The Strawdog Theatre presents ONCE IN A LIFETIME. Strawdog is on the move. After 26 years in their cozy Broadway second story perch, the theatre company is forced to find a new stage. While they look for a permanent place, their next season will be presented at The Factory’s new home in Rogers Park. Meanwhile, they ...
Review “The King and I” (Lyric Opera): Magnificent, Sentimental Journey
The Lyric Opera of Chicago presents Rodger & Hammerstein’s THE KING AND I. I grew up on Rodgers & Hammerstein. Even before the advent of VCRs, DVDs, and streaming, I still managed to memorize all the lyrics. My dad played and replayed every R&H soundtrack on his reel to reel player. And my mom burst into ...
Review “The Producers” (Mercury Theater): Makes Fun!
Mercury Theatre presents THE PRODUCERS, a Mel Brooks Musical Comedy. Mel Brooks wrote and directed the movie THE PRODUCERS in 1967. He won best original screenplay. He then turned into a stage musical debuting in Chicago in 2000 and later debuting on Broadway in 2001. It won 12 Tony Awards including Best Musical - a Broadway ...
Review “In the Time of the Butterflies” (Teatro Vista): Delicate, Viscous Interlaced Threads of Fact and Fiction
Teatro Vista presents the Chicago premiere of IN THE TIME OF THE BUTTERFLIES. The Mirabel sisters of the Dominican Republic have become international symbols of courage. During the dictatorial regime of General Rafael Leonidas Trujillo, the sisters joined the resistance to fight against oppression. They were brutally punished for their convictions. And on November 25, 1960, three ...
Review “One-Man Star Wars Trilogy” (Broadway in Chicago): Attention Star Wars Geeks, Don’t Miss This Show!
Broadway in Chicago presents ONE-MAN STAR WARS TRILOGY . Charles Ross has condensed our beloved original Star Wars Trilogy (“Star Wars”, “The Empire Strikes Back”, “Return of the Jedi”) into a tight seventy-five minute live performance. He starts each movie by mimicking the iconic soundtrack and talking about the words scrolling vertically on screen. He then ...
Review “Sender” (A Red Orchid): Drinking in the Drama and Comedy
A Red Orchid presents the World Premiere of SENDER. On the first anniversary of his death, Lynx (played by Steve Haggard) returns to his life. He shows up on his girlfriend’s doorstep (played by Mary Williamson). The charismatic Haggard is remorseful. A fierce Williamson is enraged. Although he is ready to make amends for his sudden ...
Review “The Realm” (The Other Theatre): Quirky Underground World
The Other Theatre Company presents THE REALM. Before the lights go up, the whispering starts. Voices repeat hushed phrases about believing. Throughout the show Esme Ayvar-Perez (Kansas) will be haunted by these voices. I’m never sure if these are voices in her head or voices of lost souls from within the Realm. It’s one of many ...
Review “The Magic Parlour” (House Theatre): My Love Affair with Dennis Watkins
The House Theatre of Chicago presents THE MAGIC PARLOUR. My love affair with Dennis Watkins started several years ago. Even before I begin reviewing theatre, I saw the 2001 “Death and Harry Houdini” starring Watkins. Later, I reviewed “Death and Harry Houdini” in 2012 and saw him again in “The Magnificents” in 2013. I’ve ...
Happiness this Way: My Guide to Peace and Joy
I published my second book in April 2016, Happiness This Way. Following the success of my blog into a book, 500 Days to 50, I decided to reveal my secrets to happiness. It's nothing earth-shattering. In fact, it's everything you already know but may have forgotten. In this crazy world of materialism, competition and uncertainty, ...
Review “The Few” (Steep Theatre): Honestly Thought-Provoking
Steep Theatre presents the Midwest Premiere of THE FEW. Playwright Samuel D. Hunter gives voice to the invisible and marginalized. His plays are usually set in his home state of Idaho or other Midwest states. His characters are ordinary folks struggling with real life. I enjoy Hunter’s work immensely. Besides THE FEW, I’ve seen The ...