Reviewed by Tom Lawler Set the scene: In its sumptuous performance space in the former Biograph Theater, Victory Gardens combines top-line production values with stellar directing and performances, typically loaded with professional Actors’ Equity casts. For Sucker Punch, Victory Gardens has paired one of its most accomplished directors, Dexter Bullard (Circle Mirror Transformation), with the Midwest ...
Review “The Cheats” (Steep Theatre): Natural and Intricate Storytelling
Steep Theatre Company presents the world premiere of THE CHEATS. The play starts with an empty living room. Set Designer Chelsea Warren has constructed a home with multiple rooms. Doorways lead on one side to the media room and on the other side to the kitchen. Neither of these rooms are visible. Another door leads to ...
Review “Scream Queen Scream” (Hell in a Handbag): Office Temps, Drunken Shrews, Diabolical Siblings… OH MY!
Hell in a Handbag Productions presents the World Premiere of SCREAM QUEEN SCREAM. In his newest endeavor, Playwright David Cerda is serving up a frightening treat for the Halloween season. SCREAM QUEEN SCREAM is three plays in one: “Taco Tuesday,” “The Box” and “Shut Up and Die, Maggie!” This isn’t your kid’s worst nightmare. It’s yours! ...
Review “The Marriage of Figaro” (Lyric Opera of Chicago): Mozart’s Masterpiece Infused with Joy
The Lyric Opera of Chicago presents THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO. In the Director’s Note, Barbara Gaines reflects on seeing THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO as a young girl. Although she loved the joyful music, Gaines found the production dark, distant with limited interaction by the singers. When Gaines took on this year’s Lyric season opener, her goal ...
Review “Disgraced” (Goodman Theatre): Stunning!
Goodman Theatre presents DISGRACED. I was fortunate to have seen DISGRACED debut at American Theatre Company in 2012. Three years later, the play still is evocative. Even knowing how this dinner party unravels didn’t stop me from continually flinching and holding my breath. Playwright Ayad Akhtar and Director Kimberly Senior continue their reign as the DISGRACED ...
Review “Butcher” (Signal Ensemble Theatre): Nightmare Inducing
Signal Ensemble Theatre presents the U.S. premiere of BUTCHER. This show went from what-the-heck to what-the-f#ck in about thirty minutes. And the last ten minutes were oh-my-God-oh-my-God-oh-my-God intense. After the curtain, I walked out of Signal a little wobbly from the brutality of what I heard and saw. The play starts out slow with three men at ...
Review “Miss Buncle’s Book” (Lifeline Theatre): Housewives of the U.K.
Lifeline Theatre presents the world premiere of MISS BUNCLE’S BOOK. Fortunately for us, the Lifeline library is limitless and open to the public. Every season, they select a few books to showcase. Although they have an extensive collection of Austen and Bronte, Lifeline can’t be labeled as doing one type of book best. They do it ...
Review “The Revel” (The House Theatre of Chicago): I wasn’t a believer
The House Theatre of Chicago presents THE REVEL. I didn’t like this play. THE REVEL starts out folksy. The guitar strumming Andy Lutz (Deacon) addresses the audience directly. He apologizes for his vocal stylings and playfully gets us to join in his singing. Lutz is amicable enough. I’d join him for a drink at a bar. I ...
Review “Side Show” (Porchlight Music Theatre): Unforgettable Production and Love Story
Porchlight Theatre presents the Chicago Premiere of the newly revised SIDE SHOW. This is a love story about sisters. The musical is based on the real lives of Daisy and Violet Hilton. The sisters were twins conjoined at the hips. Abandoned by their mother, they were sold into the circus life. Audiences paid money to see ...
Germany Day 5: The Royal Send-off
Our last day in Germany was a day to feel like royalty. We booked the VIP castle tour with Grayline Bus Tour. The VIP tour included a luxury coach, free wi-fi and snacks. We splurged! We ended up being in a nicer bus than anticipated. Munich’s professional soccer team, FC Bayern, was in Athens ...