POST PUBLICATION NOTE: I want to take this moment to apologize. In my original review of "Pass Over", I used a word in my review that I should have never used. I never meant to be insensitive or disrespectful. It was a reaction to the poetry of a play that profoundly touched me. Please don't ...
The Fourth Walsh
Theatre with a side of life
Category Steppenwolf Theatre
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Review “Linda Vista” (Steppenwolf Theatre): Let(ts) Down
Steppenwolf Theatre Company presents the world premiere production of LINDA VISTA. Scheduling conflicts postponed me from seeing the newest Tracy Letts' play until last night. I entered the theatre with heightened excitement. I'm a huge fan of Letts. Plus, this show has gotten terrific buzz! I was ready to enjoy Letts latest sardonic Americana dissection. The first act ...
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Review “Monster” (Steppenwolf Theatre): Stellar Acting
Steppenwolf for Young Adults presents the world premiere adaptation of MONSTER. A teenager wrestles with his conscience about his participation in a crime. Daniel Kyri (Steve) is engaging as the young man. Kyri narrates the tale as if he's writing a screenplay. He describes the incidents with mechanical logistics using words like 'exterior,' 'close-up,' and 'camera pans.' The ...
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Review “Straight White Men” (Steppenwolf Theatre): Oh, Brothers!
Steppenwolf Theatre presents the Chicago premiere production of STRAIGHT WHITE MEN. Playwright and director Young Jean Lee takes us home for the holidays. A widower (played by Alan Wilder) hosts his three adult sons Madison Dirks (Jake), Ryan Hallahan (Drew) and Brian Slaten (Matt) for Christmas. The anticipated traditions like matching pajamas, Chinese take-out and movie night ...
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Review “The Christians” (Steppenwolf Theatre): Authentic Church Experience
Steppenwolf Theatre presents THE CHRISTIANS. I attended the Church of Steppenwolf this weekend. I was greeted with the choir singing their souls out. They were praising the Lord with joyous voices, rhythmic clapping and broad smiles. This was a united congregation assembled for spiritual guidance. The pastor, his wife and church leadership arrived into this Sunday-induced ...
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Review “The Fundamentals” (Steppenwolf Theatre): Enjoyable Yet Basic
Steppenwolf Theatre presents THE FUNDAMENTALS. The show starts out with a slick video montage. This commercial by Projection Designer Stephan Mazurek promotes a luxury hotel. We are instantly sold on this elegant retreat from real life. Then, the branding spot finishes. The wall screen lifts and the reality is revealed. Ta-Da, the beauty and the ...
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Review “Between Riverside and Crazy” (Steppenwolf Theatre): Dynamics Intrigue!
Steppenwolf Theatre presents the Chicago premiere of BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY. Playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis won the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for this dark dramedy. Guirgis pens the tale of an ex-cop father (played by the commanding Eamonn Walker) and his ex-con son (played by the understated James Vincent Meredith) co-existing in one of the last great ...
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Review “Constellations” (Steppenwolf Theatre): So Many Possibilities
Steppenwolf Theatre presents the Chicago premiere production of CONSTELLATIONS. Playwright Nick Payne has written a play about the many relational possibilities between a physicist and a beekeeper. Jessie Fisher (Marianne) and Jon Michael Hill (Roland) meet at a party…multiple times. Payne explores key and inconsequential moments of two people over years. He examines each moment by ...