The Posthumous Trial of Giulia Tofana March 20th- April 5th at The Den Theatre
13 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreLarkspur Productions is pleased to announce the world premiere of The Posthumous Trial of Giulia Tofana. Directed by Cheryl Snodgrass, The Posthumous Trial of Giulia Tofana will…
Tuesdays with Morrie - Overshadowed Theatrical Productions - Through March 28th
12 March 2026 in Now PlayingWith stage adaptation of Mitch Albom's powerful New York Times Bestseller, Overshadowed Theatrical Productions will present Tuesdays with Morrie, a stage…
Bluebird Improv brings legendary comedians and improvisers, including two-time Emmy Award nominee Matt Walsh to Chicago's historic Studebaker Theater One night only: Saturday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m.
12 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreChicago's Fine Arts Building is excited to bring the legendary comedians and improvisers of Bluebird Improv to the historic Studebaker Theater (410 S. Michigan Avenue) for…
32C! Our Top Weekend Picks includes Cats, The Play That Goes Wrong and Changing Channels
11 March 2026 in Now PlayingChicago theatre is firing on all cylinders right now, and this weekend lines up three productions that each showcase a…
IDENTITY PERFORMING ARTS Presents Spring Concert 2026 “EFFERVESCENT”
10 March 2026 in Upcoming DanceIdentity Performing Arts presents “Effervescent” with two original dance premieres: “Enthralled" created by Artistic Director, Ginny Ching Yin Lo, and…
World Premiere BOTH from Teatro Vista Productions & Steppenwolf Theatre Company
10 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreSteppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation’s premier ensemble theater company, and Teatro Vista Productions are pleased to announce the world premiere…
IDLE MUSE THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS THE THREE MUSKETEERS, MARCH 26 - APRIL 25 AT THE EDGE OFF-BROADWAY
10 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreIdle Muse Theatre Company launches its 20th anniversary season with The Three Musketeers, March 26 - April 25, written by…
Physical Theater Festival Chicago Announces 2026 Lineup and Companies for its 14th season, June 1 - 7
10 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatrePhysical Theater Festival Chicago is proud to announce the full lineup for its 13th anniversary celebration, June 1 - 7. The Festival…
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND BLUEY’S BIG PLAY RETURNS TO CHICAGO THIS YEAR!
10 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreWackadoo! Following a highly successful global tour, Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad are bringing Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show back to…
Northlight Theatre announces the inaugural season in the company's new home in Downtown Evanston
10 March 2026 in Theatre BuzzNorthlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, proudly announces its inaugural…
Static, Signals, and Surprises: City Lit’s Changing Channels Tunes In
09 March 2026 in Theatre in ReviewThe year is 1952. Television is rapidly gaining popularity over radio, to the delight of some and the disgust of…
Beautifully Produced 'Two Sisters and a Piano,' But Script Misses the Mark
09 March 2026 in Theatre in ReviewIn “Two Sisters and a Piano” written by Nilo Cruz and directed by Lisa Portes, we soon learn these two…
CHUCK SMITH AND HARRY LENNIX REUNITE FOR A MAJOR REVIVAL OF MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM, AUGUST WILSON'S ONLY PLAY SET IN CHICAGO, APPEARING AT THE GOODMAN STARTING MARCH 28
09 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreNearly 30 years after its box-office-record-setting 1997 Chicago premiere production, August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom returns to The Goodman, helmed by Chicago…
Open Space Arts' Chicago premiere of A THIRD WAY, begins Friday, April 3
09 March 2026 in Theatre in ReviewOpen Space Arts has announced casting for its Chicago premiere of A THIRD WAY, a sharply funny, deeply compassionate new play…
Driehaus Museum announces spring activation dates for Brendan Fernandes: In the Round APRIL 10 & 11 AND MAY 6–9, 2026
09 March 2026 in Upcoming DanceThe Driehaus Museum announces the Spring activation dates for Brendan Fernandes: In the Round. As the Museum's first artist-in-residence, Fernandes transforms the Museum's 1926 Murphy Auditorium…
producingbody Announces the Chicago Premiere of SPACEMAN, May 19 - June 13, at The Edge Off-Broadway
09 March 2026 in Upcoming Theatre[producingbody] is pleased to announce the Chicago premiere of Spaceman, by Leegrid Stevens and directed by Eric Slater, May 19 - June 13, at The Edge Off-Broadway, 1133…
A Night in Jellicle Heaven: Music Theater Works Delivers a Stunning 'Cats'
08 March 2026 in Theatre in ReviewAndrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats remains one of musical theatre’s most distinctive creations - a sung‑through, dance‑driven spectacle that swaps traditional…
