Displaying items by tag: america blues theater
Little Shop of Horrors Makes You Feel Good
Once in awhile a musical comes around so weird that you have to see it to understand it. Based on a 1960 b-movie of the same name, "Little Shop or Horrors" tells the story of a man-eating plant raised by a nerdy guy working in a flower shop. Legendary composers Alan Menken and Howard Ashman collaborated on a musical version of it as a tribute to 60s rock 'n roll and drive-in movies. It started as an Off-Off Broadway show in 1982 and then transitioned to the Off-Broadway Orpheum Theatre, where it ran for five years. The film version followed in 1986 and is considered one of the best movie musicals ever made.
It's no surprise American Blues Theater had to extend their production by popular demand. Jonathan Berry directs an excellent "Little Shop of Horrors" for American Blues Theater with musical direction by Austin Cook. From the get-go, audiences will find themselves caught in the tentacles of this plant tale. Real-life married couple Michael Mahler and Dara Cameron play Seymour and Audrey. Both have incredible voices and make these characters their own. The result is very charming. The stoop urchins: Chiffon, Ronette and Crystal (aptly named after the girl groups they sing in the style of) are so good they may even outshine the plant. Camille Robinson, Jasondra Johnson and Eunice Woods crush their roles as the doo-wop Greek chorus. It seems like these three fantastic voices are having a blast working together. That said, the voice of the man-eating plant, Audrey II, provided by Lorenzo Rush Jr is really powerful, with a contagious evil laugh.
Despite the strong talent on the stage and in the pit, this "Little Shop of Horrors" further succeeds in its well designed set by Grant Sabin. This show requires a good puppet master. Sarah E Ross' Audrey II puppets are awesome. The puppet creates some of the best laughs of the evening, especially in the finale.
Like "Rocky Horror", and "Grease" - the music of "Little Shop of Horrors" makes you feel good. The team behind this musical was also responsible for Disney's string of critically acclaimed animated musicals like "The Little Mermaid" and "Beauty and the Beast." "Little Shop of Horrors" at America Blues Theater is a show you'd have to be a mean, green, mother not to enjoy. (John Accrocco)
Through June 26th at The Greenhouse Theatre. 2257 N Lincoln Ave. 773-404-7336
Theater of the Mind: Not Your Typical Juggernaut
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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
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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
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Sardonic Love In The Time of Gen Z: World Premiere of The Break Up at Rivendell Theatre
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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
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Dear Rhoda, a new play set at Chicago’s Dil Pickle Club, opens January 7 at Theater Wit
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Goodman Theatre Announces Cast of JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN Playing January 23 – February 21
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9th Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival Brings Global Artists to Chicago, January 20-31, 2027
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Steppenwolf's Adirondack Chair Circle: The Joke Lands. Then What?
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Broadway In Chicago presents MAYBE HAPPY ENDING at CIBC Theatre January 5 – 17
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Nov. 23 at the MAC: "An Evening with Gary Sinise" Author of "Graceful Warrior" to Benefit WSFDV
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David Salsbery Fry returns to Chicago Opera Theater for fourth production with company in Chicago Premiere The Importance of Being Earnest - December 2-6
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Rick Bayless, Anthony Rapp, Jeff Tweedy and More Join Goodman Theatre's Holiday Season
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Oil Lamp Academy Announces the Schedule of 2027 Youth and Adult Winter and Spring Class Offerings - Tickets Now On Sale
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Remarkable Production Makes 'The Royale" a Knockout Show
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Socks & Co. - The Edge Theater - Through November 21st
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Artemisia Theatre Announces Cast and Festival Lineup for 2026 WeWomen Play Festival November 16-18
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A Call You Want To Answer: Jerker, Or The Helping Hand speaks volumes in Uptown
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The Apiary - Bramble Arts Loft - Through November 22nd
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Joffrey Ballet's The Nutcracker returns with all-new projections, Dec 4-27
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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
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ROMEO + JULIET FILM IN CONCERT Coming to Broadway In Chicago January 30th, 2027
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Latest Articles
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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,…
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