Reviewed by Tom Lawler Profiles Theatre presents the Midwest premiere of THE OTHER PLACE. The premise of The Other Place is quite simple. A brilliant neurologist begins to see her life unravel in front of her own eyes, though what she sees possibly can’t be trusted. Because we see the world through her eyes though, we ...
The Fourth Walsh
Theatre with a side of life
Category The Fourth Walsh
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Review “Four” (Jackalope Theatre): Dark Side of Dating
Jackalope Theatre presents FOUR. Talking about nothing on the phone. Awkward silences during a car ride. Sneaking fries when your date leaves the table. Playwright Christopher Shinn takes us on two first dates. It’s Fourth of July. And four individuals want to declare their independence. Paige Collins (Abigayle) takes a night off from caring for her ...
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Review “The Sweeter Option” (Strawdog Theatre): Stylized and Edgy
Strawdog Theatre celebrates its 100th production by presenting the World Premiere of THE SWEETER OPTION. The intrigue starts immediately as an anxious Sam Guinan-Nyhart (Tucker) dumps an unconscious Michaela Petro (Irene) on the couch. Guinan-Nyhart then positions himself barricading the door and goes to sleep. My curiosity is aroused. And my spidey sense is on full ...
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Review “Macbeth” (The Artistic Home): A Futuristic Twist on a Classic
The Artistic Home presents MACBETH. This is Shakespeare like I’ve never experienced before. The classic gets a futuristic twist under the imaginative direction of Scott Westerman. Instead of Scotland in the 1500s, the drama unfolds in an American metropolis in 2100s. The city is what remains after The Great Water Riots of 2089. Water is scarce. ...
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Review “The Talking Cure” (Idle Muse Theatre): Psychoanalysis Origin Story
Idle Muse Theatre presents the Chicago premiere of THE TALKING CURE. The origin story of psychoanalysis is presented with wonder and reverence in this play about the evolution of thought. Playwright Christopher Hampton tells the story of Carl Jung’s discoveries in applying his mentor’s, Sigmund Freud, theories into actual treatment. The play starts with Jung (played ...
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Review “Marie Antoinette” (Steppenwolf Theatre): Definitely Chic
Steppenwolf Theatre presents the Chicago premiere of MARIE ANTOINETTE. This show starts like a techno fashion show. Two oversized video screens bookend a mirrored runway stage. Above the stage are oversized flowers. Everything about the visual is glam. Lights flash. Music blares. And the ladies arrive to strut the catwalk in 18th Century couture meets ...
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Review “Body/Courage” (Danielle Pinnock): Outstanding Storyteller
For one night only, Danielle Pinnock presented her one woman show BODY/COURAGE. Pinnock’s personality showcase is a powerful tribute to body image. After interviewing 400 people, Pinnock has assembled a twelve character-driven montage. Pinnock actualizes each interview by becoming the character and delivering verbatim their answers. Each monologue has the authenticity of nervous laughter, awkward pauses ...
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Review “A Kid Like Jake” (About Face Theatre): More like “Parents Like Jake’s”
About Face Theatre presents the Chicago premiere of A KID LIKE JAKE. From the get go, I was uncomfortable with Daniel Pearle’s sharply written drama. It wasn’t from the intended subject matter, a young boy wanting to be a princess. Instead, my stomach started churning because of his intense parents. Katherine Keberlein (Alexandra) and Michael Aaron ...
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Review “Sondheim on Sondheim” (Porchlight Music Theatre): A Keepsake to be Shared
Porchlight Music Theatre presents the Chicago Premiere of SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM. Composer Stephen Sondheim handwrites his award-winning pieces on legal pads in pencil. He does it sipping a shot of whiskey while reclining on a couch. How do I know? He told me. In this intimate musical documentary, Sondheim himself narrates us through his 50 year ...
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Review “Tannhauser” (Lyric Opera): Lust to Love
Lyric Opera presents TANNHAUSER. Wagner’s love debate of intellectual connection verses physical attraction opens with sensual athleticism. On a surreal set featuring a grand stage on the Lyric’s grandeur stage, Michaela Schuster (Venus) seduces Johan Botha (Tannhauser). He watches from a chair. She beckons from the stage. Reality is blurred. Venus becomes several ladies. Tannhauser becomes ...