Displaying items by tag: Watson Swift
A Sensational Powerhouse Show in Gift Theatre’s ‘Rise and Fall of Little Voice’
With a powerful script by Jim Cartwright and knockout performances by every cast member, Filament Theatre’s “The Rise and Fall of Little Voice’” is a must-see. Set in the 1960s at a seaside village in northern England, this play about a young woman, LV (Emjoy Gavino), sequestered upstairs in her tidy bedroom, listening to her late father’s voluminous LP vinyl collection of popular chanteuses of the era that were his favorites of his—Edith Piaf, Shirley Bassey, Judy Garland and others.
Downstairs her mother, Marti Hoff (Alexandra Main), a raging alcoholic, usually wearing last night’s heavy makeup and jewelry, flails through the chaotic mess, screaming up the stairs for LV to turn it down, then collapsing on the cluttered couch. The dilapidated domicile features sketchy electrical, which frequently shorts out in showers of sparks. Yet when the power goes down, the music continues and we are treated to a revelation: LV can perfectly mimic the divas she has listened to for hours. And let me say you will be blown away by Emjoy Gavino’s singing.
Central to the achievement, or any performance of this script, is the musical capabilities of LV. How there can be found actors like Gavino who can act, and mimic perfectly a range of divas—her Billy Holiday is unbelievably convincing—well this is the magical mystery of theater and what separates us spectators from those conjuring the spectacle on the other side of the footlights. (Vocal consultant is Jessie Oliver.)
(from left) Ben Veatch, Alexandra Main. Watson Swift, Julia Rowley and Emjoy Gavino
Directed impeccably by Devon de Mayo and Peter G. Anderson, Gift Theatre has mined “The Rise and Fall of Little Voice” for all its dramatic worth. Largely a story of unresolved grief, and how in this case that grief is addressed, is the core of the play. It's a bit like a mash-up of "Glass Menagerie" and :Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf." As Marti Hoff, Main launches into Cartwright’s soliloquies for a very unhappy person, making them soar compellingly, and in convincing Northern British dialect. (Kudos to Dialect Coach Adam Goldstein.) As the villain of this drama, Main’s performance as Hoff earns our sympathy even as we despise her behavior.
(from left) Emjoy Gavino and Martel Manning
LV’s escape from this toxic environment comes through the offices of telephone installer Billy (Martel Manning), a suitor whose bashful advances are a perfect match for the reticent LV (it stands for Little Voice). Manning’s performance is nuanced and compelling.
Emjoy Gavino in Gift Theatre's 'The Rise and Fall of Little Voice' at Filament Theatre
Two larger-than-life characters also figure large in the action: the stage promoter Ray Say (Ben Veath) and the impresario Mr. Boo (Watson Swift), who each turn in outstanding performances. These two engineer a public performance by LV at a local club, and it's a smash—but it causes LV to crash emotionally.
We mustn’t overlook Sadie May (Julia Rowley), Marti Hoff's silently slavish drinking and dancing buddy. Rowley captures the essence of a character living vicariously through another.
From set design (Hannah Clark), costumes (kClare McKelaston) props (Lily Anna Berman), this production of “The Rise and Fall of Little Voice” will bring you on your feet cheering. Running through October 15 at Filament Theatre, 4101 N. Milwaukee in Chicago, it comes highly recommended. Reach the box office here.
