Jackalope Theatre presents the world premiere of THE SNARE. Indisputably, the acting in this show is divine. Under the skillful direction of Elana Boulos, the terrific ensemble pulls us in from the very first scene. Cyd Blakewell (Abigail), Caroline Heffernan (Ruth), Sam Blin (Caleb) and Joel Ewing (David) are praying before dinner. We are gawkers of ...
The Fourth Walsh
Theatre with a side of life
Category The Fourth Walsh
-
-
Review “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” (Broadway in Chicago): Raunchy, Soulful, Good Time!
Broadway in Chicago presents HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH for a limited two week engagement. In 1998, the creative team of John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask debuted a unique gender-bending, rock and roll, award-winning musical. Mitchell originated the role of Hedwig, a songstress mourning the loss of her now famous boyfriend. The play-within-a-rock-and-roll-concert has Hedwig ...
-
Review “Flanagan’s Wake” (Chicago Theater Works): BYOM, Bring Your Own Mourners!
Reviewed by Abby Simon Chicago Theater Works presents FLANAGAN'S WAKE. Upon entering the theater for Flanagan’s Wake, it seems that there is a very lively party already going on. But upon further investigation, there is a very centralized casket made of old pallets up on the stage. Thus, the scene of an Irish wake, plenty of booze, ...
-
Review “Skin for Skin” (The Agency Theatre Collective): Scratches the Skin
The Agency Theatre Collective presents the world premiere of SKIN FOR SKIN. Following the success of their inaugural production, "Chagrin Falls", The Agency Theatre Collective tackles a world premiere. Playwright Paul Pasulka debuts his story about the military interrogation of a Muslim-American contractor suspected of aiding Al-Qaeda. Pasulka tells his tale from multiple angles. A psychologist ...
-
Review “A Wrinkle in Time” (Lifeline Theatre): Here’s the wrinkle…
Lifeline Theatre presents A WRINKLE IN TIME. Here's the wrinkle... Something unusual happened to me at Lifeline Theatre last night, I didn't enjoy myself. I've gotten used to being spoiled at Lifeline as I curl up with their latest adaptation. I'm typically fully engaged in their ability to bring page to stage. I settled in to be dazzled ...
-
Review “At The Table” (Broken Nose Theatre): Get A Seat ‘At The Table’!
Broken Theatre presents the Midwest Premiere of AT THE TABLE. Worlds collide when a tight foursome invite outsiders into their weekend house party. Stuart (played by Evan Linder), Lauren (played by Echaka Agba), Nate (played by Adam Soule), and Elliott (played by David Weiss) met in college and have been friends for fifteen years. They retreat annually to ...
-
Review “Venus in Fur” (Circle Theatre): Pleasureful and Painful
Circle Theatre presents VENUS IN FUR. Playwright David Ives' dark comedy blurs the lines between love and hate, pleasure and pain, reality and fiction in this audition within a play. Thomas (played by Zach Livingston) is a frustrated playwright and director. He can't find the right actress for his new play. He is looking for a commanding ...
-
Review “Uncle Vanya” (Goodman Theatre): Bursting with Character
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 ...
-
Review “The Illusionists” (Broadway in Chicago): Un-freaking-believable!
Reviewed by Abby Simon As a lover of the unbelievable, I have a fond likeness to magic. There are incredible moments when watching a magician perform and truly being in pure awe. I don’t care how it’s done or if it’s real (much like my understanding of gravity, coding, or taxes), the sheer fact that seeing ...
-
Review “Monster” (Steppenwolf Theatre): Stellar Acting
Steppenwolf for Young Adults presents the world premiere adaptation of MONSTER. A teenager wrestles with his conscience about his participation in a crime. Daniel Kyri (Steve) is engaging as the young man. Kyri narrates the tale as if he's writing a screenplay. He describes the incidents with mechanical logistics using words like 'exterior,' 'close-up,' and 'camera pans.' The ...