I chose to review LIGHT SWITCH because the play sounded intriguing, and also because every production I’ve seen at Open Space Arts (OSA) has been excellent. OSA can be relied upon to deliver thought-provoking, enlightening and captivating pieces played by super-talented actors. LIGHT SWITCH was no exception. LIGHT SWITCH tells…
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Theatre in Review
Sunday, 15 September 2024 12:41
Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s HENRY V Features Stunning Design and Standout Cast
Written by Lauren Katz
It’s the top of Act IV, and King Harry (Elijah Jones) stands alone on stage. The lights are dim – save for a spotlight, leaving the surrounding empty benches in shadow. His soldiers have all exited, each more excited than the one before him as they run off to battle…
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Theatre in Review
Saturday, 14 September 2024 12:17
Review: Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 at Writers Theatre
Written by John Accrocco
“Gonna have to study up a little bit if you wanna keep up with the plot ‘cause it’s a complicated Russian novel,” so says the prologue in Writers Theatre’s Chicago premiere of ‘Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812’. Don’t let the complicated Russian novel part scare you off…
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Theatre in Review
Sunday, 08 September 2024 18:24
'South Pacific' Soars Musically with Classic Romance and Drama
Written by Kimberly Katz
South Pacific, with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein, is undoubtedly one of my all-time favorite musical theater pieces. This beautiful, lengthy show features some of the most enduring and heartwarming classic Broadway hits of romance ever written, including “Bali Ha’i,” “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m in Love…
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Theatre in Review
Tuesday, 10 September 2024 14:09
Review: Beneath The Willow Tree at The Den Theatre
Written by Wesley David
“To love the beauty of the mistakes….the imperfect.” Isis Elizabeth, Playwright In Beneath The Willow Tree, playwright Isis Elizabeth weaves an emotionally rich tapestry that examines the intricacies of familial bonds, generational trauma, and the delicate interplay between tradition and change. Set in the heart of the Louisiana Bayou, the…
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Theatre in Review
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Monday, 09 September 2024 13:14
He Was Really This Good: ‘Royko’ at Chopin Nails Essence of This Influential Chicago Writer
Written by Bill Esler
Mike Royko is a seminal influence on—and expression of—Chicago culture. Even today, if many locals might not know who Royko was, millions across the country do—his column was syndicated in 600 newspapers. The Pulitzer prize-winning columnist published non-stop for 30 years, starting at the now defunct Chicago Daily News, moving…
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Theatre in Review
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Friday, 06 September 2024 11:05
Outstanding Performances Make 'This Is Our Youth' a Winning Production
Written by Bill Esler
“This Is Our Youth,” with mesmerizing performances by Kason Chesky as Warren, Grayson Kennedy as Dennis, and Annalie Ciolino as Jessica, is still vital and fresh nearly thirty years after its Off Broadway premiere. Playwright Kenneth Lonergan set it in 1982 during the Reagen era, but these 48 hours in…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Wednesday, 04 September 2024 11:54
The Marvel Universe: ‘House of Ideas’ Explores Stan Lee and Jack Kirby Creative Tension
Written by Bill Esler
“The House of Ideas,” directed by Terry McCabe, is an aptly named recount of the rise of Marvel Comics and its two driving forces: Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. The Marvel Universe has indeed become a dominating force in creative media, spawning blockbuster films, hit TV series, and a world…
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Theatre in Review
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Friday, 30 August 2024 14:57
'[Title of the Show]' Is a Hilarious Musical About Writing a Musical In A Hurry
Sarz Maxwell![Lexi Alioto (left), Casey Coppess, Shannon McEldowney, and Jonah Cochin in "[title of the show]" at PrideArts Theatre through September 22, 2024.](/media/k2/items/cache/bddddad8eeb01fc98a40503c7ca4463f_S.jpg)
I think I’d better begin by answering some questions, starting with ‘WTF is the title of this show?’ to which I respond, the title actually is "[title of show]." The play was conceived by a pair of artists in NYC, Jeff Bowen (Jonah Cochin) and Hunter Bell (Casey Coppess). Upon…
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Theatre in Review
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Though Larry Kramer did not live to see the end of the 2020 COVID-19 lock downs, no doubt his contributions to the 1980s AIDS outbreak inspired a new generation to demand accountability for what is widely regarded as a botched response. Larry Kramer was known as a firebrand who often…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Friday, 23 August 2024 11:25
'Network' at Invictus Theatre Co. is one fun, funny, exciting show
Written by Bill Esler
“Network” at Invictus Theatre Co. is one fun, funny, exciting show. In this full-throttle Chicago debut at the WIndy City Playhouse on Irving Park Road, we get a powerhouse rendering of Lee Hall’s script. Adapted to the stage in 2017 for a London production from the Oscar-winning 1976 screenplay by…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Sunday, 11 August 2024 14:26
Paramount Theatre’s PETER AND THE STARCATCHER is Filled with Magic and Wonder
Written by Lauren Katz
It’s dark on the Neverland ship, and Molly, Prentis, Ted, and Boy are hiding in a corner – waiting for the coast to clear. As they huddle and watch, the four begin talking about dreams. All have experienced their fair share of hardships, but for the briefest moment, they look…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Tuesday, 13 August 2024 10:50
REVIEW: SONDHEIM TRIBUTE REVUE BY 4 CHAIRS THEATRE
Written by Anne Rakowiecki
We are all lucky that we’ve gotten to live at the same time and in the same timeline as Stephen Sondheim, possibly the most influential and important composer and lyricist in modern Broadway history. From his most popular musicals — Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Into the…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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A WONDROUS SOUND - Orchestra and Chorus of the Chicago Lyric Opera is a wondrous compilation of the best of the best!
Written by Sarz MaxwellThe repertoire for this fabulous program - A WONDROUS SOUND, showcasing the full force of Lyric’s amazing orchestra and chorus, was developed in collaboration between Lyric Conductor Enrique Mazzola and Chorus Director Michael Black. The orchestra started it off with… -
Stellar Performances in “Prayer for the French Republic”
Written by Bill EslerEarly in the first act I whispered to my companion and said “I love this!” Extremely well written by Joshua Hartman with stellar performances directed by Jeremy Wechsler, “Prayer for the French Republic” (a Northlight Theatre Theatre Wit co-production) attempts… -
Citadel's 'A Jukebox for the Algonquin" - The Reality of Life in a Senior Center sets the Stage for Tunes, Friendship and Rebellion!
Written by Kimberly KatzCitadel’s latest production, A Jukebox for the Algonquin, truly captured my heart. It’s a refreshing reminder that as we age, life doesn’t lose its spark—it merely shifts to a new rhythm, one filled with laughter, camaraderie, and unexpected joys. This… -
A Night to Remember Aboard Marriott Theatre’s Titanic
Written by CJ BurroughsAs a lifelong aficionado of the ill-fated ocean liner RMS Titanic, I’ve always gravitated toward any experience that would leave me feeling immersed in that famous moment of an era that nobody any of us knows anymore is alive to…
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