About Face Theatre presents the Chicago premiere of THE TEMPERAMENTALS. This show is classy. The "Mad Men" meets "Queer as Folk" play chronicles the birth of the gay movement. Playwright John Marans chronicles the origin story of the Mattachine Society in 1950s Los Angeles. Marans' script is smart. He skillfully navigates this revolution rippled with sexual tension ...
Review “Earthquakes in London” (Steep Theatre): A Lot!
Steep Theatre presents EARTHQUAKES IN LONDON. This show is a lot. Huge cast. Multiple storylines. Long running time. And a choreographed musical number?! It's true! In Steep's modest space, the 15-member ensemble dance. Steep's signature British angst is momentarily halted as the cast frolic on stage to "I'm not a Robot." And guess what, a robot ...
Fantastic Great Super Nation Numero Uno (Second City E.T.C.): Killing ‘Em With Acceptance
© Todd Rosenberg Photography 2017 Reviewed by Tom Lawler Who should this see this: Anyone who wants to tap into the zeitgeist in a particularly uneasy time as interpreted by one our city’s preeminent cultural institutions. Anyone curious to check in again on Second City E.T.C. after its previous revue, A Red Line Runs Through It, ...
“Remember the ladies”
Dear President Trump, Two of my favorite gals were in your hood last weekend. Did you see them? How about the estimated half million protestors that marched in DC? Did you hear them? Last Saturday, protestors in many cities, Chicago, New York, Boston, LA, Kalamazoo, Austin, Seattle, Madison, Cincinnati and more, expressed their concern with you ...
Review “Magic Flute” (Lyric Opera): A Rubes Report
By Chad Volkers A RUBES REPORT: I wanted to understand. I wanted to pour myself into the pressed suit and peer into the world within the world; I wanted to encounter the cultured and coiffed and come out clutching clarity. Who’s to say I’m not an opera guy? Who says I can’t keep up? Hustling after dinner ...
From one public servant to another
Dear President Trump, You weren’t my choice but you are our President of the United States. I voted for my gal. She is the most qualified person in our nation’s history to be Commander in Chief. She won the popular vote but you won the electoral college. Her political camp neglected key states. Your team did ...
Review “Fable-ous” (Lifeline Theatre): Family-friendly, Fun-loving, Heart-warming Adventure!
Lifeline Theatre KidSeries presents the world premiere of FABLE-OUS! Lifeline's current show reminds me a lot of "Toy Story." While the colorful shenanigans is kid-appealing, the sharp wit throughout amuses the adults. Playwright Chris Hainsworth tells the inside story of the legendary race between tortoise and hare. The tale is told in reflection by Mollie Rehner (tortoise). The ...
Review “Disney’s Little Mermaid” (Paramount Theater): Spectacular!
I had my first Paramount Theatre experience on Saturday. I live in Chicago and usually don't have a car. Saturday, I had my mom's car and made my way to Aurora, Illinois. The travel time (an hour and fifteen minutes there, one hour home) was worth it. My ten year old niece Grace and I ...
Review “Men on Boats” (American Theater Company): See Worthy Crafts!
American Theater Company presents the regional premiere of Jaclyn Backhaus’ MEN ON BOATS. New Artistic Director Will Davis begins his ATC tenure by rocking the boat... literally. Davis' 'genderfluid cast of women and folks otherwise defined' are playing male explorers braving the rapids to map out the unknown, wild American West. Playwright Jaclyn Backhaus pens a ...
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 ...