Kinky Boots has now come through Chicago a few times and I am glad I finally had a chance to see this musical, being so hyped everything. With lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, I was curious to see how her music would translate to live theater. Based on a true story,…
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Theatre in Review
Friday, 26 August 2016 20:57
A Mother's Perspective on the Lives of Her Kennedys in "Rose"
Written by Ken Payne
Chicago actress Linda Reiter plays Rose Kennedy, matriarch of the Kennedy family in the play "Rose" by Laurence Leamer, with both strength and delicacy. I have seen Linda Reiter around town in many great productions but this is truly her finest and fullest role, deserving of a Jeff Award (the…
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Theatre in Review
Thursday, 18 August 2016 13:37
Simon Slater Thoroughly Engrossing in "Bloodshot"
Written by Ken Payne
From the moment British television star Simon Slater appeared in the lighting to the side of the stage and began to describe in gritty detail the three most common ways to commit suicide, it became apparent this one-man murder mystery thriller was going to be one helluva ride. Gripping from…
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Theatre in Review
Sunday, 14 August 2016 17:08
Dance Back in Time and Meet the Divine Miss M! Bette, Live at the Continental Baths
Written by Kimberly Katz
I thoroughly enjoyed this Hell in a Handbag Production starring the divine Caitlin Jackson, as the “Divine Miss M”, Bette Midler. The show takes us to the early days of Midler's career playing for gay audiences at the Continental baths for two years before her album, The Divine Miss M…
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Theatre in Review
Tuesday, 09 August 2016 18:13
Jackie Wilson Story: Singer’s Greatest Hits Tops the Charts for Black Ensemble Theater
Written by Bill Esler
Singer Jackie Wilson was one of America’s great pop songwriters and vocalists. A vibrant production of The Jackie Wilson Story at the Black Ensemble shows, tells, and sings his story in a celebration that shakes the rafters. This version of The Jackie Wilson Story is even more exciting as an…
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Theatre in Review
Friday, 12 August 2016 12:30
André De Shields’ Confessions of a P.I.M.P. returns to Victory Gardens Theater
Written by Buzz News Chicago
Dennis Začek and Grippo Stage Co., Inc., will present Confessions of a P.I.M.P., written and performed by André De Shields, and directed by Samuel G. Roberson and Dennis Začek. The cast also includes Kimberly Lawson and Donica Lynn. Confessions of a P.I.M.P. runs August 26, 27 at 8pm and August…
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Theatre in Review
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Sunday, 31 July 2016 13:37
Extry, Extry, Read All About It!! “Newsies” is in Chicago!!
Written by Michelle Reidy
Inspired by the Newsboy Strike of 1899, “Newsies” uses the power of dance and song to tell the story of a group of teenagers and children who stand up to the powerful men running the newspapers of New York City, defending the rights of children workers everywhere. Jack Kelly is…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Saturday, 30 July 2016 01:08
A Towering Historic Figure Comes Down to Earth in Lively Douglass
Written by Bill Esler
Douglass is striking from the moment the stage lights go on at Theater Wit. De’Lon Grant commands the stage as the escaped slave, Frederick Douglass – who in his time was a towering intellect among abolitionists, and who remains a powerful influence on public discourse even today. Playwright Thomas Klingenstein…
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Theatre in Review
Tagged under
Sunday, 31 July 2016 14:57
My Son the Waiter, a Jewish Tragedy Filled with Hilarious Insight
Dan Vargas
Brad Zimmerman's one-man show is a one-man wonder. My Son the Waiter, A Jewish Tragedy currently being performed at the Northshore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, takes the audience on a whimsical and hilarious adventure discussing the many common characteristics of what growing up in a Jewish family…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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Earlier this year, The New Colony in collaboration with Definition Theatre, produced a smash hit called 'Byhalia, Mississippi.' The New Colony has done a great deal to insert themselves into the Chicago theater landscape over the past few years. Some of their work has even appeared off-Broadway, as was the…
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Theatre in Review
Friday, 22 July 2016 01:22
Real Chicago Grifters Vie to Survive in Chops – a success of Mametian proportions
Written by Bill Esler
Right out of the gate CHOPS is a winner – in performances, production and script. Playwright Michael Rychlewski captures that ineffable quintessence of Chicago-ese as his three remnants of the 1950s and ‘60s glory days of Rush Street wash ashore at Vince’s bar. Let’s hear it for the casting, too…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Friday, 15 July 2016 12:48
The New Colony’s "Kin Folk" Is A Humorous and Poignant Look into Self-Actualization
Written by Kimberly Katz
Who’s to say how we each should be identified? Whether labeled as a man, woman or even a dragon, those are in fact just that – labels. So why should others tell us how we ought to perceive ourselves? That premise is the foundation in New Colony’s latest production “Kin…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Monday, 18 July 2016 09:47
WOZ: A Rock Cabaret That Falls Short of Expectations
Written by Michelle Reidy
Pinterest fails are an internet sensation, with recognizable side by side pictures illustrating the difference between expectations and reality for the everyday crafter, baker, photographer, etc. It seems that no matter how many of these memes we see, it is still commonplace to set high expectations which risk being let…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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The Title Says it All in Conspirators Remarkable ‘Chicago Cop Macbeth’
Written by Bill EslerIt was a dark and stormy night as I motored to The Conspirators “Chicago Cop Macbeth,” with a fog of dust giving the streets an eerie feel. As the lights came up at the Otherworld Theater, the storm continued, the… -
Hiplet Ballerinas: A Daring Dance Revolution at Auditorium Theatre
Written by Kimberly KatzAn electrifying evening of artistic fusion unfolded at the Auditorium Theatre as Hiplet Ballerinas, the professional company of the Chicago Multi-Cultural Dance Center, dazzled audiences once again with their breathtaking production, Dipped in Versatility. Created by Homer Hans Bryant, Hiplet… -
HAMILTON returns to Chicago in 2026
Written by Buzz Center StageBroadway In Chicago announced today that HAMILTON will return to Chicago for a multi-week engagement beginning March 4, 2026 through April 26, 2026, at the CIBC Theatre (18 W. Monroe). Group tickets for 10+ are available now by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or calling 312-977-1710. Current… -
Blank Theatre’s SWEET CHARITY Charms with Talented Cast and Standout Choreography
Written by Lauren KatzWe are inside the Pompeii Club. From everything Charity has told us, the club is the place to be, and as the scene unfolds, it’s certainly no surprise. Costume Designer Cindy Moon does not hold back. The ensemble is dressed…
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