Goodman Theatre presents UNCLE VANYA. Scenic Designer Todd Rosenthal solidly sets the tone of past grandeur. His estate has well-worn elegance. The walls have a weathered appearance, yet, they create a solid fortress. The height suggesting old money contrasts dramatically with the mismatched furniture. With or without the ensemble, this room is bursting with character. Rosenthal ...
The Fourth Walsh
Theatre with a side of life
Category Goodman Theatre
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Review “The Magic Play” (Goodman Theatre): Illusion and Realism
The Goodman Theatre presents the World Premiere of THE MAGIC PLAY. The press release describes this show as ‘part magic show, part play.’ And that combination gives it an authentic feel. It certainly starts out like a magic show. The charismatic Brett Schneider (magician) takes the stage and immediately amazes the audience with card tricks. Schneider ...
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“Wonderful Town” (Goodman Theatre): Homespun Goodness
Goodman Theatre presents WONDERFUL TOWN. This IS your grandma’s musical. It has old-fashion charm, zany life hurdles and a guaranteed happy ending. The wholesome adventure brings two sisters from a small town in Ohio to big, flashy New York City. Ruth (played by Bri Sudia) wants to be a writer. Eileen (played by Lauren Molina) wants ...
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Review “War Paint” (Goodman Theatre): A LuPone and Ebersole Production
Goodman Theatre presents the World Premiere of WAR PAINT. Two iconic women play two iconic women. Patti LuPone (Helene Rubinstein) and Christine Ebersole (Elizabeth Arden) play the make-up mavericks who established the cosmetic industry. LuPone and Ebersole channel their inner diva to play the successful business rivals. It’s impossible to imagine this show cast any ...
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Review “Soups, Stews, and Casseroles” (Goodman Theatre): Familiar Recipe
Goodman Theatre presents the Chicago Premiere of SOUPS, STEWS, AND CASSEROLES. Playwright Rebecca Gilman sets her story in 1976 Wisconsin. A corporation has bought the local cheese factory. As union workers ban together to save jobs, one man seizes his opportunity to get ahead. Gilman captures the historic onset of industrial downsizing that led to economic ...
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Review “The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window” (Goodman Theatre): Tangled Web of Idealism and Realism
The Goodman Theatre presents THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN’S WINDOW. Playwright Lorraine Hansberry is best known for her play turned movie Raisin in the Sun. The lesser known, THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN’S WINDOW was Hansberry’s final work before her untimely death at age 35. THE SIGN is set in Greenwich Village in 1964. In RAISIN, ...
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Review “The Matchmaker” (Goodman Theatre): For the Light-Hearted Romantic Fools
Goodman Theatre presents THE MATCHMAKER. Full disclosure: “Hello Dolly” starring Barbara Streisand is one of my favorite movies. I’ve easily seen it over two dozen times. I know the banter, the punchlines and all the songs. My love affair with the musical movie made me giddy for this origin play. My expectations were high before ...
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Review “Twist Your Dickens” (Goodman Theatre): Clever Farce
Goodman Theatre, in partnership with The Second City, presents TWIST YOUR DICKENS. Here’s how we know Goodman Theatre has a sense of humor. On its mainstage, they are presenting their 38th “Christmas Carol” production. Their traditional offering has become a Chicago holiday staple. Which makes it even cheekier that the show on their second stage is ...
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Review “Disgraced” (Goodman Theatre): Stunning!
Goodman Theatre presents DISGRACED. I was fortunate to have seen DISGRACED debut at American Theatre Company in 2012. Three years later, the play still is evocative. Even knowing how this dinner party unravels didn’t stop me from continually flinching and holding my breath. Playwright Ayad Akhtar and Director Kimberly Senior continue their reign as the DISGRACED ...
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Review “VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE” (Goodman Theatre): Chekhov a la mode
Goodman Theatre presents the Chicago premiere of VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE. It’s easy for me to see why this Tony Award-winning play was a Broadway smash hit. The story has high entertainment value for the target audience, the increasingly large pool of aging baby boomers. It is about three siblings grappling with growing ...