Porchlight Music Theatre presents DREAMGIRLS. This is as real as it gets. Life is imitating art. And art is imitating life. Donica Lynn (Effie) plays a singer becoming a star. In this production, Donica Lynn is a singer becoming a star. Right before our eyes, we see Lynn transform from girl-group-reject to soulful diva. Her stunning ...
The Fourth Walsh
Theatre with a side of life
Category Porchlight Music Theatre
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Review “Far from Heaven” (Porchlight Music Theatre): Smart Captivation
Porchlight Music Theatre presents the Chicago Premiere of FAR FROM HEAVEN. Summer Naomi Smart (Cathy) captivates from lights up. In a stylish mid-century wardrobe by Costume Designer Bill Morey, Smart is absolutely a picture-perfect-housewife. The stage serves as a pseudo 1950s runway as Smart continually sweeps in with a variety of swing coats, matching hats and full-skirted ...
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My Top Ten Unforgettable 2015 Plays
It is my great fortune to live in a town that is bursting with so much theatrical talent. About seven years ago, I stumbled into reviewing the Chicago theatre scene. Every show enhances my understanding of theatre and life. I enjoy most every production for some aspect. The stinkers have been a single digit percentage ...
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Review “Side Show” (Porchlight Music Theatre): Unforgettable Production and Love Story
Porchlight Theatre presents the Chicago Premiere of the newly revised SIDE SHOW. This is a love story about sisters. The musical is based on the real lives of Daisy and Violet Hilton. The sisters were twins conjoined at the hips. Abandoned by their mother, they were sold into the circus life. Audiences paid money to see ...
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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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EXTENDED Thru Nov 16 Review “Sweeney Todd” (Porchlight Music Theatre): Scary Good!
Porchlight Music Theatre presents SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET. To open its season of Sondheim, Porchlight chose to showcase the darker side of the award-winning composer first. In Victorian England, Benjamin returns home after serving 15 years for a bogus crime. During his absence, his wife and daughter have also been victimized ...
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Review “How to Succeed” (Porchlight Music Theatre): Infectious Fun
Porchlight Music Theatre presents HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING. Initially, I wondered if this 1961 Award-winning musical was outdated. A guy goes from the mailroom to the executive wing in a wink and a jingle. Even for a musical, the shtick was over-the-top buffoonery. My skepticism started waning during the musical number Coffee Break. By Paris ...
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Review “Ain’t Misbehavin'” (Porchlight Music Theatre): Perfectly Jazzed
Porchlight Music Theatre presents the Tony Award-winning Thomas “Fats” Waller musical revue, AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’. Fats Waller was a pianist, organist, composer, singer, bandleader and comedic entertainer. His progressive work pioneered the era for modern jazz. He only lived to be 39 but he lived. His legacy is a robust songbook reflecting the emotions and experiences of African ...