Wednesday, 22 November 2017 17:30
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: I’d Rather See the Movie
Written by CJ Burroughs
As I entered the Cadillac Palace Theatre – originally the Orpheum Circuit’s lavish vaudeville flagship before keeping up with the times to become a golden age movie palace – the simple, classy screen that hung over the stage gave me hope for the evening’s entertainment. There was the show’s title…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Thursday, 23 November 2017 01:53
Kid Friendly, Parent Approved: Sleeping Beauty shines at Marriott Theatre
Written by Kendall Royzen
This past week I found myself in a movie theater with reclining seats, an overpriced large popcorn, and a two liter cup of soda all to myself. The movie was awful, but the audience more than made up for the bad comedy. With contagious laughter and witty one-liners, the audience…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Saturday, 18 November 2017 19:21
Reviewing the new hit musical "Escape to Margaritaville" from the seat next to Jimmy Buffett!
Written by Kimberly Katz
In reviewing Jimmy Buffett’s new musical Escape to Margaritaville I was seated in the last row of the Oriental Theatre but since the row was reserved and nearly empty, I settled in for a nice relaxing show with no one coughing on me or knocking my elbow off the armrest. …
Published in
Theatre in Review
Saturday, 18 November 2017 23:38
Firebrand's "Lizzie" a spellbinding theatrical experience that rocks
Written by Ken Payne
It only takes a few moments into Lizzie’s opening number that audience members realize they are in for quite the unusual theatre experience. Haunting, yet beautiful, the creepiness quickly sets in as Lizzie’s four Victorian-clad characters solemnly sing the tale of the infamous Lizzie Borden who was accused of butchering…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Monday, 13 November 2017 01:45
The House Theatre’s "The Nutcracker" is a wonderful holiday treat
Written by Vika Lvova
It’s that magical time of the year when The House Theatre of Chicago brings the inhabitants of Clara’s toy box back to life in their annual all-original The Nutcracker. For the eight’s straight year this exciting Christmas tale brings the spirit of Christmas to the Chopin theatre in Ukrainian village.…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Wednesday, 08 November 2017 05:05
"42nd Street!" wows audiences with thrilling, energetic dance and song!
Written by Kimberly Katz
The current production of 42nd Street at Drury Lane Theater left me breathless! With book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, music by Harry Warren and lyrics by Al Dubin, the newly updated and improved 42nd Street blends different periods of dance from the sixties to the present including some…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Saturday, 11 November 2017 06:28
"This Wonderful Life" is just that - wonderful
Written by Ken Payne
Most of us have seen Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” at some point in their lives. Whether a Holiday tradition or by happenstance as television stations run their yearly marathons, there’s a very good chance you have experienced the heartfelt 1946 film classic starring James Stewart and Donna Reed.…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Sunday, 05 November 2017 19:59
School of Rock at Cadillac Palace will rock your socks off
Written by Vika Lvova
Here comes the feel-good show that both adults and kids will enjoy. Based on the 2003 movie by the same name starring Jack Black, School of Rock-The Musical is featuring music from the movie, as well as an original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Glenn Slater. If…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Friday, 03 November 2017 18:25
Newsies at The Marriott Theatre: Pomp and Papes
Written by CJ Burroughs
Newsies, the Disney film from 1992 by Alan Menken (whose run around the same time of Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin I’d put up against the work of any songwriter, on tape, on film, or on stage), was one I saw back when it hit VHS. But…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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Friday, 03 November 2017 18:16
Review: Wagner’s “Die Walküre” at Lyric Opera
Written by John Accrocco
“I’ve always favored unbridled passions,” sings Wotan in the Lyric Opera’s new production of Richard Wagner’s “Die Walküre” This is the second installment in Wagner’s epic 4-opera cycle “Das Rheingold” Lyric produced the first opera last season and will sequentially include the next two operas in their forthcoming seasons. In…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Playwright Rohina Malik and director Ann Filmer have reunited and have collaborated on something special. Goodman Theatre’s current run of Yasmina's Necklace is one of my favorite plays of 2017. Here's why. In Yasmina’s Necklace, we are treated to a uniquely told love story that is as moving as it…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Wednesday, 01 November 2017 17:07
Review: Welcome to Jesus at American Theatre Company
Written by John Accrocco
Celebrating nearly 35 years in their factory space around the North Center neighborhood, American Theater Company has a knack for taking risks on new works. “Welcome to Jesus” is prefaced with a recorded curtain speech by artistic director Will Davis, “It’s our responsibility to take risks.” And that is absolutely…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Friday, 27 October 2017 18:58
Review: In the Next Room, or the Vibrator Play at Timeline Theatre
Written by John Accrocco
Sarah Ruhl’s ‘In the Next Room, or the Vibrator Play’ returns to Chicago at Timeline Theatre. Directed by Mechelle Moe, this drawing room comedy about the advent of electricity is sure to tickle audiences. Ruhl’s works have often been produced around the city as she’s an Evanston native. She may…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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