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring — In Concert - Auditorium Theatre - Through March 14th
06 March 2026 in Now PlayingDue to overwhelming demand, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring — In Concert has added a third performance…
Step inside Bunny’s bedroom in Goodnight Moon, Chicago Children’s Theatre’s immersive 20th season finale, dir. by Mikael Burke, April 11-June 7
06 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreIt’s been more than a decade since Chicago Children’s Theatre presented Goodnight Moon, the popular musical about a bunny who doesn’t…
Celebrate Asian American, Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian Heritage Month with Asian American Arts' EVOLUTION: ASIAN AMERICAN ARTS FESTIVAL, May 2 and 3
06 March 2026 in Theatre in ReviewAsian American Arts Chicago (AAAC) announces the Festival schedule and that tickets are now on sale for EVOLUTION: Asian American Arts Festival, Saturday, May 2 from 12…
Filament Theatre announces world premiere of Farewell Opportunity
06 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreFilament Theatre, the Northwest Side's premier theater for young audiences, is delighted to present the world premiere of Farewell Opportunity from May 2-17,…
TimeLine Theatre Company announces inaugural season at new Uptown home
05 March 2026 in Theatre BuzzTimeLine Theatre Company is thrilled to announce its 2026–27 Inaugural Season in the company’s first permanent home at 5035 N. Broadway…
Her Story Theatre's World Premiere "THE OFFICAL BIOGRAPHY" - Wednesday, April 1 at 7:30 pm at The Den Theatre
05 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreHer Story Theatre has announced the World Premiere of Kurt McGinnis Brown's two-hander THE OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY, to play March 28 –…
POOR POOR LEAR - THE CHOPIN THEATRE - Though March 15th
04 March 2026 in Now PlayingWalkabout Theater Company returns to producing in Chicago with the production that launched the company in 1999, Poor Poor Lear,…
Steppenwolf Theatre Company Announces 2026/27 Season
04 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreSteppenwolf Theatre Company, under the leadership of Artistic Directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis and Executive Director E. Brooke Flanagan, today announced its 2026/27 Season, marking the…
Three Plays to See This Weekend - Shattered Globe Theatre, The Story Theatre and American Blues Theater Should Be High On Your List!
04 March 2026 in Now PlayingChicago theatre‑goers have one of those rare, golden weekends where three very different companies are all firing at full power—each…
TIN DRUM THEATRE COMPANY ANNOUNCES THE CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM FOR THE CHICAGO PREMIERE OF SOUTHERN RAPTURE, JUNE 11 - 28, AT THEATER WIT
04 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreTin Drum Theatre Company is proud to announce the cast and creative team for the Chicago premiere of Southern Rapture at Theater Wit,…
Latest Articles
-
Reservation Mayhem, One Man, Forty Voices: Mike Newquist Ignites 'Fully Committed' at The Den
Written by Ken PayneGet ready - those phones are about to explode, and Sam is already spinning like a top trying to catch every single one. It’s a full‑blown ring‑storm, and he’s diving into it with the hectic energy of someone who knows… -
A Winning Combination: Winning Works at the Museum of Contemporary Art
Written by Kendall RoyzenIt was the flippant statement heard round the humanities. An errant comment, a sweeping generalization, and another dismissive remark towards the arts. While the internet might have lambasted the commentator, the commentary at its core is the erroneous belief or… -
Grelley Duvall Best Actress - The Chopin Theatre - Through April 12th
Written by Buzz Center StageThe Grelley Duvall Show returns with the world premiere of Grelley Duvall Best Actress, written and conceived by Alex Grelle with Jesse Morgan Young, directed by Kasey Foster, choreographed by Erin Kilmurray and Kasey Alfonso and music directed by Aunt Kelly, March 12 - April 12, at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St. The total running… -
Larkspur Productions Opens World Premiere of The Posthumous Trial of Giulia Tofana March 20th- April 5th at The Den Theatre
Written by Buzz Center StageLarkspur Productions is pleased to announce the world premiere of The Posthumous Trial of Giulia Tofana. Directed by Cheryl Snodgrass, The Posthumous Trial of Giulia Tofana will play March 20th- April 5th at The Den Theatre, 1331 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago IL Tickets are on sale at https://thedentheatre.com/performances/2026/3/20/the-posthumous-trial-of-giulia-tofana-the-den-theatre-comedy-club-chicago Murderer. Witch. Savior. Executed in…
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.