Hell in a Handbag Productions presents the Chicago premiere of DIVINE SISTERS. It’s summer. It’s time for camp. And nobody does camp like Hell in a Handbag! I’ve been a long-time fan of Artistic Director David Cerda and his Handbag crew. I even gave them a shout out in a recent review of a show in dire ...
Review “Human Terrain” (Broken Nose Theatre): Riveting Storytelling
Broken Nose Theatre presents the Chicago premiere production of HUMAN TERRAIN. When I watch the news about the U.S.’s involvement in the Middle East, I understand it from that perspective, a 15-30 second sliver of a military report. It’s limited. It’s one dimensional. Playwright Jennifer Blackmer goes beyond that to tell an Iraq story from multiple ...
Review “Constellations” (Steppenwolf Theatre): So Many Possibilities
Steppenwolf Theatre presents the Chicago premiere production of CONSTELLATIONS. Playwright Nick Payne has written a play about the many relational possibilities between a physicist and a beekeeper. Jessie Fisher (Marianne) and Jon Michael Hill (Roland) meet at a party…multiple times. Payne explores key and inconsequential moments of two people over years. He examines each moment by ...
The Art of Falling (Hubbard Street Dance Chicago + The Second City): A Transcendent Marriage of Dance and Comedy
6/8/16 3:55:38 PM -- Hubbard Street Dance Chicago's "The Art of Falling" with The Second City©†Todd Rosenberg Photography 2016 Reviewed by Tom Lawler Set the scene: Two of Chicago’s most illustrious cultural institutions (38-year-old Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and Second City, now approaching 60 years) collaborate for the first time for a dance program. In a ...
Review “Xanadu” (American Theater Company): Disco Summer Camp In Session
Reviewed by Tom Lawler Set the scene: As the final production of American Theater Company’s Legacy Season in tribute to their late Artistic Director PJ Paparelli, ATC produces Xanadu, a riotous, mega-campy musical comedy based on the misshapen 1980 roller disco musical starring Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly. Because this Xanadu was penned by Tony-winning playwright ...
Review “The Seagull” (The Artistic Home): In the room with Chekhov
The Artistic Home presents THE SEAGULL. When Director Cody Estle stages a production at The Artistic Home, he wants us in the room. In his last show here, “Watch on the Rhine”, audience members were cleverly weaved along the actual walls of the living room. The experience was like no other as we were practically dealt ...
Review “Soups, Stews, and Casseroles” (Goodman Theatre): Familiar Recipe
Goodman Theatre presents the Chicago Premiere of SOUPS, STEWS, AND CASSEROLES. Playwright Rebecca Gilman sets her story in 1976 Wisconsin. A corporation has bought the local cheese factory. As union workers ban together to save jobs, one man seizes his opportunity to get ahead. Gilman captures the historic onset of industrial downsizing that led to economic ...
EXTENDED Thru Aug 13 “Northanger Abbey” (Lifeline Theatre): This. Show. Is. Excellent!
Lifeline Theatre presents the World Premiere musical adaptation of NORTHANGER ABBEY. This. Show. Is. Excellent! The dynamic husband and wife team of Rob (book) and Elise (director) Kauzlaric resurrect Jane Austen’s novel about a girl infatuated with gothic romances. The young bookworm finds herself plucked from her country home obscurity and dropped into sophisticated high society. ...
Review “Spinning” (Irish Theatre): ‘Wow!’
Irish Theatre of Chicago presents the U.S. Premiere of SPINNING. ‘Spinning’ is the perfect name for this play. Playwright Deirdre Kinahan spins a tale of tragic redemption. Conor’s (played by the adept Dan Waller) life has spun out of control. Kinahan starts her story at the messy end and zig-zags backwards. When we meet Waller, he ...
EXTENDED Thru July 2 “Prowess” (Jackalope Theatre): Adrenaline-rushing Moves, Soul-searching Confessions and a Flirty, Steamy Romance
Jackalope Theatre presents the World Premiere of PROWESS. After his successful debut of SENDER at A Red Orchid this spring, Playwright Ike Holter launches his second World Premiere with this play. Holter stays true to his Chicago roots by again setting his play in his hometown. This time, he tackles the city’s violence. Holter focuses on ...