The House Theatre of Chicago presents ROSE AND THE RIME. A story is about a village cursed with a never-ending winter. This play seems perfectly relatable for Chicago audiences, especially this year. Originally developed at Hope College in 2008 ROSE AND THE RIME won the honor of playing the Kennedy Center as Best Original Work in the KCACTF festival. ...
Review “Gideon’s Knot” (Profiles Theatre): Unreal
Profiles Theatre presents "Gideon’s Knot" Reviewed By Sara Eisenbaum The problem with being a viewer is that you need to be open-minded at all costs. Unfortunately, I recognize a bias in myself that when something is meant to imitate a real life situation and in my opinion it doesn’t, I automatically tune out. “Gideon’s Knot” fell prey ...
What is the real state of the union?
Naturally President OBama’s State of the Union speech ignited a passionate response from supporters and opposers. That’s to be expected in a democratic country. What I find disheartening and disconcerting was that Facebook posts called for the execution of the President. What the f*ck? I am in general bipartisan opposition with most politicians for their rhetorical ...
Review “Strangers, Babies” (Steep Theatre): One Riveting Story
Steep Theatre presents the Midwest Premiere of Strangers, Babies. Once again, Steep goes darker than imaginable. In its newest production, Steep introduces Chicago to Playwright Linda McLean. This time, instead of an English play riddled with angst, McLean pens a Scottish play riddled with angst. The breakout is Steep’s classic structure: five scenes, two actors in each, one ...
I’m a Lefty this week
Sue James started a mindfulness quest in 2014. She invited me along by sending me the book “How to Train a Wild Elephant” by Jan Chozen Bays, MD. Bays has written a book about simple daily mindfulness practices for living life more fully and joyfully. I’m in! In the introduction, Bays defines herself as a pediatrician, wife, ...
“Luna Gale” (Goodman Theatre): Stellar!
Goodman Theatre presents the World Premiere of LUNA GALE. As a licensed social worker in the State of Indiana, I marveled at how perfectly Playwright Rebecca Gilman’s story reflected ‘the system.’ Gilman pens a complex tale about a baby placed in foster care. The best interest of the child is at the heart of the show. But ...
I am warm and sincere. Am I?
I recently had coffee with someone I’ve known for a decade but someone I don’t really know. We had a wonderful chit-chat about his life and his writings. I talked a little about myself but my primary reason for the appointment was to learn about him. I constantly thought of things I could inject into ...
And the Oscar goes to….
I saw “Modern Family” this week. In one story segment, the writers went fairly serious. The brainy Alex had a meltdown. At her therapy session, she explored the internal forces that drive her to excel more so than external forces. I get that. Although I’m not sports-minded, I do have a competitive nature. I like to ...
“Mr. Shaw Goes to Hollywood” (MadKap Productions): Stage Meets Film
Once upon a time, celebrated Playwright George Bernard Shaw visited Hollywood. GBS and his wife Charlotte wanted to see how movies were made. They toured and lunched at MGM studios. Amidst the glamour of the world of moviestars, they saw the tarnished side of filmmaking. The Shaws saw actors canoodling and boozing. They experienced studio heads and ...
Review “The Mother” (Oracle Theatre): Truax Heart-Pounding Triumph
I never published my top ten theatre picks for 2013. If I had, "The Mother" would have been #1. It was an innovative, impressive, intimate theatrical experience. And guess what? It's back! The entire ensemble (sans the wonderful Sarah Pretz) returns for an encore production. In a week of 24 show openings, I chose to ...