Haven Theatre presents the U.S. Premiere of THE DISTANCE. The word to describe this show is brilliant! Writing, directing and acting make it a tri-fecta powerhouse! The show starts out slow as two strangers (played by Josh Odor and Abigail Boucher) navigate an unexpected layover. Their interaction is equal parts nervous and sweet as Odor tries ...
Review “American Beauty Shop” (Chicago Dramatists): Powerful Illustration of an Unattractive Reality
Chicago Dramatists present the World Premiere of AMERICAN BEAUTY SHOP. Playwright Dana Lynn Formby drops us into a beauty shop in Smalltown, USA. As the economic recession rages on, locally owned businesses like the Sugar Shack are barely treading water. Conglomerates like Walmart and Super Cuts are both catering to the working class and adding to ...
Review “Twisted Knots” (TTKD Productions): Marriage Material
TTKD Productions presents the World Premiere of TWISTED KNOTS. Playwright Dale Danner explores the relational angst of a salesman. It’s New Year’s Eve, Frank (played by Ryan Kitley) is trying to close an important business deal before midnight. Meanwhile, he also has booked an escort (played by Mary Cross) for the evening. Because she requires cash ...
Review “Disenchanted!” (Broadway in Chicago): The Real Castlewives of Disney
Broadway In Chicago and Starvox Entertainment are pleased to present DISENCHANTED! Former history teacher Dennis T. Giacino (book, music, lyrics) mused about what the real 10-year old Pocahontas might think of her busty, mini-skirt wearing 20-year old cartoon depiction. His historic reflection led to an exploration of all Disney princesses. What did these ‘Real Castlewives of ...
EXTEND Thru August 21st “Death and Harry Houdini” (The House Theatre): Be Astonished This Summer!
The House Theatre of Chicago presents DEATH AND HARRY HOUDINI. My addiction to The House’s magic started in 2001 at the premiere of DEATH AND HARRY HOUDINI and it’s continued for fifteen years… Death and Harry Houdini in 2012 The Magic Parlour in 2012 The Magnificents in 2013 The Magic Parlour in 2016 Playwright and Director Nathan Allen tells the story ...
Review “The Secretaries” (About Face Theatre): :(
About Face Theatre presents the Chicago Premiere of THE SECRETARIES. I went into this show with great expectations based on the cast list. I’m a huge fan of Kelli Simpkins, Meghan Reardon and Sadieh Rifai’s work. Despite the talented ensemble, THE SECRETARIES is a huge disappointment. A lumber company’s secretarial pool is a Slimfast drinking cult. Every ...
Review “Mike Mother” (Neo-Futurists): Evocative Storytelling
The Neo-Futurists present MIKE MOTHER. This show is funny yet serious. Sad yet uplighting. Dramatic yet playful. Searing soliloquies combine with poignant film clips, a lamb puppet show and even a little interactive slapstick. MIKE MOTHER has got everything and the kitchen sink. Well, it’s actually a bathtub. The multi-media autobiography is created, written and ...
Review “Chicago” (Broadway in Chicago): Razzle Dazzle!
Broadway in Chicago and Producers Barry and Fran Weissler present the Tony Award winning smash-hit CHICAGO for a one week limited engagement. In 1995, CHICAGO won six Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival. It’s easy to see and hear why. The story is sensational. The songs are stirring. The dancing is sultry. And the costumes are ...
Review “The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window” (Goodman Theatre): Tangled Web of Idealism and Realism
The Goodman Theatre presents THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN’S WINDOW. Playwright Lorraine Hansberry is best known for her play turned movie Raisin in the Sun. The lesser known, THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN’S WINDOW was Hansberry’s final work before her untimely death at age 35. THE SIGN is set in Greenwich Village in 1964. In RAISIN, ...
A Red Line Runs Through It (Second City e.t.c. Theatre): Getting Real Up In Here
Reviewed Tom Lawler Set the scene: While technically, the Second City e.t.c is the little brother to the Second City Maintstage ensemble that often benefits from spillover from the perennially sold-out shows shows upstairs, both ensembles (constantly churning with up-and-comers) consistently produce some of the finest sketch comedy you’ll find on a Chicago stage. In fact, ...