Wednesday, 23 August 2023 11:32
Solid Footing; 'Kinky Boots' Playing for a Limited Time in Chicagoland Area
Written by Kendall Royzen
There is an economic theory centered around shoes. The theory, in short, says that one should spend more money on the best pair of boots that will last you ten years, as opposed to buying cheap shoes that will need to be replaced every six months. The latter path inevitably…
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Theatre in Review
Murder, intrigue, and Angela Lansbury: the three universally acknowledged truths that make up a great mystery story. Hell in a Handbag's production of Murder, ReWrote: The Musical Parody at the Den Theatre is the perfect cross-section of drag show and musical. Expect to laugh, cackle, restrain yourself from singing along, and…
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Theatre in Review
The Writer by Ella Hickson, now in its U.S. premiere at Steep Theatre under the sure direction of Georgette Verdin, is a maddening yet compelling exploration of art, power, commerce, and gender. It is messy, incisive, and brashly frustrating. It is the anti-Barbie, exploring patriarchy, empowerment, and self-determination in a…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Sunday, 13 August 2023 21:15
Where Did We Go Right: The Producers Perfect Performance at NorthShore Theater
Written by Kendall Royzen
Like any Millennial, my playlists are quite eccentric. Firmly planted within the rotation of 90s rap, boy band battles, and classic oldies rests a plethora of show tunes; Hamilton, Wicked, Hairspray, and the occasional song from shows I've never seen. Give me a karaoke mic and Broadway song choices and…
Published in
Theatre in Review
THE LIGHT has a cast of two, placing enormous demands on both actors, but Jazzma Pryor as Genesis and Rich Oliver as her partner Rashad rose to the challenge splendidly. Under the direction of Tim Rhoze, Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre’s Artistic Director, THE LIGHT is an in-depth examination of heterosexual relationships, particularly…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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Thursday, 10 August 2023 11:16
'MJ the Musical' is an Explosively Entertaining Journey Through the Life of a Genius
Written by Kimberly Katz
Chicago is in for a real treat. And based on the full theater at last night’s opening, I think most expected this production would be something special – and it is. MJ the Musical is a lavish production based on Michael Jackson’s amazing life that engages its audience from beginning…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Tuesday, 25 July 2023 21:57
I Reviewed A Play!: Happiness abounds in 'We're in a play” at Marriott Theatre
Written by Kendall Royzen
The first time I read an Elephant & Piggie book I didn’t think highly of it. I thought they were too simple, too cliche. I read one, and didn’t pick up another. Every parent raved about these books. Every small child knew who Elephant & Piggie were, offering their recommendations…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Tuesday, 25 July 2023 12:21
‘No Man’s Land’ - Vintage Pinter and Classic Steppenwolf Excellence
Written by Bill Esler
“No Man’s Land” is vintage Harold Pinter: enigmatic, intriguing, remarkable word play, and loaded with laughs. Steppenwolf has given it a definitive production, set in the soaring library of Hirst, a British aristocrat litterateur who has picked up Spooner, an aging poet, at a pub earlier. Descending into a scotch-soaked…
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Theatre in Review
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Monday, 17 July 2023 12:48
Northlight’s 'Marie and Rosetta' - A Train Bound for Glory
Written by Wesley David
I must admit, I knew nothing about Marie Knight or Rosetta Tharpe. It went over my head when they made an appearance in the critically acclaimed movie “Elvis”. Baz Luhrmann’s inclusion of Rosetta Tharpe and Marie Knight during the Club Handy scene with the likes of Elvis, BB King and…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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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
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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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