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…
Published in
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…
Published in
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…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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…
Published in
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. …
Published in
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…
Published in
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…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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Thursday, 04 May 2023 14:33
'TV Land' an Irreverent Look at the Screens Dominating our Lives
Written by Bill Esler
“TV Land,” a sextet of short comedies playing May 6, 7 and 8 at The Vault on Fulton Street, is a bit like the television that inspired it, with highs and lows but enough hearty laughs to recommend it. An immersive theater event, "TV Land" puts the audience in the…
Published in
Theatre in Review
As we drove away from Lifeline Theatre I asked my companion what she thought of From the Mississippi Delta. “I have no words yet,” she said. “I’m still just reveling in delight.” This play is indeed delightful. Even when eleven-year-old Phelia is raped; even when she and Aunt Baby are…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Ever since my folks saw the Tony-winning production of Big River on Broadway when I was little and brought home the soundtrack on vinyl, the Roger Miller-penned musical has been my favorite. It not only acted as a gateway for young me to become a fan of Broadway, but it…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Friday, 28 April 2023 15:11
‘In the Back on the Floor’ — Work, Pain and Corporate Slaying
Written by Bree Samani
“We make the most money and take the most shit.” I’m sure most of us can relate to this line. We've all been there, working a minimum-wage job and getting nothing in return. Written by Ken Green and directed by Rachel Van, In the Back/On the Floor accurately portrays the…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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