Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents ILLINOISE a new kind of musical. In 2005, singer, songwriter and composer Sufjan Stevens debuted his album “Illinois.” Stevens’ songs told the simplistic and complex eccentricities of Midwestern life. His composition had surprising depth as he weaved stories of aliens, zombies, serial killers, comic books, mental health and first loves into music. ...
The Fourth Walsh
Theatre with a side of life
Category Chicago Shakespeare Theater
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Review “Islander the Musical” (Chicago Shakespeare Theater): Enchanting Whale of a Tale!
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents a WorldStage Event from Scotland, ISLANDER the Musical. ISLANDER captivates with its unique storytelling. Human song and spoken word mingle together with the clicks and pulsed calls of whales. Two performers, Lois Craig and Julia Murray, tell the tale onstage with a couple microphones, a soundboard, minimal scenery and ample talent. Craig ...
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EXTENDED Thru Dec 3rd “Twelfth Night” (Chicago Shakespeare Theater): Destination for Joy
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents TWELFTH NIGHT. William Shakespeare tells a tale of shipwreck, romance and mistaken identities. A violent storm, maroons and separates twins on an island. Unable to find her brother, Viola disguises herself as a male page named “Cesario.” She works for Orsino. When Orsino sends “Cesario” with a message to Olivia, she falls ...
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Review Disney BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Chicago Shakes): Perfect Abbreviated Return to a Beloved Tale
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents Disney BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. A tale as old as time… The girl meets beast is a well-known fairytale. Disney has produced their musical version in multiple ways; animated film (1991), Broadway stage (1993), full movie (2017), and television special (2022). The show features a memorable score that includes the romantic ballad “Beauty ...
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Review “Wuthering Heights” (Chicago Shakespeare Theater): Storytelling Captivates!
Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s World Series Stage presents Wise Children’s WUTHERING HEIGHTS. The UK show is a co-production of National Theatre, Wise Children, Bristol Old Vic and York Theatre Royal in association with Berkley Repertory Theatre. Emily Brontë’s classic masterpiece gets an innovative spin by Adapter and Director Emma Rice. Brontë penned a saga of love/hate, lust/revenge ...
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Review “Measure for Measure” (Chicago Shakespeare Theater): Innovative Storytelling -Cuban Style
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents MEASURE FOR MEASURE. Upon arrival, the audience becomes barflies at a Cuban nightclub. Maracas are shaking. Showgirls are dancing. Drinks are pouring.The Havana vibe is sexy and fun. Before the play even begins, the debauchery is on full display. Cash is exchanged. Clothes are removed. Hook-ups are arranged. Director Henry Godinez places ...
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Review “The Notebook” (Chicago Shakespeare Theater): Get Ready to Fall in Love!
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents the World Premiere of the musical, THE NOTEBOOK. An old woman has Alzheimers. Her husband faithfully reads to her daily from a notebook. It describes the love story of their life. His hope is the words and memories will bring her back to him. Nicholas Sparks wrote the best selling novel in ...
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Review “It Came from Outer Space” (Chicago Shakespeare Theater): Playful Hit Lands on Navy Pier
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents the World Premiere IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE, A New Musical. The creative team of Kellen Blair (book and lyrics) and Joe Kinosian (book and music) reimagine a 1953 sci-fi flick as a musical comedy. Blair and Kinosian spoof the tale of a small town being invaded by aliens. Their parody is ...
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Review “All’s Well That Ends Well” (Chicago Shakespeare Theater): Imagining the Unfamiliar
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL. It’s believed Shakespeare penned this tale in 1603 around the time of Queen Elizabeth’s death and during a plague that killed one-in-five Londoners. It is one of 18 plays printed seven years after the Bard’s own death. The first record of it being performed is in 1741. ...