Thursday, 17 July 2025 11:41
Review: Blank Theatre's 'Passion' at Greenhouse Theater Center
Written by John Accrocco
It’s refreshing to know there are lesser-known Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine collaborations to continue exploring. While ‘Into the Woods’ and ‘Sunday in the Park with George’ may endure as musical theatre opuses, later works like ‘Passion’ showcase these two brilliant artists’ legacy together. The relatively young Blank Theatre Company…
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Theatre in Review
Sunday, 13 July 2025 12:09
From Rome to Skokie: Slaves, Soldiers & Satire Still Killing It in MadKap ‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum’
Written by Kimberly Katz
MadKap Production’s A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum bursts onto the Skokie Theatre stage with rollicking energy and infectious chaos, blending sharp wit with rapid-fire comedy. Featuring the unforgettable music and lyrics of Stephen Sondheim and a book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart, this timeless…
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Theatre in Review
Friday, 11 July 2025 13:54
Tale as Old as Time—Broadway in Chicago Presents ‘ Disney's Beauty and the Beast’
Written by CJ Burroughs
While I might have been born too late to experience Beatlemania or Woodstock or the Jazz Age in real time, I’ve been fortunate enough to live through plenty of moments that have already become milestones in our cultural consciousness. One of those was what’s now called “The Disney Renaissance.” I…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Thursday, 10 July 2025 12:08
Review: In 'White Rabbit Red Rabbit,' the Audience Becomes the Play
Written by Bree Samani
"White Rabbit Red Rabbit" isn’t your typical night at the theater. It’s unscripted, unpredictable, and unlike anything you’ve seen before. Performed cold by a different actor each night, it’s a play that blends humor, vulnerability, and a quiet kind of bravery—both from the performer and the audience. There are plenty…
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Theatre in Review
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Wednesday, 02 July 2025 11:40
Seeing Purple: Goodman Theatre’s Stunning Revival Honors Alice Walker’s Vision
Written by Wesley David
In the Goodman Theatre’s stirring new production of The Color Purple, director Lili-Anne Brown delivers a version of Alice Walker’s landmark novel that feels both stripped down and soulfully expansive. Forgoing spectacle in favor of raw emotional clarity, Brown places the story’s heart—female resilience and love—center stage, and the result…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Monday, 30 June 2025 20:58
'Dhaba on Devon Avenue' a Local Story with Universal Meaning
Written by Bill Esler
In its world premiere at Writers Theatre in Glencoe, “Dhaba on Devon Avenue” is a strong play, from a promising writer, Madhuri Shekar, winner in 2020 of the Lanford Wilson Playwriting Award. A TimeLine Theatre production, it is directed by Chay Yew. Another of Shekar’s plays, “A Nice Indian Boy,”…
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Theatre in Review
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Monday, 30 June 2025 12:37
Angels in America Soars at Chicago’s Invictus Theatre
Written by Wesley David
New York City in the 1980s—marked by Reagan-era conservatism and the devastating effects of the AIDS epidemic—was in decline. This is the backdrop for Tony Kushner’s Angels in America, a sweeping two-part epic that earned the Pulitzer Prize, multiple Tony Awards, and a lasting place as one of the most…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Saturday, 21 June 2025 17:50
Sensational Musical Salutes an Unparalleled Trio of Living Legends
Written by Mitchell Oldham
Taking part of its title from a defining song that drew attention to the AIDS crisis in the mid 80s, That’s What Friends Are For: Gladys, Dionne and Patti combines thoughtful storytelling and fantastic music to honor the cultural contributions of three outstanding artists. Currently playing at Black Ensemble Theater…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Saturday, 21 June 2025 17:03
Sweet Dreams and Steel Guitars: Drury Lane’s Tender Tribute to Patsy Cline
Written by Kimberly Katz
Always...Patsy Cline is a poignant and entertaining jukebox musical that honors the legacy of iconic country singer Patsy Cline through the heartfelt story of an unexpected friendship, which is currently beautifully staged at the Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook. Conceived and written by Ted Swindley, the production is inspired by…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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Tuesday, 17 June 2025 16:06
Unimaginably Good: “An Iliad” Is the Best Show I Have Ever Seen
Written by Bill Esler
Court Theatre has brought back to its stage “An Iliad,” a surpassingly wonderful riff on Homer’s ancient Greek poem, “The Iliad.” Starring Timothy Edward Kane in a reprise of his sensational one-man performance as The Poet, it is directed by Charles Newell. This is the fourth time Court has staged…
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Theatre in Review
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Monday, 16 June 2025 13:17
Review: You Will Get Sick at Steppenwolf Theatre
Written by John Accrocco
If ever given the chance to see Amy Morton on her home stage at Steppenwolf–take it. She stars in the Chicago premiere of Noah Diaz’s ‘You Will Get Sick’ alongside fellow ensemble members Cliff Chamberlain, Namir Smallwood, Jordan Arredondo and Sadieh Rifai. Steppenwolf Theatre Artistic Director Audrey Francis directs this…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Wednesday, 11 June 2025 15:01
42 Balloons Soaring High at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Written by Lauren Katz
It’s 1982 and Larry Walters approaches his lawn chair. On either side are bags and containers full of various items like Coca Cola and Miller Lite – all meant to add various levels of weight to the contraption. His girlfriend, Carol, gives him a final embrace before he takes his…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Thursday, 12 June 2025 10:52
Don't Wait Until It's Too Late: Kimberly Akimbo a Must See at CIBC Theatre
Written by Kendall Royzen
I like to think that I am hip and with it (insert millennial Gif here). I like to think that I am knowledgeable about the latest trends even if I don’t participate in them myself; not so much fashion and viral TikTok challenges, but more the books that everyone wants…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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Spaceman: Into the Quiet Terror of the Void
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Raven Theatre announces the 2026-27 season
Written by Buzz Center StageRaven Theatre, under the director of Executive Artistic Director Jonathan Berry, announces its 44th season, to include Michael R. Jackson's Pulitzer Prize-winning musical A Strange Loop, directed by Mikael Burke in a co-production with About Face Theatre; Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie, directed by Raven Executive Artistic Director Jonathan…
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