Lifeline Theatre presents the world premiere of HER MAJESTY'S WILL. The imaginative concept of this play intrigued me. Author David Blixt wrote a novel about the origin story of two Elizabethan playwrights: William Shakespeare (played by Javier Ferreira) and Christopher Marlowe (played by Bryan Bosque). Shakespeare is teaching school under the name Falstaff. He's hiding from ...
Review “The Night Season” (Strawdog Theatre): Loud, Boozy, Loving Family!!
Strawdog Theatre presents THE NIGHT SEASON. An actor chooses to stay with a family of locals during his film shoot in Ireland. Although he prefers a quiet homey setting to a noisy hotel, he finds himself center of attention in a loud, boozy, loving family. Playwright Rebecca Lenkiewicz pens a a different kind of love story. ...
Review “Johnny 10 Beers’ Daughter” (Something Marvelous): Must See!!
Something Marvelous and Randy Steinmeyer, in association with Chicago Dramatists’ Grafting Project, present JOHNNY 10 BEERS' DAUGHTER. Playwright Dana Lynn Formby gives us an intimate peek into two casualties of war. Formby tells the tale of a father and daughter struggling to overcome the geographic and emotional distance of military service. Her story revolves around post-traumatic stress disorder, first ...
Review “We’re Gonna Die” (Haven Theatre): Beautifully Dark and Darkly Beautiful
Haven Theatre Company presents WE'RE GONNA DIE. This show is beautifully dark and darkly beautiful. Playwright Young Jean Lee combines two art forms; spoken word and a music concert. Lee has taken people's real stories and weaved them together with rock and roll interludes. The series of personal reflections are matched with songs. A daughter chronicling the ...
Review “American Hero” (First Floor Theater): A Day In The Life Of The Working Poor
First Floor Theater presents the Chicago premiere of AMERICAN HERO. Walking into this theatre space is like walking into a fast food joint. Designer Jeffery D. Kmiec's set is authentically legit. He even has a splash station. Before the show started, I found myself musing about my sandwich order. Playwright Bess Wohl's story takes place in ...
Review “Little Miss Sunshine” (Chicago Theatre Workshop): Fun, Feel-good Show!
Chicago Theatre Workshop, in association with Fletcher Jones Volkswagen, presents the regional premiere of LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE. Are you looking for a little sunshine? You'll find it in this show. The creative team of James Lapine (book) and William Finn (music and lyrics) condense Michael Arndt's quirky and provocative film into a pint-size playful romp. Arndt's ...
Review “Ideation” (Jackalope Theatre): F#cking Terrifying!
Jackalope Theatre presents the Midwest Premiere of IDEATION. Playwright Aaron Loeb pens a thought-provoking drama riddled with humor. A consulting team needs to pitch their next project to their boss in ninety minutes. That's as much as I'm willing to reveal as to not spoil the experience for you! This thriller is meant to be lived. The ...
EXTENDED Thru June 17 “Lady X: The Musical” (Hell in a Handbag): Cat’s Meow… Still!
Hell in a Handbag Productions presents the world premiere of the LADY X: THE MUSICAL. These are laugh lines. - Estelle Must have been one hell of a joke! - Scarlett HILARIOUS!!! Playwright David Cerda premiered his spoof on melodrama films from the 1930's and 40's in 2010 (my full review). Seven years later, he brings it back ...
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 ...
I apologize for not writing sooner…
Dear President Trump, I’m sorry that I haven’t written in awhile. It’s not because you aren’t on my mind. It’s just the opposite. You see I work for a nonprofit funded by DHHS. Our contract ends on July 31st. We’ve been waiting since January for a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) to begin the competitive bidding process. ...