Piven Theater presents MELANCHOLY PLAY, A Chamber Musical. I’ve loved every play I’ve ever seen of Sarah Ruhl’s until now. I enjoyed the first act immensely. But then the second act took a nutty turn. Ruhl’s play starts out like a quirky charmer. A bank teller named Tilly (played by a radiant Stephanie Stockstill) is melancholy. Her ...
The Fourth Walsh
Theatre with a side of life
Category The Fourth Walsh
-
-
Review “Sideman” (American Blues Theater): I cringed, I laughed, I got jazzed
American Blues Theater presents SIDEMAN. We read about modern day musicians splurging on luxury items or trashing their five star suite. Although their lives look pampered, easy and enviable, the glamour of being an accomplished musician isn’t always the reality. And the struggle to ‘make it‘ is a long journey tainted with rejection. Playwright Warren Leight ...
-
Sounds So Sweet (Black Ensemble Theater): Sizzling Musical Performances Backed by Real Emotion
Reviewed by Tom Lawler As far as arresting openings go, it’s hard to top Yahdina U-Deen, starkly illuminated in an ivory suit, tear into Robert Hawkins’ gospel classic, “Goin Up Yonder.” The song is about meeting your creator, and the expression on U-Deen’s face, chin up, is nothing less than exhilaration. Black Ensemble veteran U-Deen portrays “Grandstine” ...
-
Review “Worthy” (Adventure Stage): Clever Modern-Day Fairytale
Adventure Stage Chicago presents the World Premiere of WORTHY. When I go to a children’s show, I like to pay attention to what’s going on onstage as well as in the audience. When kids are engaged in the play, they laugh, repeat dialogue and often talk directly to the characters. When they aren’t as interested, children ...
-
Is Jeff biased?
The 2015 NON-EQUITY JEFF AWARD nominations were announced last night. Meh! Don’t get me wrong. I sincerely congratulate all the nominees that are being acknowledged for their extraordinary contribution to Chicago theatre. Well done! My lackluster response is seeing the same theatre companies always honored… maybe overly. Below, I took the time to compare all the ...
-
Review “Lips Together, Teeth Apart” (Eclipse Theatre): Story Dated, Performances Great
Eclipse Theatre Company, the only Midwest theatre company to feature one playwright in one season, opens their 23rd anniversary, 2015 Terrence McNally season with LIPS TOGETHER, TEETH APART. Playwright Terrence McNally premiered this play in 1991. The story is about two couples struggling with personal and marital issues on their 4th of July weekend. McNally uses ...