Sunday, 13 August 2023 21:15
Where Did We Go Right: The Producers Perfect Performance at NorthShore Theater
Written by Kendall Royzen
Like any Millennial, my playlists are quite eccentric. Firmly planted within the rotation of 90s rap, boy band battles, and classic oldies rests a plethora of show tunes; Hamilton, Wicked, Hairspray, and the occasional song from shows I've never seen. Give me a karaoke mic and Broadway song choices and…
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Theatre in Review
THE LIGHT has a cast of two, placing enormous demands on both actors, but Jazzma Pryor as Genesis and Rich Oliver as her partner Rashad rose to the challenge splendidly. Under the direction of Tim Rhoze, Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre’s Artistic Director, THE LIGHT is an in-depth examination of heterosexual relationships, particularly…
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Theatre in Review
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Thursday, 10 August 2023 11:16
'MJ the Musical' is an Explosively Entertaining Journey Through the Life of a Genius
Written by Kimberly Katz
Chicago is in for a real treat. And based on the full theater at last night’s opening, I think most expected this production would be something special – and it is. MJ the Musical is a lavish production based on Michael Jackson’s amazing life that engages its audience from beginning…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Tuesday, 25 July 2023 21:57
I Reviewed A Play!: Happiness abounds in 'We're in a play” at Marriott Theatre
Written by Kendall Royzen
The first time I read an Elephant & Piggie book I didn’t think highly of it. I thought they were too simple, too cliche. I read one, and didn’t pick up another. Every parent raved about these books. Every small child knew who Elephant & Piggie were, offering their recommendations…
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Theatre in Review
Tuesday, 25 July 2023 12:21
‘No Man’s Land’ - Vintage Pinter and Classic Steppenwolf Excellence
Written by Bill Esler
“No Man’s Land” is vintage Harold Pinter: enigmatic, intriguing, remarkable word play, and loaded with laughs. Steppenwolf has given it a definitive production, set in the soaring library of Hirst, a British aristocrat litterateur who has picked up Spooner, an aging poet, at a pub earlier. Descending into a scotch-soaked…
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Theatre in Review
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Monday, 17 July 2023 12:48
Northlight’s 'Marie and Rosetta' - A Train Bound for Glory
Written by Wesley David
I must admit, I knew nothing about Marie Knight or Rosetta Tharpe. It went over my head when they made an appearance in the critically acclaimed movie “Elvis”. Baz Luhrmann’s inclusion of Rosetta Tharpe and Marie Knight during the Club Handy scene with the likes of Elvis, BB King and…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Monday, 17 July 2023 12:25
CYMBELINE - Shakespeare’s funniest tragedy! MIDSOMMER FLIGHT at various Chicago Parks is Very Highly Recommended
Sarz Maxwell
CYMBELINE? CYMBELINE?? I’d not even heard of Shakespeare’s CYMBELINE. Wikipedia admits it’s “one of Shakespeare’s lesser-know plays”. There’s a great deal of speculation on the whys and wherefores of its obscurity but now I know the answer: CYMBELINE has remained largely unknown because it hadn’t yet been played by Midsommer…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Monday, 10 July 2023 23:19
REVIEW: SPONGEBOB THE MUSICAL AT CHOPIN THEATRE
Written by Anne Rakowiecki
He’s everyone’s favorite optimistic sponge—and he has his own musical. Kokandy Productions' SpongeBob the Musical at the Chopin Theatre is the perfect family summer night out, or the perfect night out for any fan of Nickelodeon’s lovable Bikini Bottom characters. With bright, colorful costumes and staging, this show is busy and…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Friday, 30 June 2023 13:55
Review: 'Another Marriage' at Steppenwolf Theatre
Written by John Accrocco
When Steppenwolf calls themselves an ensemble theatre, they really mean it. Their newest production, ‘Another Marriage,’ is written by ensemble member Kate Arrington. Not only is this Arrington’s debut play, but it’s also Hollywood actress Judy Greer’s Steppenwolf debut. With casting rounded out by regular players Caroline Neff and Ian…
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Theatre in Review
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Thursday, 29 June 2023 10:30
"Oh Boy!" Marriott's 'Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story' amazes in every way
Written by CJ Burroughs
As a Buddy Holly obsessive—glasses tattooed around an arm, email handle for years, a novel and even a podcast someplace or the other—I was beyond thrilled when I learned the fine folks at the Marriott Theatre would be reviving Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, a show I’ve seen quite a…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Sunday, 25 June 2023 16:21
MadKap's 'Hair' at Skokie Theatre - Peace Love and Very Highly Recommended!
Sarz Maxwell
Whenever I review a theatre company for the first time I get a bit of "first date nerves", especially when a suburban company (unabashed City snob, c’est moi) is doing such an iconic show. The stakes were even higher cos this was my first time seeing HAIR – I was…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Tagged under
- MadKap
- Skokie Theatre
- HAIR
- Sam Hook
- Wayne Mell
- NikiCharisse Franc
- Bridgett Martinez
- Aquarius
- Derek Van Barham
- Christa Retka
- Shraga Wasserman
- Joey Chelius
- Alexandria Neyhart
- Justice Largin
- NikiCharisse Franco
- Julie Peterson
- Ben Isabel
- Jonah Cochin
- Jack Chylinski
- Cristian Moreno
- Chevy Dixon Saul
- Hannah Silverman
- Musical
Wednesday, 21 June 2023 14:35
Funny and Menacing, ‘Being Seen’ Is Truly an Actor’s Play
Written by Bill Esler
For those who love theater, “Being Seen” is a delicious window into the heart of the actors’ world. Written and directed by Richard Gustin, with excellent performances by Will Clinger as a sinister director, and Kelly Anne Clark as an auditioning actor, this show at the Den Theatre offers 90…
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Theatre in Review
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Sunday, 18 June 2023 20:32
Look Within, Look Without; Talent Shines for Ruth Page Civic Ballet and Friends at Ravinia
Written by Kendall Royzen
There is something bittersweet of a one-time performance. The single moment in time displaying artistic excellence, be it music, dance, or art, retreats as quickly as it appears. The audience is often left reeling and wrestling with their emotions, reflecting on the performance, and recalling the beautiful moments they witnessed,…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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