Theatre with a side of life
The Comrades present the world premiere of ROAST. Playwright Harry Wood tells the tale of a comedian who committed suicide. His death wish is that his memorial be conducted like a roast. He wants his family and fellow comedians to make him the target of jokes as a final remembrance. Although the premise is clever and ...
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents THE WIZARD OF OZ. Frank Baum’s classic is a beloved children’s story. The tale of Dorothy and Toto whisked away by a tornado, befriending a misfit crew and getting chased by a witch is well-known. The film version is iconic. And the spin-off musicals, “The Wiz” and “Wicked”, have garnered their own ...
Kokandy Productions presents the Chicago premiere HEAD OVER HEELS. Sir Phillip Sidney’s “The Arcadia” gets a modern day makeover. Jeff Whitty (conceived and original book) and James Magruder (adaptor) dust off this 17th century prose romance and spin it into a queer fairytale of a musical. They cleverly weave in the music of 80s girl band, ...
Steppenwolf Theatre presents TRUE WEST. Austin (played by Jon Michael Hill) is working on a screenplay while housesitting for his mom. When his brother Lee (played by Namir Smallwood) shows up unexpectedly, the pair are forced to grapple with aspirations and competition. Austin is married and an established writer. Lee is a fast-talking drifter with big ...
Goodman Theatre presents THE MUSIC MAN. I was giddy about this one. I grew up watching the screen version of this musical starring Robert Preston and Shirley Jones. I know all the songs by heart! Meredith Wilson’s score is distinct and infectious. The iconic “(Ya got) Trouble” and “Seventy-Six Trombones” mingle along with heart-felt ballads, plucky ...
Theo Ubique presents HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH. The creative team of John Cameron Mitchell (book) and Stephen Trask (music and lyrics) launched this completely one-of-a-kind trashy, rock musical in 1998. I’ve seen five productions, including a Broadway touring troupe, of HEDWIG. Of my five experiences, Theo Ubique’s show is my favorite for two reasons: venue ...
Firebrand Theatre presents the Chicago premiere of QUEEN OF THE MIST. Firebrand has quickly established itself as a competitive musical force in Chicago. Their newest production is another showcase of beautiful harmonies. Led by the always amazing Barbara E. Robertson, the talented ensemble (Maryam Abdi, Neala Barron, Liz Bollar, Brianna Buckley, Max J. Cervantes, Liz Chidester, Hannah Starr) is pitch perfection (Musical ...
Lifeline Theatre presents an adaptation of Jane Austen’s EMMA. The creative team of Phil Timberlake (adapter) and Elise Kauzlaric (director) put an imaginative spin on Jane Austen’s tale of a plucky 19th century matchmaker. Emma is played by Emma Sipora Tyler. And the rest of the characters are played by Peter Gertas, Jeri Marshall, Madeline Pell, ...
Cirque du Soleil presents VOLTA. The Cirque has come to town! Chicago, again, is hosting the internationally acclaimed Cirque du Soleil. This year's show, VOLTA has all its signature death-defying, razzle-dazzle numbers. The feats are loosely strung together with the story of a boy wanting to become a daredevil biker. His dreams of joining the Cirque ...
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents the North American Premiere production of SIX. Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived! The dynamic show starts with these six decisive words. The wives of Henry VIII announce how they became an ex. Each word stinging with assault and insult. The song’s dramatic pizzazz is reminiscent of Chicago’s “Cell Block Tango.” ...