© Todd Rosenberg Photography 2017 Reviewed by Tom Lawler Who should this see this: Anyone who wants to tap into the zeitgeist in a particularly uneasy time as interpreted by one our city’s preeminent cultural institutions. Anyone curious to check in again on Second City E.T.C. after its previous revue, A Red Line Runs Through It, ...
The Fourth Walsh
Theatre with a side of life
Category The Fourth Walsh
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Review “Magic Flute” (Lyric Opera): A Rubes Report
By Chad Volkers A RUBES REPORT: I wanted to understand. I wanted to pour myself into the pressed suit and peer into the world within the world; I wanted to encounter the cultured and coiffed and come out clutching clarity. Who’s to say I’m not an opera guy? Who says I can’t keep up? Hustling after dinner ...
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Review “Fable-ous” (Lifeline Theatre): Family-friendly, Fun-loving, Heart-warming Adventure!
Lifeline Theatre KidSeries presents the world premiere of FABLE-OUS! Lifeline's current show reminds me a lot of "Toy Story." While the colorful shenanigans is kid-appealing, the sharp wit throughout amuses the adults. Playwright Chris Hainsworth tells the inside story of the legendary race between tortoise and hare. The tale is told in reflection by Mollie Rehner (tortoise). The ...
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Review “Disney’s Little Mermaid” (Paramount Theater): Spectacular!
I had my first Paramount Theatre experience on Saturday. I live in Chicago and usually don't have a car. Saturday, I had my mom's car and made my way to Aurora, Illinois. The travel time (an hour and fifteen minutes there, one hour home) was worth it. My ten year old niece Grace and I ...
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Review “The Christians” (Steppenwolf Theatre): Authentic Church Experience
Steppenwolf Theatre presents THE CHRISTIANS. I attended the Church of Steppenwolf this weekend. I was greeted with the choir singing their souls out. They were praising the Lord with joyous voices, rhythmic clapping and broad smiles. This was a united congregation assembled for spiritual guidance. The pastor, his wife and church leadership arrived into this Sunday-induced ...
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My Unforgettable Shows of 2016
It is my great fortune to live in a town that is bursting with so much theatrical talent. About eight years ago, I stumbled into reviewing the Chicago theatre scene. Every show enhances my understanding of theatre and life. I enjoy most every production for some aspect. The stinkers have been a single digit percentage ...
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Review “Mr. and Mrs. Pennyworth” (Lookingglass Theatre): Dynamic Duo!
Lookingglass Theatre presents World Premiere of MR. AND MRS. PENNYWORTH. Get ready to be enchanted by Playwright and Director Doug Hara’s new play. It’s a story about storytellers and the stories they tell. Hara masterfully spins a love story out of fairytales. He sprinkles in mystical time travel. He casts it to perfection with Lindsey Noel-Whiting ...
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The Phantom of the Opera (Broadway in Chicago): The Music of the Night Still Enthralls
Reviewed by Tom Lawler Who should this see this: Anyone who hasn’t yet seen the standard all Broadway musicals are measured against. Anyone who wants to again experience Andrew Lloyd Webber’s (Evita, Cats) superbly-crafted opus in a gleaming new production that hasn’t lost its ability to astonish since making its debut 30 years ago. What’s it all ...
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Review “The Winner…of our Discontent” (The Second City): It’s all in the name!
The Second City presents the 105th Mainstage Revue THE WINNER... OF OUR DISCONTENT. The name of this show made me LOL... a few times. Shantira Jackson, Paul Jurewicz, Kelsey Kinney, Martin Morrow, Rashawn Nadine Scott, Jamison Webb (writers and performers) kick off their Trump tribute with a Chicago reflection. They contrast the emotional roller coaster of ...