My insensitive use of a word changed my summer plans. When people reacted to my horrible mistake by denouncing me publicly as a racist, I felt shocked, hurt, angry and defensive. My first impulse was to fight back. I wanted to prove I wasn’t a racist. I wanted to rattle off all the aspects in ...
The Fourth Walsh
Theatre with a side of life
Category The Fourth Walsh
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A letter of contrition…
It’s been 6 days since my horrible mistake regarding the use of an offensive word in a theatre review. If you aren’t aware of my blunder, this letter isn’t for you. If you know exactly what I’m talking about, please take a moment to read this. I’ve spent a lot of time in contemplation of my ...
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Review “Pass Over” (Steppenwolf Theatre): Didn’t Passover, Impaled Me!
POST PUBLICATION NOTE: I want to take this moment to apologize. In my original review of "Pass Over", I used a word in my review that I should have never used. I never meant to be insensitive or disrespectful. It was a reaction to the poetry of a play that profoundly touched me. Please don't ...
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Review “Her Majesty’s Will” (Lifeline Theatre): Not Quite a Comedy or a Thriller
Lifeline Theatre presents the world premiere of HER MAJESTY'S WILL. The imaginative concept of this play intrigued me. Author David Blixt wrote a novel about the origin story of two Elizabethan playwrights: William Shakespeare (played by Javier Ferreira) and Christopher Marlowe (played by Bryan Bosque). Shakespeare is teaching school under the name Falstaff. He's hiding from ...
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Review “The Night Season” (Strawdog Theatre): Loud, Boozy, Loving Family!!
Strawdog Theatre presents THE NIGHT SEASON. An actor chooses to stay with a family of locals during his film shoot in Ireland. Although he prefers a quiet homey setting to a noisy hotel, he finds himself center of attention in a loud, boozy, loving family. Playwright Rebecca Lenkiewicz pens a a different kind of love story. ...
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Review “Johnny 10 Beers’ Daughter” (Something Marvelous): Must See!!
Something Marvelous and Randy Steinmeyer, in association with Chicago Dramatists’ Grafting Project, present JOHNNY 10 BEERS' DAUGHTER. Playwright Dana Lynn Formby gives us an intimate peek into two casualties of war. Formby tells the tale of a father and daughter struggling to overcome the geographic and emotional distance of military service. Her story revolves around post-traumatic stress disorder, first ...
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Review “We’re Gonna Die” (Haven Theatre): Beautifully Dark and Darkly Beautiful
Haven Theatre Company presents WE'RE GONNA DIE. This show is beautifully dark and darkly beautiful. Playwright Young Jean Lee combines two art forms; spoken word and a music concert. Lee has taken people's real stories and weaved them together with rock and roll interludes. The series of personal reflections are matched with songs. A daughter chronicling the ...
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Review “American Hero” (First Floor Theater): A Day In The Life Of The Working Poor
First Floor Theater presents the Chicago premiere of AMERICAN HERO. Walking into this theatre space is like walking into a fast food joint. Designer Jeffery D. Kmiec's set is authentically legit. He even has a splash station. Before the show started, I found myself musing about my sandwich order. Playwright Bess Wohl's story takes place in ...
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Review “Little Miss Sunshine” (Chicago Theatre Workshop): Fun, Feel-good Show!
Chicago Theatre Workshop, in association with Fletcher Jones Volkswagen, presents the regional premiere of LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE. Are you looking for a little sunshine? You'll find it in this show. The creative team of James Lapine (book) and William Finn (music and lyrics) condense Michael Arndt's quirky and provocative film into a pint-size playful romp. Arndt's ...
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Review “Ideation” (Jackalope Theatre): F#cking Terrifying!
Jackalope Theatre presents the Midwest Premiere of IDEATION. Playwright Aaron Loeb pens a thought-provoking drama riddled with humor. A consulting team needs to pitch their next project to their boss in ninety minutes. That's as much as I'm willing to reveal as to not spoil the experience for you! This thriller is meant to be lived. The ...