It's been two years since the California band, Incubus, charmed Chicagoan's with a stellar performance on the scenic Charter One stage. For anybody who attended in 2009, the set was amazing - complete with a great light set, killer vocals, instrumental perfection, and an ensued misty rain that only enhanced the experience further. Fast forward to 2011 and Incubus is back with a new album, If Not Now, When? , and they are ready to grace the stage yet again for another incredible show. The set will include classic Incubus songs, as well as new material for hungry Chicago fans. Opening for Incubus is Tom Morello, former vocalist of Rage Against the Machine, making this show one worth catching. Everything kicks off at 7:30PM on Sunday, August 21st, 2011.

Tickets are still on sale for both general admission and the seating area, so grab yours before it's too late and I'll see you there!

Check Incubus out at www.enjoyincubus.com

The University of Chicago's very own, Court Theatre, was decorated with an array of scattered paintings, brilliant lighting, skinny doors, and fitted trash on Saturday, September 25th, as I sat down for Director Sean Graney's witty adaption of William Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors, showcasing until October 17th, 2010. As I existed among a full room of spectators, I found myself readily open to be not just amused, but impressed. The cast consisted of six exceptional performers at any given time, bringing to life twenty animated characters that had the audience filling the air with laughter. Not only were my expectations met, but they were exceeded.

With some modern Graney renovations, The Comedy of Errors presented itself ninety minutes straight, and kept a consistency of clever puns throughout the time allotted. Elizabeth Ledo started the play out with high energy, entering stage right on a scooter as a towncrier who warns the people of Ephesus that none from Syracuse are welcome. Subsequently, the plot unfolds to reveal two unrelated twins, played by Alex Goodrich and Erik Hellman, from Syracuse who arrive in Ephesus in search of their identical brothers, also played by Goodrich and Hellman, which causes much confusion amongst the Ephesus townspeople (especially considering the sets of twins share the same names: Dromio and Antipholus). Significant others, friends, merchants, and even the police of Ephesus find themselves confused on what to make of the utter chaos that is bestowed upon the stage. The humor is endless, and sometimes pushes the envelope, which I loved. Somehow the ending out-did itself, as the confusion is resolved and the lights paint the stage for a dance party while the six actors do lightening quick costume changes, allowing a variety of characters to be involved in the ending. When the final bows were taken I sat in my seat for a moment hoping that I could watch the play just once more before heading back home.

Aside from an eye-catching stage arrangement, a gifted director, and a hilarious plot, this play had what is most necessary for a stellar show: notable performers. Kurt Ehrmann played four characters, including Dr. Pinch and the Courtezan, all of which had me laughing out loud. He delivered unfailing amusement for the viewers, as well as an eye full that no one saw coming. Elizabeth Ledo tackled four characters, her most memorable being Luciana and Luce. Ledo was not shy to step out of her shell and show everybody what she was capable of. In return, her enthusiasm drove her characters as far to the brink as possible, and left admiration from the crowd. The only other female performing alongside Ledo was Stacy Stoltz, who shined in her role as Antipholus' significant other, Adriana, a whiny wife with no clue as to which Antipholus is which. Also filling the stage with three characters to play was Steve Wilson, who created such a strong presence with not only his amusing facial features, but his ability to deliver well executed farce comedy for the crowd. Handling the main characters (as well as other roles) were Hellman and Goodrich, as mentioned earlier. Both actors did a wonderful job of winning over the audience in belief. Hellman did a fantastic job with his roles, and I enjoyed that his twin characters had different accents that he managed to keep straight. As a closet critic, I had a personal preference towards Goodrich's style of presence on the stage, everything from his faces to his voices had me wishing he was on a television sitcom so that I could watch him more. Everybody did a great job of highly entertaining me.

If you are wanting to do something new, or just laugh, I fully recommend stopping by Court Theatre to see The Comedy of Errors while it is still playing. If you miss it, then I am sorry, because great plays aren't as common as your favorite television show. The entire show was made possible with the help of raw talent - director, actor, and even the behind the scenes crew. Yet again, Chicago has not failed to disappoint me with what it has to offer.