Review “Immersive Monet and the Impressionists” (Lighthouse Immersive): Intoxicating ‘Performing Art’

Tuesday, June 21, 2022 Permalink 0

Lighthouse Immersive presents IMMERSIVE MONET AND THE IMPRESSIONISTS. Claude Monet, August Renoir, Edgar Degas, Mary Cassatt and other impressionists are currently featured in an art show beyond their late 1800s’ imagination and comprehension. Their brushstrokes and images are no longer contained to a specific canvass. Their work no longer hangs in one stagnant place.Their masterpieces, individually ...

May 2022 Check-in

Saturday, June 4, 2022 Permalink 0

Finally, Spring is here! Although it’s weird it arrived in late May, we’ll take it! I’m thoroughly enjoying the breezy 70s weather. Despite the occasional 90 degree spikes and today being cloudy and 66, May blossomed! Flowers bloomed in colorful bounties. Trees budded and sprouted leaves. And now, the city is painted serenity green with ...

Review “Seagull” (Steppenwolf Theatre): Peyankov’s Adaptation Finds the Humor

Friday, May 13, 2022 Permalink 0

Steppenwolf Theatre presents Yasen Peyankov’s adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s SEAGULL.   Chekhov penned his dark comedy in 1895. The play focuses on a writer’s (played by Namir Smallwood) quest for love from his mother (played by Luisa Strus), his neighbor Nina (played by Caroline Neff) and his audience. At the onset of the show, Smallwood debuts his ...

April Check-in

Tuesday, May 3, 2022 Permalink 0

April showers ended up bringing May fl--showers… at least today. Chicago is being soaked by wind and rain. A foggy gloom blankets the city. The howling wind sends sheets of rain across the Drive. It’s your basic commuting nightmare especially on public transit.  As I sip my coffee in my pajamas, I am so grateful ...

Review “All’s Well That Ends Well” (Chicago Shakespeare Theater): Imagining the Unfamiliar

Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL. It’s believed Shakespeare penned this tale in 1603 around the time of Queen Elizabeth’s death and during a plague that killed one-in-five Londoners. It is one of 18 plays printed seven years after the Bard’s own death. The first record of it being performed is in 1741. ...

Review “Spring Awakening” (Porchlight Music Theatre): Haunting Rebellion and Resignation

Porchlight Music Theatre presents SPRING AWAKENING. Over a century ago, German Playwright Frank Wedekind debuted his provocative play, “Spring Awakening.” Wedekind penned a coming-of-age tale of teenagers in a 19th century sexual oppressed society. He wrote about puberty, rape, sexual assault, erotic fantasy and homosexuality. His characters dealt with child abuse, neglect, suicide ideation, and mid-terms. ...

March Check-in

Saturday, April 2, 2022 Permalink 0

This picture encapsulates my March experience perfectly!  The poinsettia I bought in December for $8.99 refuses to die. It’s hanging on… unwavering, unwanted, and unwatered. It’s mirroring winter in Chicago. Even though we officially said goodbye to winter last week, he is treating us to a rain-sleet-snow frenzy on this Saturday in April. Winter is like ...

Review “Good Night, Oscar” (Goodman Theatre): Hayes is Extraordinary!

Tuesday, March 22, 2022 Permalink 0

Goodman Theatre presents the World Premiere of GOOD NIGHT, OSCAR.  It’s 1958. The Jack Parr Show is broadcasting from LA for Sweeps Week. Since ratings are everything, Jack has booked his friend Oscar Levant. Oscar is known for his piano virtuosity and his unfiltered humor. Oscar’s quick, self-deprecating and unscripted wit is the perfect draw for ...

Review “King James” (Steppenwolf Theatre): Winner!

Steppenwolf Theatre and Center Theatre Group presents the World Premiere of KING JAMES. Just in time for March Madness, Playwright Rajiv Joseph debuts his tribute to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Joseph tells the tale of two fans turned friends. The guys meet to purchase season tickets as LeBron James joins the Cavs. Their resulting bromance chronicles LeBron’s ...