Monday, 17 July 2023 12:25
CYMBELINE - Shakespeare’s funniest tragedy! MIDSOMMER FLIGHT at various Chicago Parks is Very Highly Recommended
Sarz Maxwell
CYMBELINE? CYMBELINE?? I’d not even heard of Shakespeare’s CYMBELINE. Wikipedia admits it’s “one of Shakespeare’s lesser-know plays”. There’s a great deal of speculation on the whys and wherefores of its obscurity but now I know the answer: CYMBELINE has remained largely unknown because it hadn’t yet been played by Midsommer…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Monday, 10 July 2023 23:19
REVIEW: SPONGEBOB THE MUSICAL AT CHOPIN THEATRE
Written by Anne Rakowiecki
He’s everyone’s favorite optimistic sponge—and he has his own musical. Kokandy Productions' SpongeBob the Musical at the Chopin Theatre is the perfect family summer night out, or the perfect night out for any fan of Nickelodeon’s lovable Bikini Bottom characters. With bright, colorful costumes and staging, this show is busy and…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Friday, 30 June 2023 13:55
Review: 'Another Marriage' at Steppenwolf Theatre
Written by John Accrocco
When Steppenwolf calls themselves an ensemble theatre, they really mean it. Their newest production, ‘Another Marriage,’ is written by ensemble member Kate Arrington. Not only is this Arrington’s debut play, but it’s also Hollywood actress Judy Greer’s Steppenwolf debut. With casting rounded out by regular players Caroline Neff and Ian…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Thursday, 29 June 2023 10:30
"Oh Boy!" Marriott's 'Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story' amazes in every way
Written by CJ Burroughs
As a Buddy Holly obsessive—glasses tattooed around an arm, email handle for years, a novel and even a podcast someplace or the other—I was beyond thrilled when I learned the fine folks at the Marriott Theatre would be reviving Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, a show I’ve seen quite a…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Sunday, 25 June 2023 16:21
MadKap's 'Hair' at Skokie Theatre - Peace Love and Very Highly Recommended!
Sarz Maxwell
Whenever I review a theatre company for the first time I get a bit of "first date nerves", especially when a suburban company (unabashed City snob, c’est moi) is doing such an iconic show. The stakes were even higher cos this was my first time seeing HAIR – I was…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Tagged under
- MadKap
- Skokie Theatre
- HAIR
- Sam Hook
- Wayne Mell
- NikiCharisse Franc
- Bridgett Martinez
- Aquarius
- Derek Van Barham
- Christa Retka
- Shraga Wasserman
- Joey Chelius
- Alexandria Neyhart
- Justice Largin
- NikiCharisse Franco
- Julie Peterson
- Ben Isabel
- Jonah Cochin
- Jack Chylinski
- Cristian Moreno
- Chevy Dixon Saul
- Hannah Silverman
- Musical
Wednesday, 21 June 2023 14:35
Funny and Menacing, ‘Being Seen’ Is Truly an Actor’s Play
Written by Bill Esler
For those who love theater, “Being Seen” is a delicious window into the heart of the actors’ world. Written and directed by Richard Gustin, with excellent performances by Will Clinger as a sinister director, and Kelly Anne Clark as an auditioning actor, this show at the Den Theatre offers 90…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Tagged under
Sunday, 18 June 2023 20:32
Look Within, Look Without; Talent Shines for Ruth Page Civic Ballet and Friends at Ravinia
Written by Kendall Royzen
There is something bittersweet of a one-time performance. The single moment in time displaying artistic excellence, be it music, dance, or art, retreats as quickly as it appears. The audience is often left reeling and wrestling with their emotions, reflecting on the performance, and recalling the beautiful moments they witnessed,…
Published in
Theatre in Review
OBAMA-OLOGY is about privilege, as experienced and explored by Warren, a young gay Black man, recently graduated from college who takes a job with the 2008 Obama campaign. He arrives in a near-frenzy of excitement, but his ardor rapidly shrivels in the bleak streets of East Cleveland. Warren, ably played…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Saturday, 10 June 2023 15:42
NEJLA YATKIN pop-up Performances of ‘FIREBIRD’ FREE in Chicago Parks throughout June -RECOMMENDED!
Sarz Maxwell
As part of Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks series, Nejla Yatkin, dancer and choreographer is offering a series of FREE pop-up performances at parks throughout the City. I just saw her at West Ridge Park; there are fourteen more pop-ups between now and July 8 (I’ll get…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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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…
Published in
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…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Tagged under
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…
Published in
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…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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