Monday, 11 April 2016 12:09
No Dusting Off Needed for "Hazel: A Musical Maid in America"
Written by Ken Payne
Who remembers the 1960s TV show “Hazel”? It may not be as easily recollected as such classics as “The Dick Van Dyke Show”, “The Andy Griffith Show” or “I Love Lucy”, but for those who loved 1960s sitcoms back in the day or have been introduced to them thanks to…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Monday, 11 April 2016 09:45
Mary Page Marlowe: a Life Pieced Together with Stagecraft Magic
Written by Bill Esler
How much do we reveal about ourselves to others? In a masterful new Steppenwolf production, title character Mary Page Marlowe gives the short answer: Only what we know. It may sound like an unpromising premise, but in recounting the life of ostensibly ordinary Mary Page Marlowe, a CPA from Dayton,…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Tagged under
There is an expectation when one sees a play that they will be taken on a journey. Audiences want to get lost in a story line, lose all sense of time enjoy the escapism. When an audience is reminded that they are watching a play, however, and that play goes…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Friday, 01 April 2016 22:38
"Fooling Buddha" is a Fantastically Entertaining and Thoughtfully Funny Show - No Fooling!
Written by Kimberly Katz
I've never been much of a magic fan. I'm always nervous for the magician just in case his trick doesn't work. But in Fooling Buddha, David Kovac seemingly does the impossible. Not only are his magic tricks top notch, he actually made me an unafraid appreciator of magic shows AND…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Thursday, 31 March 2016 17:09
Review: Kill Floor at American Theater Company
Written by John Accrocco
Some people can only see what's right in front of them. Abe Koogler explores this theme in his play "Kill Floor" making its Midwestern debut at American Theater Company. The slaughterhouse is a setting once familiarized by Upton Sinclair in his novel "The Jungle." Koogler is updating this disturbing classic…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Friday, 25 March 2016 11:23
A Picture Worth a Thousand Notes: 35MM A Musical Exhibition
Written by Michelle Reidy
Imagine walking through an art gallery, where each piece of art brings up different emotions and makes you think of a different story. Now let each story come to life through intensely raw and emotional songs and you get 35MM A Musical Exhibition, playing at the Circle Theatre through April…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Wednesday, 23 March 2016 10:43
Hershey Felder to Make Triumphant Return As Irving Berlin In Limited Engagement Beginning April 9th
Buzz News Chicago
After a successful run last winter, Hershey Felder will be returning to reprise his role as Irving Berlin in "Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin". Bringing his one man show back to the Royal George Theatre beginning on April 9th, Felder's wonderful production will returning for just one month. Posted below…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Friday, 25 March 2016 12:30
The Bachelors Takes an Unflinching Look Deep into the Male Soul
Written by Bill Esler
Cole Theatre’s adventurous production of The Bachelors takes an unsparing look deep into the male psyche. It is not always easy to watch. It’s amazing how well playwright Caroline McGraw manages to capture the flavor of men’s behavior when they are away from women. (Was she hiding behind a couch?)…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Wednesday, 16 March 2016 15:18
Recent Tragic Events: A Blind Date That Becomes So Much More
Written by Ken Payne
Blind dates can be interesting enough but add in a few surprises and things can get pretty uncomfortable in a hurry. In Recent Tragic Events we meet a couple, Waverly and Andrew, who gets together for a date on the recommendation of mutual friends and as the night progresses they…
Published in
Theatre in Review
More...
Based on the 1988 cult film “Heathers” starring Wynona Ryder and Christian Slater, the talented cast of “Heathers: The Musical” bursts onto the stage with enough energy to "bully" the audience right back into the mean late 80's when this particular tale of murder in high school first raised the…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Friday, 11 March 2016 11:17
42nd Street: Come and Enjoy Those Dancing Feet
Written by Michelle Reidy
The curtain rises about two and a half feet, revealing the iconic image of fifty or so legs clad in tap shoes of every color of the rainbow. And with that, the tap dancing spectacle of 42nd Street begins with an exciting, energy-packed dance number as Broadway hopefuls dance their…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Friday, 11 March 2016 10:14
The New Sincerity at Theater Wit Is Clever, Honest and Very Funny
Written by Kimberly Katz
Filled with clever and rapid-fire dialogue exchanges, The New Sincerity is a fast-moving comedy written by Alena Smith, one of the nation’s top young, up and coming women writers. The play’s title is explained well in its press release - "Erudites among us know "New Sincerity" is an actual term…
Published in
Theatre in Review
You know it's been a strong performance when you find yourself cringing in your seat from the action onstage. Just such an evening I had watching Irish Theater of Chicago's In a Little World of Our Own. This play by Gary Mitchell set during the Irish "Troubles" premiered in 1998,…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Register
Login
Latest Articles
-
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…
Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.