6/8/16 3:55:38 PM -- Hubbard Street Dance Chicago's "The Art of Falling" with The Second City©†Todd Rosenberg Photography 2016 Reviewed by Tom Lawler Set the scene: Two of Chicago’s most illustrious cultural institutions (38-year-old Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and Second City, now approaching 60 years) collaborate for the first time for a dance program. In a ...
The Fourth Walsh
Theatre with a side of life
Category The Fourth Walsh
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Review “Xanadu” (American Theater Company): Disco Summer Camp In Session
Reviewed by Tom Lawler Set the scene: As the final production of American Theater Company’s Legacy Season in tribute to their late Artistic Director PJ Paparelli, ATC produces Xanadu, a riotous, mega-campy musical comedy based on the misshapen 1980 roller disco musical starring Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly. Because this Xanadu was penned by Tony-winning playwright ...
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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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EXTENDED Thru Aug 13 “Northanger Abbey” (Lifeline Theatre): This. Show. Is. Excellent!
Lifeline Theatre presents the World Premiere musical adaptation of NORTHANGER ABBEY. This. Show. Is. Excellent! The dynamic husband and wife team of Rob (book) and Elise (director) Kauzlaric resurrect Jane Austen’s novel about a girl infatuated with gothic romances. The young bookworm finds herself plucked from her country home obscurity and dropped into sophisticated high society. ...
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Review “Spinning” (Irish Theatre): ‘Wow!’
Irish Theatre of Chicago presents the U.S. Premiere of SPINNING. ‘Spinning’ is the perfect name for this play. Playwright Deirdre Kinahan spins a tale of tragic redemption. Conor’s (played by the adept Dan Waller) life has spun out of control. Kinahan starts her story at the messy end and zig-zags backwards. When we meet Waller, he ...
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EXTENDED Thru July 2 “Prowess” (Jackalope Theatre): Adrenaline-rushing Moves, Soul-searching Confessions and a Flirty, Steamy Romance
Jackalope Theatre presents the World Premiere of PROWESS. After his successful debut of SENDER at A Red Orchid this spring, Playwright Ike Holter launches his second World Premiere with this play. Holter stays true to his Chicago roots by again setting his play in his hometown. This time, he tackles the city’s violence. Holter focuses on ...
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Review “The Distance” (Haven Theatre): Writing, Directing, Acting…Brilliant!
Haven Theatre presents the U.S. Premiere of THE DISTANCE. The word to describe this show is brilliant! Writing, directing and acting make it a tri-fecta powerhouse! The show starts out slow as two strangers (played by Josh Odor and Abigail Boucher) navigate an unexpected layover. Their interaction is equal parts nervous and sweet as Odor tries ...
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Review “Twisted Knots” (TTKD Productions): Marriage Material
TTKD Productions presents the World Premiere of TWISTED KNOTS. Playwright Dale Danner explores the relational angst of a salesman. It’s New Year’s Eve, Frank (played by Ryan Kitley) is trying to close an important business deal before midnight. Meanwhile, he also has booked an escort (played by Mary Cross) for the evening. Because she requires cash ...