Wednesday, 13 December 2023 13:12
Review: The Hip Hop Nutcracker at Cadillac Palace
Written by Betsy Schmitt
As someone who has seen Tchaikovsky’s timeless holiday classic, The Nutcracker, performed many times over, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect last night at the Cadillac Palace’s presentation of The Hip Hop Nutcracker. But after experiencing the grandeur and soaring beauty of Tchaikovsky’s magical musical tale of a young…
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Theatre in Review
Tuesday, 12 December 2023 13:35
A Night of Intrigue in a Top Flight Production of ‘Dial M for Murder’
Written by Bill Esler
There’s no mystery to “whodunit” in Northlight Theatre’s current production of “Dial M for Murder.” The audience watches a murder planned, while also being privy to the motivations of all the major characters. But there is plenty of suspense and intrigue as we watch Inspector Hubbard (Nick Sandys is spectacular)…
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Theatre in Review
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Monday, 11 December 2023 19:50
Light + Joy = Holiday Perfection; The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show at Auditorium Theatre
Written by Kendall Royzen
It’s a truth universally known that the holidays aren’t always a great time for everyone. Holiday traditions and expectations can often leave us feeling emotionally void or overwhelmed, particularly with how bleak 2023 has been for so many. But in every darkness there is joy to be sparked and light…
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Theatre in Review
Friday, 08 December 2023 14:21
BOOP! Betty Boop dazzles Chicago on it's way to Broadway success!
Written by Kimberly Katz
I remember Betty Boop the cartoon character because she was my mom's favorite female cartoon as the sexy, saucy 1930's flapper who had men chasing her around town in her voluptuous, tight-fitting dresses - and this wonderfully staged musical does a brilliant job in bringing her to life! Jasmine Amy Rogers…
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Theatre in Review
Friday, 08 December 2023 12:41
Cirque du Soleil’s ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE Dazzles with Holiday Magic
Written by Lauren Katz
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; Many are at least somewhat familiar with Clement Clark Moore’s famous poem,…
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Theatre in Review
Thursday, 07 December 2023 22:03
'Caveman Play' a Theatrical Confection But Deceivingly Substantial
Written by Bill Esler
“Caveman Play” by Savannah Reich is a delightful confection that delves into weighty matters—the state of the earth, the fundamental challenges of civilized life—but avoids the angst. In just 70 minutes, Reich takes us back to our primordial past, when humans first began to drop their roles of hunting and…
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Theatre in Review
Tuesday, 05 December 2023 14:19
'Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay!' by Dario Fo Incredibly Funny and a Complete Surprise
Written by Bill Esler
“Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay!" by Dario Fo is incredibly funny and a complete surprise. I’d seen one other hilarious play based on a Daniel Fo script, “Accidental Death of a Black Chicago Motorist,” but that liberally adapted work by The Conspirators hadn’t prepared me for how funny this 1997 Nobel…
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Theatre in Review
Sunday, 03 December 2023 14:06
'AMAZE' AT THE RHAPSODY THEATER - A Magical Blend of Tradition and Technology
Written by Wesley David
Going through the doors of the Rhapsody Theater on Morse Avenue is like stepping through a time portal. The 1919 theater was gorgeously renovated last year from a wedding and events venue back to the stunning theatre it was meant to be. There is a large dark mahogany bar serving…
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Theatre in Review
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Sunday, 03 December 2023 13:37
The Golden Girls Save Xmas Once Again with Handbag's Heartfelt Comedic Expertise!
Written by Kimberly Katz
I've been a devoted fan of David Cerda's Hell in a Handbag Productions for so many of the 23 years they have been in Chicago, and I still get the same great feelings whenever I attend one of their award-winning camp comedy/musical shows. Having grown up in Miami, Florida with my Golden…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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Thursday, 30 November 2023 13:00
It Truly Is A Whiz of A Wiz If Ever A Wiz There Was
Written by Wesley David
“The Wiz”, a retelling of the classic, L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was the perfect show for its time when it opened on Broadway in 1975. Despite a closing notice posted on its opening night, it went on to win seven Tony Awards including Best Musical. This was in…
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Theatre in Review
Thursday, 30 November 2023 18:23
We'll Have a Blue Christmas; Christmas With Elvis at the Chopin Theatre
Written by Kendall Royzen
As twinkling Christmas lights return to Michigan Avenue and holiday themed bars pop up in trendy neighborhoods, Chicagoans are kicking off their pre-winter days by flocking indoors. Fortunately for us, Chicago theatre continues to deliver an exceptional lineup of classic holiday favorites and new ingenues hoping to become a staple…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Tuesday, 28 November 2023 13:18
Goodman Theatre’s ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’ A legendary extravaganza …and a future opportunity
Sarz Maxwell
Charles Dickens wrote A CHRISTMAS CAROL in December 1843, and by February 1844 London stages were mounting productions of the work. A CHRISTMAS CAROL is a classic, encompassing all those things we say about ‘classics’: it is iconic and traditional; it’s popular and precious (I’m flashing on Gollum as Jacob…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Sunday, 26 November 2023 15:46
Review: 'The Snow Queen' at Marriott Theatre
Written by Betsy Schmitt
Just in time for the season’s first snowfall and the holidays, the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire serves up a delightful rockin’ adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen, perfect for the entire family as its finale for the 2023 children’s theatre season. Billed as the story that inspired the…
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Theatre in Review
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