‘Anatomy of a Suicide’ Is Hard to Watch, But Not Because of the Subject
18 August 2026 in Theatre in ReviewPerhaps surprisingly, Anatomy of a Suicide is not an overwhelmingly emotionally gripping play, nor is it horrifying. Instead, it vividly…
Gwydion Theatre Company presents The Chicago Premiere of Por’ Knockers at the Greenhouse Theater’s Studio 44 September 10 - October 4
18 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreThis narrative tracks five individuals within the "People’s Diasporatic Party"—outfitted in corporate attire—as they take refuge in a desolate East…
Oil Lamp's I Love You Because has heart, despite lukewarm romance
17 August 2026 in Theatre in ReviewFinding love has always been a challenge. In Jane Austen’s day, a time governed by strict rules of courtship, couples…
Joffrey Ballet opens its 2026-27 season with Chicago Premiere of John Neumeier's theatrical masterpiece, Liliom, featuring 16-piece live jazz band on stage SEPTEMBER 17-27
17 August 2026 in Upcoming DanceThe Joffrey Ballet opens its 2026-27 season with the Chicago Premiere of John Neumeier's landmark narrative ballet Liliom. Inspired by Ferenc Molnár's 1909 play and…
Detroit ’67 at Pulse Theatre Chicago – September 11-November 1
17 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatrePulse Theatre Chicago proudly announces a defining new chapter in the company's history with the expansion of its artistic leadership,…
Hail Mary/Maria at Theater Wit – A Welcome New Slant on Crossing Over into Adulthood
17 August 2026 in Theatre in ReviewComing of age stories resonate more profoundly when they mirror the lived reality of a real person. That’s why the…
Remy Bumppo Theatre Company Hosts "Exploring The In Between: A Conversation About Mid-Sized Theatres in Chicago," Monday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. at Theater
17 August 2026 in Theatre BuzzRemy Bumppo Theatre Company’s 30th Anniversary Season continues with "Exploring The In Between: A Conversation About Mid-Sized Theatres in Chicago," Monday,…
Shattered Globe Theatre Announces 36th Season
17 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreShattered Globe Theatre (SGT), now under the artistic leadership of Ian Frank, is pleased to announce its 36th Season, featuring three plays that explore the…
M.A.D.D. Rhythms Announces the return of the Chicago Tap Summit this October and other 25th Anniversary Events
17 August 2026 in Upcoming DanceM.A.D.D. (Making A Difference Dancing) Rhythms, Chicago’s premier tap collective, is proud to celebrate its 25th Anniversary at the Chicago Tap…
BLUE MAN GROUP "A NEW HOLIDAY SURPRISE" Coming to Chicago for the Holidays NOVEMBER 24 – DECEMBER 13
17 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is pleased to announce Blue Man Group will bring its first-ever holiday production, "A NEW HOLIDAY SURPRISE," on…
League of Chicago Theatres hosts 2026 Spotlight Gala: Unmask the Night, Embrace the Drama October 19
17 August 2026 in Theatre BuzzThe League of Chicago Theatres will host its annual benefit, the 2026 Spotlight Gala: Unmask the Night, Embrace the Drama at City Hall –…
Broadway In Chicago presents Waitress at JAMES M. NEDERLANDER THEATRE OCTOBER 13 – 18, 2026
17 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is delighted to announce that single tickets for the upcoming engagement of the 10th Anniversary tour of the hilarious…
Otherworld Theatre Boldly Goes Again with Starship Edsel Season 4
17 August 2026 in Theatre in ReviewOtherworld Theatre blasts back into the cosmos with Season 4 of Starship Edsel: An Improvised Star Trek Parody, the latest…
Bernstein’s Score Burns Bright in Music Theater Works’ West Side Story
16 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreSome musicals carry such cultural weight that every new production feels like a referendum on how well a company can…
Gus and Alice Brings Nostalgic, Cozy Comedy
15 August 2026 in Theatre in ReviewTheatre 31 Productions’ Gus and Alice has returned to the Greenhouse Theater Center this month. Written by Chicago playwright Mike Rago,…
From Subway Cars to Chicago Stages: Marcus Monroe at The Comedy Bar
14 August 2026 in Theatre in ReviewSometimes the best way to find a comedian who’s new to you is by stumbling onto a clip that stops…
Jersey Boys coming to CIBC Theatre November 10 - 22
14 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is excited to announce tickets for t he original Tony® & Olivier Award-winning musical sensation, JERSEY BOYS, are now on sale.…
Music Theater Works Announces its 2027 Season
13 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreProducing Artistic Director Kyle A. Dougan and Music Theater Works are proud to announce its 47th season. The 2027 season at the North Shore…
Redtwist Theatre presents Prayer Circle September 17 - November 8
13 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreAward-winning Redtwist Theatre’s new 22nd season, “State of Violence,” begins with Prayer Circle, September 17 - November 8, by Erik Gernand and directed by Executive Artistic Director…
Citadel Theatre presents EUREKA DAY September 11 – Sunday, October 11
