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 ...
Review “The Distance” (Haven Theatre): Writing, Directing, Acting…Brilliant!
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 ...