Raven Theatre presents a remount of DIRECT FROM DEATH ROW THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS for a limited return engagement. I missed this original run but fortunately for me and Chicago, it’s back with the entire Jeff Award-winning “Outstanding Ensemble.” In 1931, nine African-American teenagers were falsely accused of raping two white women. No evidence linked them to ...
Review “War Paint” (Goodman Theatre): A LuPone and Ebersole Production
Goodman Theatre presents the World Premiere of WAR PAINT. Two iconic women play two iconic women. Patti LuPone (Helene Rubinstein) and Christine Ebersole (Elizabeth Arden) play the make-up mavericks who established the cosmetic industry. LuPone and Ebersole channel their inner diva to play the successful business rivals. It’s impossible to imagine this show cast any ...
Review “The Woman Who Amuses Herself” (Idle Muse Theatre): Portrait of Art
Idle Muse Theatre presents the Chicago premiere of THE WOMAN WHO AMUSES HERSELF. Mona Lisa is famous. The 16th century portrait is recognized even by people with little to no art background. Playwright Victor Lodato uses the iconic painting as the subject of his play. In 1911, Vincenzo Peruggia (played by the outstanding Nathan Thompson) stole ...
Review “Between Riverside and Crazy” (Steppenwolf Theatre): Dynamics Intrigue!
Steppenwolf Theatre presents the Chicago premiere of BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY. Playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis won the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for this dark dramedy. Guirgis pens the tale of an ex-cop father (played by the commanding Eamonn Walker) and his ex-con son (played by the understated James Vincent Meredith) co-existing in one of the last great ...
Review “Tomorrow Morning” (Kokandy Productions): Your Summer Date Night Destination
Kokandy Productions presents TOMORROW MORNING. On the eve before a dramatic relationship change, four individuals contemplate the sustainability of love. Tina Naponelli (Kat) and Neil Stratman (John) prepare to marry. Carl Herzog (Jack) and Teressa LaGamba (Catherine) brace for a divorce. Director John D. Glover gives us the birds-eye view into that intimate evening of apprehension. ...
Review “As You Like It” (Midsommer Flight): This IS as Shakespeare would like it!
Midsommer Flight presents AS YOU LIKE IT. Again this summer, Midsommer Flight is doing Shakespeare in the park. The Bard’s romantic comedy of mistaken identities will be showcased on grassy stages around town. Last night, I saw it in Lincoln Park, nestled between Cafe Brauer and the zoo. We laid out the blankets, pulled out the ...
Review “Evil and Good” (Chicago Dance Crash): Mesmerizing!
Chicago Dance Crash (CDC) and Artistic Director Jessica Deahr present the World Premiere of EVIL & GOOD. In sixty short and seamless minutes, the CDC ensemble (Kaitlin Webster, David Ingram, KC Bevis, Brian Humpherys, Zak McMahon, Kelsey Reiter, and Porscha Spells) build a powerful case for the innate presence of good and evil in the ...
EXTENDED Thru Aug 27 “Wastwater” (Steep Theatre): Thought-provoking, Gut-punching, Cringe-worthy
Steep Theatre presents the U.S. premiere of WASTWATER. Playwright Simon Stephens and Steep team up again to deliver their signature British angst. This time, Stephens provides three separate scenarios in his play, WASTWATER. Each scenario has a character facing a life-changing decision. Stephens’ set-up feels like three one-act plays. Listening closely, the audience determines the casual ...
Review “We Will Tap You!” (Chicago Tap Theatre): Queen’s Pride Celebration
On June 25, 2016, Chicago Tap Theatre (CTT) honored the music of legendary rock band Queen with the one night only performance of We Will Tap You! A Tap Dance Celebration to the Music of Queen. The Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, Lakeside Pride Freedom Marching Band and Chicago Spirit Brigade joined CTT in a musical ...
An Open Love Letter to the Gays
Today is Chicago's 2016 Pride Parade. I'll be working on the parade route at my serving gig at Wood. In the wake of the Orlando tragedy, I'm not as chipper on this gay high holiday as in the past. I know that we aren't just checking I.D.s at the door. We are also checking bags... ...