What’s the line between faith and reason? That’s the question at the center of playwright John Pielmeier’s contemporary classic ‘Agnes of God’. The reliable ensemble at Redtwist Theatre creates an atmospheric production that leaves an indelible impression. ‘Agnes of God’ tells the story of a young, mentally impaired nun who…
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Theatre in Review
Thursday, 08 June 2023 10:55
Escape Reality and Laugh With Second City’s ‘Don’t Quit Your Daydream’
Written by Bree Samani
Second City’s Don’t Quit Your Daydream is a dream you won’t want to wake up from. I gotta say this show brought me to tears… of laughter. Once the lights dim, you are welcomed with a groovy dance opening and then dive into back-to-back comedy sketches. This show captures all…
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Theatre in Review
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West Side Story is just as exciting, vibrant, and moving today as it was when it was first created in 1957. Filled with timeless songs and choreographed dance numbers that are as original as they are visually stunning, West Side Story continues to delight audiences old and new, and Lyric…
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Theatre in Review
Saturday, 03 June 2023 11:48
Review: Pippin at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts
Written by CJ Burroughs
Fun fact. I went into Music Theater Works’ production of Pippin knowing the songs, knowing the show, and knowing I’d have a good time. But afterwards, I learned from my daughter, herself a current member of Scotch’n’Soda Theatre, Carnegie Mellon University’s student theater troupe, that the beloved musical didn’t just…
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Theatre in Review
Friday, 02 June 2023 09:54
Good Beyond Words: Cirque du Soleil Returns to Chicago with ‘Corteo’
Written by Bill Esler
After a four-year hiatus, Cirque du Soleil, the ever-inventive circus troupe, has returned to Chicagoland with its latest show, “Corteo.” Founded in Montreal in 2005, Cirque transforms ordinary circus stuff— trapeze performances, acrobatics and gymnastics—through costuming, music, and a continuing storyline into pure stage magic. This has garnered Cirque a…
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Theatre in Review
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Monday, 22 May 2023 13:56
Let the Weeping Cease, “The Gospel At Colonus” Opens at Court Theatre
Written by Wesley David
After an unexpected delay due to Covid-19, a most anticipated musical has finally opened at the Court Theatre. “The Gospel At Colonus” is the second installment of Sophocles’ Theban Trilogy. The first, “Oedipus Rex” was produced by Court Theatre during the 2019/2020 season to rave reviews. The Third, “Antigone” has…
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Theatre in Review
Sunday, 21 May 2023 13:18
Review: Invictus Theatre Company's 'The Crucible' at Reginald Vaughn Theatre - Very Highly Recommended!
Sarz Maxwell
Do not see THE CRUCIBLE to unwind after a hard week. Do not take a blind date to THE CRUCIBLE. If you couldn’t get tickets to Second City, do not attend THE CRUCIBLE as a backup. But in any other circumstances whatsoever, DO see THE CRUCIBLE at Invictus Theatre. Even…
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Theatre in Review
King Solomon once wrote there is nothing new under the sun, I will also add, there are no new stories to be told. The only difference is how the stories are told. Chicago playwright Joshua Allen with the second installment of his Grand Boulevard Trilogy is proving himself to be…
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Theatre in Review
Playwright Joel Tan named this play for the book And Tango Makes Three, a true story about the two male penguins in Central Park Zoo who as a couple hatched and raised Tango – who, just by the way, later paired with another female penguin. But we’re not here to…
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Theatre in Review
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Wednesday, 17 May 2023 08:41
With Fabulous Frivolity, Serious Shakesperean Actor Brings a New Lens to the Canon
Written by Bill Esler
Will WIlhelm, a trans actor with a serious bent for Shakespeare, takes us on a provocative journey through the playwright’s works that is both funny and eye opening. About Face Theatre’s “Gender Play or What You Will” is accompanied by plenty of witty dish. But this seemingly light-hearted two-hours also…
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Theatre in Review
Sunday, 14 May 2023 15:07
Running On Little Sleep, Love, and Mom Water; MotherFreakingHood! delights at Mercury Theater
Written by Kendall Royzen
It's Mother's Day today and you know what that means, It's the day we honor those who rock cool mom jeans. Don't pretend you don't own some, they're back in fashion, ya know, So don those old favorites and step out for a show. …
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Theatre in Review
Wednesday, 10 May 2023 13:41
What Makes a Man? ‘Antonio’s Song’ at Goodman Theatre Takes a Very Real Look
Written by Bill Esler
Striking and enveloping, “Antonio’s Song/I Was Dreaming of my Son” is the most honest and accurate portrayal of how men are formed emotionally that I have ever seen. While it’s the particular story of Antonio Edwards Suarez, its authenticity raises it to the universal, in my view. Saurez is a…
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Theatre in Review
Sunday, 07 May 2023 12:37
Mind blowing 'FAIRVIEW' By Definition Theatre at The Revival
Written by Wesley David
I’m going to do my best to not provide any spoilers in my review of “Fairview” the 2019 Pulitzer Prize winning play by Jackie Sibblies Drury. It’s going to be hard. Definition Theatre’s production under the direction of Tyrone Phillips will certainly challenge its audience. This production starts in heightened…
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Theatre in Review
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Midsommer Flight to present free production of Shakespeare’s ROMEO AND JULIET, June 28 – August 4 in six Chicago parks
Written by Buzz Center StageMidsommer Flight, a company that has brought free performances of Shakespeare's plays to Chicago Park District parks since 2012, will present a fully staged ROMEO AND JULIET - one of the Bard's most popular tragedies - as its 2024 free Shakespeare… -
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Token Theatre to produce new play directed by Emmy winner Alan Muroaka
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Review: Murder in the Cathedral at City Lit Theater
Written by Sarz MaxwellI arrived at City Lit Theater’s MURDER IN THE CATHEDRAL expecting a heavy, serious, doubtless thought-provoking but rather intimidating major work of literature. By the end of the performance, I wanted to rush out, buy the book and read it…
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