It is my great fortune to live in a town that is bursting with so much theatrical talent. About seven years ago, I stumbled into reviewing the Chicago theatre scene. Every show enhances my understanding of theatre and life. I enjoy most every production for some aspect. The stinkers have been a single digit percentage ...
Review “Domesticated” (Steppenwolf Theatre): Norris Untamed!
We have a civilized agreement, and a reasonable one, that says we can’t behave the way some of our animal cousins do. I think this idea - that everything men instinctively want, on a primitive level, is basically bad and everything women want, basically good - is how we’ve constructed morality, based on gender. We see women as a ...
Review “Guys and Dolls” (Light Opera Works): LIMITED ENGAGEMENT. BUY TICKETS NOW!
Light Opera Works 2015 at Cahn Auditorium Light Opera Works presents GUYS AND DOLLS. This Tony Award-winning musical is another present to unwrap this week! Big musical dance numbers are nestled alongside charming heart-warming duets. Catchy tunes crackle in this gamblers’ tale of romance and redemption. It has not one but TWO love stories. In ...
Review “The Heir Apparent” (Chicago Shakes): Light, frothy with plenty of poop
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents THE HEIR APPARENT. On its mainstage, Chicago Shakes is keeping it light and frothy. Playwright David Ives has adapted Jean-Francois Regnard’s “Le Legataire.” Although Ives tells the inheritance lampoon in verse, he liberally adds in the sh#t show. Ives dirties up the lyrical elegance with expletives and poop talk. Hearing the ...
Google googled me!
Google wished me a happy birthday. Cool? Or frightening? I’m equally weirded out and pleased with their acknowledgement. I’ve gotten cards, texts, and Facebook posts. I’ve had a birthday lunch and a birthday drink. I’m certainly feeling showered in lovely remembrances from my community. I’m 52 today. 5-2! I’m playing with a whole deck ...
Review “Twist Your Dickens” (Goodman Theatre): Clever Farce
Goodman Theatre, in partnership with The Second City, presents TWIST YOUR DICKENS. Here’s how we know Goodman Theatre has a sense of humor. On its mainstage, they are presenting their 38th “Christmas Carol” production. Their traditional offering has become a Chicago holiday staple. Which makes it even cheekier that the show on their second stage is ...
Review “Twelfth Night” (Midsommer Flight): Indoor Shakespeare in the Park
Midsommer Flight, in partnership with the Lincoln Park Conservatory, presents TWELFTH NIGHT. The backdrop of the holiday decorated botanical gardens is the winter way to experience Shakespeare in the park. For the first time, Midsommer Flight takes their current offering indoors. Director Beth Wolf skillfully carves out a staging area within the historic glass-covered building. Christmas ...
Review “Bel Canto” (Lyric Opera): Profound!
Lyric Opera of Chicago presents the world premiere of Bel Canto. When I read Ann Patchett’s novel, I was captivated by her storytelling. Inspired by the Peruvian hostage crisis of 1996-97, Patchett penned a tale of an elite house party attacked by terrorists. A group of international dignitaries have gathered for a private concert by a world renown ...
Review “Robin Hood and Maid Marian” (Strawdog Theatre): Contemporary Couple for the Ages
Strawdog Theatre Company’s Hugen Hall presents the world premiere adaptation of ROBIN HOOD AND MAID MARIAN. I’ve seen “Robin Hood” dozens of times both the Errol Flynn and Disney versions. In these popular depictions, Maid Marian is a demure character in need of rescue. What I like most about Hugen Hall’s world premiere adaption is how ...
The Nutcracker (The House Theatre of Chicago): Holiday Cheer! Heartbreak! Rats!
Reviewed by Tom Lawler Set the scene: The House Theater, a reliable option for modern, fourth-wall breaking theater, brings us their annual holiday spin on The Nutcracker. Originally created in 2007 for a premiere at Steppenwolf Theater, this year’s production is directed and choreographed by one if its original creators, Tommy Rapley. What’s it all about: Although ...