Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) presents Macbeth, adapted and directed by Teller (of Penn & Teller) and Aaron Posner—the celebrated creative duo behind CST’s The Tempest, winner of the Jeff Award for Best Production in 2015. I'm spoiled! I saw Teller & Posner's "The Tempest" . It was my favorite play in 2015! It was my favorite Chicago Shakespeare Theater play... ...
Review “To Catch a Fish” (Timeline Theatre): Baited, Hooked and Reeled In!
Timeline Theatre presents the world premiere of TO CATCH A FISH. Playwright Brett Neveu knows how to filet a fish tale. He cuts and exposes guts immediately. Neveu drops us into a conversation between Geno Walker (Terry) and Jay Worthington (Ike). An aggressive Worthington is trying to impress and dominate over an enthralled Walker. The combination of Worthington's ...
April Check-in!
Since I took today as a vacation day, I'm writing my check-in on the eve of May. I'm sitting on the patio of the Clocktower Cafe overlooking a golf course and Lake Michigan. 70s with a light breeze... ideal weather. Although April is going out on a good note, Chicagoans won't quickly forget that April was ...
EXTENDED Thru June 16 “Memphis” (Porchlight Music Theatre): Your Musical Destination!
Porchlight Music Theatre presents MEMPHIS. I LOVED my trip to MEMPHIS! This musical is a powerful tribute to race relations within our rock and roll roots. The story is based on a concept by George W. George and the real life of DJ Dewey Phillips. The creative team of Joe DiPietro (book and lyrics) and David Bryan ...
Review “Grand Hotel” (Kokandy Productions): Grand!
Kokandy Productions presents GRAND HOTEL. Flappers kicking it up. Guests lapping up the champagne. In 1928 Berlin, the Grand Hotel welcomes an aging prima ballerina, a wannabe actress, a sickly bookkeeper, a broke baron and other eccentrics to the fading, posh lifestyle. As depression and war threaten to change the world forever, Berlin holds on to hope ...
“The Doppelgänger” (Steppenwolf Theatre): Personality Conflict
Steppenwolf Presents the World Premiere Production of "The Doppelgänger (an international farce)". Fans of the TV comedy "The Office" get their Dwight Shrute fix in Steppenwolf's latest show. Rainn Wilson plays a wealthy British businessman, an American doofus and then the doofus pretending to be the Brit business guy. The Doppelgänger sounds like an ideal sitcom plot ...
Review “9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL” (Firebrand Theatre): Firebrand Working It!
Firebrand Theatre presents 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL. The 1970s iconic movie "9 to 5" starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin incited the original #metoo campaign. Three women are patronized, harassed and demeaned by a male boss. They unite to teach him a lesson and shake up the workplace. Even if you haven't seen this ...
March: Check-in
March madness is easily a term for on and off the courts. All month Chicago was in its winter woes. A bitter, cold wind off the lake was the usual norm. It's been gross and the dreary chill is predicted to dominate the beginning of April. I wrote down and worked on my March goals. Although ...
Review “Pretty Woman” (Broadway in Chicago): S’cute
Broadway in Chicago presents the world premiere of PRETTY WOMAN THE MUSICAL. The iconic movie starring Julia Roberts is reimagined as a staged musical. A hooker and a businessman enter into a contractual arrangement. The pact leads to transformation. She undergoes a makeover, shedding her street clothes for an upscale wardrobe. He addresses his emotional baggage ...
Review “The Next Big Thing” (Factory Theater): Heart-felt, Comedic Tribute to the 90s!
The Factory Theater presents the second production of its 25th anniversary season, the world premiere of The Next Big Thing. The 90s music scene pitted the grunge verses the coiffed. Playwright Carrie Sullivan plops us smack dab into the industry feud. Alex's (played by a formidable Mary Jo Bolduc) studio is in the camp of promoting independent singer/songwriters like ...