Lookingglass Theatre presents the Chicago Premiere of DEATH TAX. I would sum up Lookingglass’ season opener as ‘disturbing’! Lucas Hnath’s story swirls past in five scenes. The action takes place in a boxing-ring-type square but instead of ropes, the area is blocked off with theatrical floor lights. The visual reminds us that this is a play. ...
The Fourth Walsh
Theatre with a side of life
Category The Fourth Walsh
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Review “Rest” (Victory Gardens): Restless Contemplation-inducing
Victory Gardens presents the Midwest Premiere of REST. Playwright Samuel D. Hunter pulls us into this Midwest reality. His set up is authentically familiar; the economy is shutting down a healthcare facility. Only a few residents and staff are left. One of the gentlemen has advanced Alzheimer’s. When a blizzard hits, his disappearance causes growing concern. Set ...
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Review “Fail/Safe” (Strawdog Theatre): Timeless, disturbing eye opener
Strawdog Theatre presents the World Premiere of FAIL/SAFE. FAIL/SAFE, the 1962 best selling novel was made into movies in 1964 and 2000. The story is about a mechanical error that triggers missiles to attack Russia. The incident threatens to initiate WWIII. Director and co-adaptor Anderson Lawfer stages the action in three rooms: the flight control room, ...
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“Ernest Bloch’s Macbeth” (Chicago Opera Theater): Modern Marvel
Reviewed by Sara Eisenbaum Chicago Opera Theater presents Ernest Bloch’s Macbeth Ernest Bloch’s rendition of Macbeth was a modern marvel. Far and away one of the best scores I’ve heard from a play, and no less stunning with the addition of a choir at poignant places throughout the text. I was able to attend the opera without ...
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Review “Women Beware Women” (Two Pence Theatre): Lusty, Ambitious and Sometimes Ruthless
Two Pence Theatre presents the Chicago Premiere of WOMEN BEWARE WOMEN. Penned by Playwright Thomas Middleton in 1621, WOMEN BEWARE WOMEN has waited almost 400 years to make its Chicago debut. Middleton wrote this tale from the perspective of the ladies. Although mired in a male dominated world by their gender happenstance, his female characters coerce ...
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Review “The Whaleship Essex” (Shattered Globe): See-Worthy!
Shattered Globe Theatre presents the Midwest Premiere of THE WHALESHIP ESSEX. Founding member of Shattered Globe Joe Forbrich melded his theatrical and nautical experiences to pen this whale tale. In 2008, Forbrich was an apprentice shipbuilder by day and an actor by night. During this East Coast stint, he became versed in the shipwreck of the ...
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Review “Ecstasy” (Cole Theatre): Inaugural COLE!
Cole Theatre presents its inaugural production, ECSTASY. It’s 1979. Do you know where your life is? Jean doesn’t. Playwright Mike Leigh drops us into her flat. Her dismal efficiency is decorated in Mid-Century spinsterhood by Scenic Designer Grant Sabin. The room is cluttered with empty beer bottles, mismatched furniture and gin-soaked novels. A singular drip of ...
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“My Name is Asher Lev” (Timeline Theatre): Thought-Provoking Tribute
Timeline Theatre presents the Chicago Premiere of MY NAME IS ASHER LEV. Art?! At what cost to the artist?! Award-winning novelist Chaim Potok explored a painter’s obsessive turmoil. A conservative Jewish boy must express his artistry despite its opposition to his religion, community, and parents. Playwright Aaron Posner boils down the essences of Potok’s novel into ...