Strawdog Theatre presents the U.S. Premiere of QUIZ SHOW. As a reviewer, I like to go into a show with little to no information. Because I want to have the same experience as the average audience member, I usually read the press release after the play. I went into QUIZ SHOW with two preconceptions. I knew ...
The Fourth Walsh
Theatre with a side of life
Category The Fourth Walsh
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Review “The Little Foxes” (Goodman Theatre): Lush and Wicked
Goodman Theatre presents THE LITTLE FOXES. Upon arrival, the audience is whisked back in time to turn-of-the-century 1900s elegance. Scenic Designer Todd Rosenthal has constructed an oversized Victorian dollhouse complete with ornate gaslights and an elaborate staircase. Towering windows look out onto the grounds. The grandiose appearance is scaled for authenticity. And before we leave, we’ll ...
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Review “MACSITH” (E.D.G.E. Theatre): Ambitious and Chaotic
E.D.G.E Theatre presents the return of MACSITH. I haven’t thought of “Macbeth” and “Star Wars” together... ever. The parallels between a story anchored in history and one in a futuristic galaxy far, far away aren’t obvious. On closer inspection, Macbeth was a man influenced by the dark side. Turns out they are both tales of man’s ...
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Review “The Drowning Girls” (Signal Ensemble Theatre): Theatrical Collaboration at its Finest!
Signal Ensemble Theatre presents the Chicago Premiere of THE DROWNING GIRLS. There is nothing amusing about domestic violence. And when the abuse ends in a murder, it can only generate overwhelming sadness for the victim. The true story of three newlywed brides being killed is horrific to imagine. Despair is the inevitable takeaway from a play ...
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Review “The White Road” (Irish Theatre of Chicago): Narrow and Frozen
The Irish Theatre of Chicago, formerly known as Seanachai Theatre Company, presents the World Premiere of THE WHITE ROAD. Playwright Karen Tarjan kicks off this historic expedition with personality. Ernest Shackleton (played by Paul Dunckel) is interviewing for adventurers to cross Antarctica with him. Dunckel plays to the explorer’s eccentric nature. He whimsically asks the prospective ...
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Review “Melancholy Play” (Piven Theater): Sweet until it gets Nutty
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 ...
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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 ...
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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” ...