Reviewed by Tom Lawler Set the scene: For more than 25 years, Trap Door Theatre has pursued its noble mission of “seeking out challenging yet obscure works and bringing them to life.” With a theatergoing audience that seems to be in consistent decline and not necessarily getting any younger, combining this kind of longevity with such ...
Review “Marjorie Prime” (Writers Theatre): An Unforgettable and Surreal Experience
Writers Theatre presents MARJORIE PRIME. I saw this show yesterday. I can’t stop thinking about it. Playwright Jordan Harrison pens a tale set in the near future. His story captivates immediately as Mary Ann Thebus (Marjorie) and Erik Hellman (Walter) are chatting. A feeble Thebus rattles on about organic peanut butter as the younger Hellman ...
Review “The Consultant” (Signal Ensemble Theatre): Genuine Life at Work
Signal Ensemble Theatre presents the Chicago Premiere of THE CONSULTANT. This show is the final production for Signal Ensemble Theatre. I’m always amused by college students that tell me their career focus is to be a consultant. Being a seasoned professional, I’m baffled to what a twenty-something without job experience can bring into the workplace. Playwright ...
Review “Measure for Measure” (Chicago Shakespeare Theater): Best Experienced Visual for Visual
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents the inaugural production of Shakespeare 400 Chicago. For a limited engagement from January 27th through January 31st, Cheek by Jowl and Pushkin Theatre, Moscow present MEASURE FOR MEASURE. This Shakespearean play has traditionally been labeled a comedy. Despite having the Bard’s typical folly of characters in disguise and unrequited love, it also ...
Review “Le Switch” (About Face Theatre): ENJOYABLE on All Switches!
About Face Theatre presents the World Premiere of LE SWITCH. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Playwright Philip Dawkins debuts a brightly wrapped love fest. Dawkins’ hero is David (played by Stephen Cone) a guy afraid of commitment and petrified of marriage. His divorced parents have left him with the relationship heebie-jeebies. When his best friend ...
Year of the Rooster (Red Theater Chicago): Angry Birds
Reviewed by Tom Lawler Set the scene: Red Theater Chicago’s mission is to be “dangerous and free” through producing works that ask dangerous questions and a funding model that solicits supporters to purchase theater tickets for those who may not be able to afford it. For Year of the Rooster, director Carrie Lee Patterson and her ...
EXTENDED Thru March 12th Review “Posh”: “Downton Abbey” Meets “Jackass-The Movie”
Steep Theatre Company presents the U.S. Premiere of POSH. The down and dirty description of this show is Downton Abbey meets Jackass -The Movie. Playwright Laura Wade has penned a tale that is equally posh and revolting. On the surface, ten Oxford University students are determined to continue the antics of the historic and exclusive Riot ...
Review “Satchmo at the Waldorf”: Behind-the-Music Glimpse at Louis Armstrong
Court Theatre presents the Midwest Premiere of SATCHMO AT THE WALDORF. This one man show is a tribute to trumpet legend Louis Armstrong. Playwright Terry Teachout derived this play from his book “Pops: A Life of Louis Armstrong.” Set in 1971, Teachout imagines Armstrong reflecting on his life backstage a few months before his death. ...
Review “No Wake” (Route 66): Still Waters Too Still
Route 66 Theatre Company presents the Midwest Premiere of NO WAKE. The sailing term ‘no wake’ means to proceed without making waves. A boat operates at a minimal speed until it clears the zone. Playwright William Donnelly uses the term for the title of his play about parents grieving the loss of a daughter. Unfortunately, it ...
Today is a New Year!
Jenny gave me this picture for my birthday. I love it hard. It encapsulates all my ideals of living a good life. She bought it for my new office but I decided to keep it at home for the daily reminder. 2016 has begun. This morning is full of possibilities. The slate is clean. I don’t ...