Griffin Theatre Company presents the Chicago premiere of MEN SHOULD WEEP. Playwright Ena Lamont Stewart wrote about working class reality in 1930s Glasgow, Scotland. Lamont Stewart gives a gritty portrayal of a depression era family. Maggie Morrison lives with an unemployed husband, 5 kids, a daughter-in-law and granny in a tiny three room flat. She also ...
The Fourth Walsh
Theatre with a side of life
Category The Fourth Walsh
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Review “The Late Henry Moss” (The Artistic Home): Booze-soaked Force
The Artistic Home presents the Midwest Premiere of THE LATE HENRY MOSS. Two brothers fight over the meager remains of their recently departed father. Their argument leads into a series of flashback scenes exploring the life and death of Henry Moss. Henry has been found dead in his crummy home in nowhere, Mexico. His sons try ...
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Review “The Qualms” (Steppenwolf Theatre): Debauchery at its Finest
Steppenwolf Theatre presents the World Premiere of THE QUALMS. Playwright Bruce Norris exposes the secret life of swingers. He rips off the lid on sexual taboos and lets the condoms reign. Norris sets the scene with Teri (played by Kate Arrington) and Gary (played by Keith Kupferer) hosting their quarterly sex party. They have invited newcomers ...
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Review “A Small Fire” (Steep Theatre): Ignites Deep Reflection
Steep Theatre presents the Chicago Premiere of A SMALL FIRE. Playwright Adam Bock introduces a tough as nails construction manager and then strips her of her power. Emily (played deftly by Melissa Riemer) is afflicted with a mysterious disease. As her condition worsens, the fierce Riemer is forced into dependency. Bock’s story is about self identification ...
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Review “Brigadoon” (Goodman Theatre): Enchanting, Aye!
Goodman Theatre presents BRIGADOON. I grew up watching and re-watching the mystical musical “Brigadoon.” The 1954 film starring Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse made me believe in the power of love. When I saw last night’s show, I already knew the plot and most of the songs. The plot is contrived. Some might even say corny. ...
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Review “Death and the Maiden” (Victory Gardens): Work in Progress
Victory Gardens presents DEATH AND THE MAIDEN. The audience walks into the theatre and immediately wants to vacation on stage. Set Designer William Boles built a breathtaking beach house against an ocean backdrop. The contemporary one room has sliding glass doors and a staircase leading to a lower level. At different points in the show, the ...
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Review “Tyrant” (Sideshow Theatre): The Realities of Ending Homelessness
Sideshow Theatre Company presents the World Premiere of TYRANT. The solution to homelessness is government regulated slavery according to Playwright Kathleen Akerley. She bases her story in the aftermath of the Congress approved Rectification Act of 2015. The legislation outlined provisions for the homeless. They are moved into Centers and trained with a work skill. In ...
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Review “This is our Youth” (Steppenwolf Theatre): Okay.
Steppenwolf Theatre presents the pre-Broadway run of THIS IS OUR YOUTH. The play, produced on Broadway by Scott Rudin, opens at the Cort Theatre on September 11th. I was excited about this play solely based on the star power. I’m a huge fan of Arrested Development and Michael Cera. I also have enjoyed performances by indie ...
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Review “Orville and Wilbur Did It”: The New Colony Did It…for theatre folk!
The New Colony presents the World Premiere of ORVILLE AND WILBUR DID IT. This is a play about a musical, a touring non-equity musical. Five actors and a stage manager are on a road trip. They are bringing children’s theatre to our nation’s schools. As the troupe sings and dances a Wright Brothers’ tribute in America’s ...