Seeing the play Twelve Angry Men, you get exactly that: twelve angry men. Twelve jurors locked in a room on a scorching summer day, wiping sweat from their necks and foreheads, fanning themselves with their hats, gulping down water -- it's the hottest day of the year onstage, and sitting there in…
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Theatre in Review
Sunday, 21 February 2010 20:23
A Fetching New Musical: A Review of 101 Dalmatians
Written by Kendall Hartenstine
Wednesday night I ventured to the historic Cadillac Theatre to partake in some four legged fun at the 101 Dalmatians Musical (I promise I will keep the dog puns/terminology to a bare minimum in this review). Filled with cartoonish-like sets, actors playing humans on stilts and likable songs from Dennis…
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Theatre in Review
Sunday, 14 February 2010 11:10
Take a Picture, it will last Longer: “I Am a Camera” explores photography’s impact
Written by Kendall Royzen
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. But what happens when you combine photography with live art? This is one of the core questions that is explored in the new Neo-Futurist play “I Am a Camera” written and directed by Greg Allen. One of the great things about…
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Theatre in Review
Wednesday, 27 January 2010 19:56
Two Plays Get Dominated by One Heavyweight Actor, Brian Dennehy
Written by Kimberly Katz
Watching Brian Dennehy, still as handsome, graceful and light on his feet at 71 as at 51, I have to ask myself in disbelief, has it really been twenty years since I last saw him perform on the Goodman stage in “The Iceman Cometh”? It seems just like yesterday. The…
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Theatre in Review
Thursday, 21 January 2010 17:25
Tomorrow's only a day away, but Annie won't be in Chicago for long
Written by Kendall Royzen
The story of Annie, the optimistic red-headed orphan, is one that still resonates with the same power and charm today as it did when it melted the hearts of theater-goers on Broadway in 1977...
Published in
Theatre in Review
Once again making a triumphant return to Chicago is Mamma Mia!, now playing at the Rosemont Theatre (5400 N. River Road, Rosemont) through Sunday, January 24th. With a national touring cast that is as energetic as they were talented, Mamma Mia is a wild ride full of catchy ABBA songs,…
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Theatre in Review
Director David Catlin successfully brings Greek mythology to the stage in Lookingglass Theatre’s production of “Icarus”, the story of a boy with wax wings who flew too close to the sun and, well, you can probably guess how that turned out. Lindsey Whiting splendidly plays the young Icarus while other…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Monday, 14 December 2009 15:14
I’ll Drink To That: Bye Bye Liver is a Must-See
Written by Kendall Royzen
If you don’t like drinking with friends, playing drinking games with strangers, or laughter of any sort, better to stay at home than see this show at the Pub Theater. On the other hand, if you love any of those things, than you must see the show that truly understands…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Monday, 14 December 2009 14:38
The Hemmens - Elgin, IL: A Wonderful Place to See a Concert
Written by Kimberly Katz
I recently ventured out to the Hemmens Theater in Elgin, a simple 45-minute drive from downtown Chicago to see one of my favorite rock performers, Rick Springfield, in action and was very pleased with the venue. First of all, the abundance of free and handicapped parking makes for easy entry…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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Monday, 14 December 2009 13:54
Kim Katz' Quick Pick: The Addams Family - Welcome to the Family
Written by Kimberly Katz
Chicago Ford Center/Oriental Theatre I really enjoyed this production starring Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth from start to finish. The play opens with a wonderful group number celebrating daughter Wednesday’s transition from child to woman, in which her pigtails are ceremoniously removed and she is welcomed into the long history…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Never having seen a Steppenwolf production, I didn't know what to expect walking through the Old Town theater's front doors. Upon settling myself in my seat and feeling the room go cooler with the blackening of the lights and the immediate silence that followed, I became aware of greatly liking…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Saturday, 12 December 2009 13:52
Macabre Fun at its Best - The Addams Family: A New Musical
Written by Ken Payne
The classic 1960’s sitcom, “The Addams Family” has radiantly been brought to life in the form of a musical that has its share of laughs, catchy numbers and, of course, the macabre and bizarre. Making its world premier at the Ford Center/Oriental Theatre in Chicago, “The Addams Family: A New…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Thursday, 03 December 2009 12:43
The Day the Music Died: A Review of The Addams Family Musical
Kendall Hartenstine
Yours truly spent Thanksgiving Eve (yes, I am making up a new holiday) at the historic Oriental Theatre for a viewing of the much anticipated Addams Family musical. The show is previewing in Chicago until January 10th where it will make its move to Broadway. The following review may oust…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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