Theatre with a side of life
Derek Evans presents his one man show, TEDDY ROOSEVELT: THE MAN IN THE ARENA. Much like the 26th President of the United States, Derek Evans’ personality fills the theatre. With a big booming voice and jovial presence, he greets the audience while gluing on a mustache and donning the familiar spectacles. The physical transformation is almost ...
Idle Muse Theatre presents IN THE NEXT ROOM (OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY). Playwright Sarah Ruhl explores the sexual repression of 19th century women. She sets her story in the home of Dr. and Mrs. Givings. While the Mrs. (Kristen Alesia)struggles with postpartum depression, her hubby (Joel Thompson) is treating women for hysteria in his operating theatre ...
The Factory Theater presents the World Premiere of LAST NIGHT IN KARAOKE TOWN. Upon arrival, stepping into the theatre is like stepping into a dive bar. The look is legit! The paneled walls covered with signs. The rows and rows of beer cans on display. The bar littered with bottles of liquor and framed by two ...
Lifeline Theatre presents MIDDLE PASSAGE. In 1830s New Orleans, a young black man is running from debt and an arranged marriage. He escapes by boat only to find out he is now a stow away on a slave ship. Ilesa Duncan and David Barr III adapted Dr. Charles Johnson’s riveting tale of a man challenged with ...
Windy City Playhouse presents THE BOYS IN THE BAND. On the heels of its Southern Gothic immersion success, WCP gives us another cultural virtual reality. This experience is set in a high-rise in the Upper East Side of Manhattan in 1968 for a birthday party. Audience members, in groups of 5-6, are directed by the house ...
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents EMMA a new musical. Jane Austen’s beloved tale of a young woman of privilege and her questionable matchmaking skills gets a musical makeover. Paul Gordon (book, music, lyrics) deftly adapts the classic. Gordon serving as playwright and composer aids the ongoing seamless transitions. Characters’ musings go from spoken to sung with a breath ...
Shattered Globe Theatre presents the Chicago Premiere of SHEEPDOG. Playwright Kevin Artigue dissects an interracial relationship of cops turned lovers. Artigue's story starts with Leslie Ann Sheppard (Amina) coming home to confront Drew Schad (Ryan). Schad playfully announces the dinner he cooked isn't the greatest. A somber Sheppard utters the wince-worthy words, 'we need to talk.' This pivotal moment is supported by a ...
The House Theatre of Chicago presents the World Premiere of Verböten. I’m always curious to the inspiration behind a play. What’s the story behind the story? Well, after watching HBO’s “Sonic Highway” Chicago Playwright Brett Neveu was motivated to tell this story of Verböten. Foo Fighter’s David Grohl spotlighted the band in the HBO documentary. His ...
Porchlight Music Theatre presents DUKE ELLINGTON’S SOPHISTICATED LADIES. Step into Porchlight Music Theatre, step into a different era. The design team (Angela Weber Miller - scenic and Denise Karczewski - lighting) have transformed the stage into a swank nightclub. Soft pink lighting illuminates art deco-style cut-outs. In between columns, long sweeping curtains line the backdrop. The ...
Remy Bumppo Theatre presents TOP GIRLS. Playwright Caryl Churchill pens a quirky yet thought-provoking tale of girl power. Churchill tells her story in three acts. In the first act, Marlene (played by Linda Gillum) celebrates her recent promotion at a dinner party. The fantasy feast brings together women throughout history. They are drinking in each other’s ...