13 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreLake Forest's Citadel Theatre has announced the full cast and crew for its season opener - the satirical comedy EUREKA…
Black Ensemble Theater continues its 50th Anniversary Season with the revival of musical revue You Can't Fake the Funk: A Journey Through Funk Music September 5-October 25, 2026
13 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreBlack Ensemble Theater continues its 50th Anniversary Season with the world premiere of You Can't Fake the Funk: A Journey Through Funk…
Jackalope Theatre Company Announces The Cast And Creative Team For The World Premiere of Engines and Instruments of Flight: A Fantasia In Three Acts By Calamity West, November 11 - December 19
13 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreJackalope Theatre Company, presenting the 17th Annual Newspaper Festival, August 20 - 24, is proud to announce the world premiere of Engines and…
The 37th annual Rhinoceros Theater Festival Returns September 20 – October 26 at Six Chicago venues
12 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreCurious Theatre Branch, with co-producers Chicago Danztheater Ensemble, Chicago Dramatists and Labyrinth Club, are pleased to announce the 37th annual Rhinoceros Theater…
Collaboraction announces two major productions at its new House of Belonging in Humboldt Park in 2026-27
12 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreCollaboraction Theatre Company announced today two major productions for its 2026-27 season: the world premiere of Chicago writer Willie Round’s…
A Red Orchid Theatre Opens 34th Season with Chicago Premiere of HEROES OF THE FOURTH TURNING October 29 – December 6, 2026
12 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreA Red Orchid Theatre is pleased open its 34th Season, exploring the theme of "world on fire," with the Chicago premiere of Will…
Open Space Arts to present THE SWALLOW, by Spain's Guillem Clua, September 11 - 27
12 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreOpen Space Arts has announced it will stage the Chicago Premiere of THE SWALLOW - the internationally acclaimed drama by…
CHICAGO HUMANITIES announces full Fall Festival 2026 programming
11 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreChicago Humanities proudly announces the full lineup for its Fall Festival 2026, with conversations ranging from social justice, music, politics, literature, food,…
Tin Drum Theatre Company announces Chicago premiere of A Dark Wood by Eric Coble, Oct. 15–Nov. 1 at Greenhouse Theater Center
11 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreTin Drum Theatre Company is proud to announce the cast and creative team for Chicago premiere for A Dark Wood, October 15 -…
A Red Orchid Theatre Presents Remount of Hit Production BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA September 10 – October 4
11 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreA Red Orchid Theatre is thrilled to announce a remount of its critically-acclaimed, father-daughter drama Birds of North America, returning for a limited…
Young dancers and performers invited to audition for Joffrey Ballet's The Nutcracker, September 10 and 13
11 August 2026 in Theatre BuzzThe Joffrey Ballet holds open auditions for the Children's Cast of Christopher Wheeldon's The Nutcracker at its downtown studios in Joffrey Tower, 10 East…
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Gwydion Theatre Company presents The Chicago Premiere of Por’ Knockers at the Greenhouse Theater’s Studio 44 September 10 - October 4
Written by Buzz Center StageThis narrative tracks five individuals within the "People’s Diasporatic Party"—outfitted in corporate attire—as they take refuge in a desolate East New York residence While the group anticipates the fallout from an orchestrated bombing, hysteria takes hold, exposing the rift between… -
‘Anatomy of a Suicide’ Is Hard to Watch, But Not Because of the Subject
Written by Bill EslerPerhaps surprisingly, Anatomy of a Suicide is not an overwhelmingly emotionally gripping play, nor is it horrifying. Instead, it vividly portrays the slow drip of suffering for Carol, a woman in the grip of depression, living always with suicidal tendencies.… -
Broadway In Chicago presents Waitress at JAMES M. NEDERLANDER THEATRE OCTOBER 13 – 18, 2026
Written by Buzz Center StageBroadway In Chicago is delighted to announce that single tickets for the upcoming engagement of the 10th Anniversary tour of the hilarious hit Broadway musical WAITRESS are on sale now. Featuring music and lyrics by Grammy® Award-winning singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles, WAITRESS will play Broadway In Chicago’s James…
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League of Chicago Theatres hosts 2026 Spotlight Gala: Unmask the Night, Embrace the Drama October 19
Written by Buzz Center StageThe League of Chicago Theatres will host its annual benefit, the 2026 Spotlight Gala: Unmask the Night, Embrace the Drama at City Hall – Recess, 838 W. Kinzie St. on Monday, October 19, 2026. The evening will celebrate the rich legacy of Chicago theatre. More than…
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