Broadway in Chicago and Porchlight Music Theater present the Chicago Premiere Production of TITANIQUE. Most people have heard of the 1912 tragic sinking of the Titanic. Many people saw the “Titanic” movie and have a grasp on the Jack-door controversy. Yet, until now, few people are aware of a music legend’s involvement in this historic catastrophe. ...
Review “Sunny Afternoon” (Chicago Shakespeare Theater): This Show Really Got Me Goin’
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents the North American Premiere Production of SUNNY AFTERNOON. Boy, you really got me goin’… The Beatles. The Rolling Stones. The Kinks! In the 1960s, British bands invaded American music. Their revolutionary sounds and looks changed rock and roll forever. They were distinctly different groups with similar origin stories. Childhood mates rising to stardom ...
Review “The School for Scandal” (Idle Muse Theatre Company): “Bridgerton Meets Gossip Girl”
Idle Muse Theatre Company presents THE SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL. Peter is married to Lady T. Lady T is flirting with Joseph. Joseph is interested in Maria. Maria is crushing on Charles. When Lady S decides to help Joseph get Maria, she starts a smear campaign that Lady T and Charles are getting it on. Meanwhile, Peter ...
Review “Guys and Dolls” (Music Theater Works): Entertaining Extravaganza!
Music Theater Works presents GUYS AND DOLLS. It’s New York in the 1950s. Times Square is bursting with life! People are pursuing their passions… showbiz, mission work and craps. Nathan needs $1000 to host his illegal craps game. Although he’s broke, the guys want to gamble. Meanwhile, both the police and his fiancee are turning up ...
Review “Dummy in Diaspora” (Jackalope Theatre): Rasho is a charmer!
Jackalope Theatre presents the United States Premiere of DUMMY IN DIASPORA. Essa was born in America. He is the son of Middle Eastern refugees. His childhood has been besmirched by parents forced out of their homelands. As he grapples with his identity, he questions his American birthright, Middle Eastern ancestry, sexual orientation and nicotine addiction. Writer ...
Review “Titus Andronicus” (Redtwist Theatre): Murderous Mayhem
Redtwist Theatre presents TITUS ANDRONICUS. General Tutus returns from a successful crusade. The General presents Tamora, Queen of the Goths, as a slave to the new Roman Emperor. The Emperor surprises everyone by deciding to marry Tamora instead of Titus’ daughter Lavinia. Now, in a position of power, the new Empress seeks revenge against ...
Review “CLUE Live on Stage!”: Madcap WhoDunit
Broadway in Chicago presents CLUE Live on Stage! Professor Plum did it in the billiards room with the wrench! The board game Clue challenges players to figure out ‘who, where, what’ in solving a murder mystery. The popular pastime has had many renditions since its 1949 debut. Generations of players have channeled their inner sleuth to ...
Review “Betrayal” (Goodman Theatre): Stylish Post Mortem
Goodman Theatre presents BETRAYAL. Robert and Emma are married. Jerry and Judy are married. Robert and Jerry are best friends. Emma and Jerry are lovers. When juggling intimacy, where does the trust lie? Playwright Harold Pinter delves into the ties that bind and fray under the weight of humanity. Pinter deconstructs a seven year affair. He ...
FOOL FOR LOVE (Steppenwolf Theater): Sam Shepard’s iconic, twisted cowboy romance is still worth hollerin’ about
Reviewed by Tom Lawler Set the scene: FOOL FOR LOVE, by the late, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Sam Shepard, is typically considered one of the greatest of the nearly 60 he penned over a 50-year writing, directing and acting career. Adjacent to his celebrated “family trilogy” (which includes BURIED CHILD and TRUE WEST) and exploring similar themes ...
Review “Circus Quixote” (Lookingglass Theatre): F-U-N Escape From Reality!
Lookingglass Theatre, in conjunction with The Actors Gymnasium, presents the World Premiere of CIRCUS QUIXOTE. Don Quixote is a legendary character from the17th century. Years of chivalry-inspired literature makes him believe he is a knight. He recruits a neighbor to be his squire and sets out on a crusade. He attacks dragons (windmills). He visits castles ...