In Strawdog Theatre’s final performance at the popular northside theatre bar, Hugen Hall, we are presented with Elizabeth Lovelady’s world premiere adaptation of Rudolph Mate’s film noir thriller D.O.A. Intrigue is the name of the game in this whodunit and audience members are kept guessing to the end. When Frank…
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Theatre in Review
Sunday, 06 March 2016 15:41
Trip the Light Fantastic: A Modern Dance Super Hero Saga
Written by Michelle Reidy
Have you ever wondered what would happen if a group of washed up superheroes decided to put their powers to use in a new way – a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the world in a slightly less fantastic way? And, what if they were modern dancers? Well so did…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Sunday, 06 March 2016 21:24
Minority Report Meets 12 Angry Men in The Compass at Steppenwolf
Written by Bill Esler
The Compass, a powerful Steppenwolf for Young Adult premiere, concerns an Entrepreneur (Tim Hopper) who has launched the Compass app, a seemingly harmless and fanciful social media tool aimed at saving users the nuisance of worrying over minor decisions, like which shirt to wear today. Trouble ensues, however, when Marjan,…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Sunday, 06 March 2016 10:19
Those Sensational Soulful 60's A Fitting Tribute That Truly Inspires
Written by Ken Payne
Black Ensemble Theater does it again, and by that I mean provides a thoroughly engaging and inspirational experience, this time with their latest production Those Sensational Soulful 60’s. Beautifully written and directed by the talented Jackie Taylor, Soulful 60’s takes a peek at the heyday of Motown music featuring music…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Thursday, 25 February 2016 11:47
Romeo and Juliet, So Romantic it Will Make You Want to Fall in Love Again
Written by Kimberly Katz
On the 400th year anniversary of William Shakespeare's death Lyric Opera of Chicago appropriately chose to commemorate the famed playwright’s life by putting on an outstanding production of Romeo and Juliet. Helping to make this such a special piece of operatic theatre, Joseph Calleja and Susanna Phillips as the tragically…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Friday, 26 February 2016 14:18
If/Then: Will Leave You Asking "What If...?"
Written by Michelle Reidy
If/Then is a contemporary musical that deals with the challenging question of “What if…?”. Through powerful singing and dynamic staging, it tells us two parallel stories of Elizabeth, a divorcee moving back to New York City after many years away. One day, in Madison Square Park, she has to make…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Saturday, 27 February 2016 19:43
Neo-Futurists' Pop Waits: Electrifying As It Is Stimulating
Written by Ken Payne
Pop Waits, currently being performed at the Neo-Futurarium, is a smart and innovative production that takes audience members on a journey into the psyche of rock stars Iggy Pop and Tom Waits. Co-created by Molly Brennan and Malic White, the two are also featured in this well-written play/musical, each giving…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Tuesday, 23 February 2016 19:17
Hilariously Stupefying - Marc Salem's Mind Over Chicago
Written by Ken Payne
Kinesics. As defined in the programs that are handed out at Marc Salem’s Mind Over Chicago, kinesics is a systematic study of the relationship between nonlinguistic body motions (such as blushes, shrugs, or eye movement) and communication. In other words, Marc Salem knows when you are lying despite what might…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Monday, 15 February 2016 17:38
Far from Heaven: When Does Marriage Meet A Dead End?
Written by Kimberly Katz
This excellent stage production of the 2013 musical Far from Heaven was based on Todd Haynes‘ 2002 motion picture of the same name. Far from Heaven is set in 1957 Hartford, Connecticut, well before the advent of the sexual revolution. Cathy Whitaker played by Summer Naomi Smart discovers that her…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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It's hard to make popcorn look unappetizing, but "The Flick" succeeds. Annie Baker's Pulitzer Prize winning play, begs the question, are you actually friends with the people you work with? Under the direction of Dexter Bullard, The Steppenwolf Theatre confronts this challenging new play. The play begins in the dark…
Published in
Theatre in Review
What happens when a 1970s dance diva goes into hiding as a nun in a neighborhood parish, you might ask? Well, let’s just say she definitely makes an impact. After Delores witnesses a murder by her boyfriend (a gangster who is married), the sassy disco queen is thrust into a…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Wednesday, 17 February 2016 23:00
In the Story Behind ‘The Butler,’ Alonzo Fields Gets His Due, ‘Looking Over the Presidents Shoulder’
Written by Bill Esler
Key to the craft of an actor is learning the lines. In a 70-minute solo show where the star talks non-stop, that's a lot to learn, let alone deliver convincingly, and compellingly. Going well beyond that accomplishment, Manny Buckley is due accolades for his performance in American Blues Theater's "Looking…
Published in
Theatre in Review
How do you categorize a musical that is part comedy, part drama, and part burlesque? The answer is: you don't need you. Like Kander and Ebb's later popular Broadway hit Chicago, Cabaret uses flashy and often funny nightclub performance as a device to embellish and expound upon the more serious…
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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