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 ...
The Fourth Walsh
Theatre with a side of life
Category The Fourth Walsh
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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 ...
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Review “Grounded” (American Blues Theater): Whiteside’s Tour de Force
American Blues Theater presents the Chicago premiere of GROUNDED. A fighter pilot goes from Air Force to ‘chair force‘ in nine months. Playwright George Brandt pens the woes of war from a mother’s perspective. Gwendolyn Whiteside plays a daredevil pilot turned loving wife and mother. Whiteside leaves the war to have a baby. When she ...
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Review “Monstrous Regiment” (Lifeline Theatre): Comical Fantasy
Lifeline Theatre presents a World Premiere adaptation of Terry Prachett’s MONSTROUS REGIMENT. A vampire, a troll and an Igor walk into a war... The set-up of Lifeline’s newest production is a comical fantasy. It sets the tone for an adventure riddled with humor. Borogravia is at war. When her soldier brother goes missing, the feisty Sara Price ...
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Vision Quest: A Cocktail of Hallucinations in the Amazon Rainforest (Ray BradGary): Take the Drink…and the Trip!
Reviewed by Tom Lawler There is a moment, early on in Vision Quest: A Cocktail of Hallucinations in the Amazon Rainforest that would be very hard for most productions to top. No spoilers here, but let’s just say it involves two men and a bucket. These two men are soon revealed to be the stars ...