Reviewed by Tom Lawler Set the scene: Midsommer Flight’s mission is to bring high-quality outdoor Shakespeare productions to the people. This summer they’ve brought the Bard’s Macbeth to four Chicago parks free of charge. What’s it all about: As you may know, Shakespeare’s shortest (and darkest) tragedy is about a Scottish general, Macbeth, who has the misfortune ...
Review “Things You Shouldn’t Say Past Midnight” (Windy City Playhouse): Light-hearted, Sexually-charged Frolic
The Windy City Playhouse presents THINGS YOU SHOULDN’T SAY PAST MIDNIGHT. Playwright Peter Ackerman has penned a saucy tale of lovers that go bang in the night. This isn’t a rom-com as much as a sex-com. Three couples. Three bedrooms. Although it never becomes a menage-a-trois, Ackerman cleverly connects these six together via three-way calling and ...
Dear Bill Cosby,
Dear Bill Cosby, I know your life is tough right now. This IS a fan letter but it’s also a hate letter. WTF? You were an icon. You had great stand-up comedy fame. You were the JELL-O pudding spokesperson. And the tour de force behind all the voices of Fat Albert in the 70s. Yet, your defining celebrity ...
An Excerpt from My Still-To-Be-Named Book
In February, I stopped my personal blogging to focus on writing a book. If I had to categorize it, I'd say it's a self-improvement book. I'm enjoying the process and am currently working on Chapter 8. At my good gal pal Sue James' suggestion, I'm publicizing an excerpt for my past and future readers. This ...
Review “Kurios Cabinet of Curiosities” (Cirque du Soleil): AMAZING!
Ladies and gentlemen, the Cirque has come to town! And you won’t want to miss it because it’s amazing! Cirque du Soleil returns to Chicago after four years with its newest production KURIOS CABINET OF CURIOSITIES. Get ready to be astonished by death defying feats and visual eye teasers. KURIOS is anchored in a steampunk aesthetic. The ...
Review “We Gotta Bingo” (Chicago Theater Works): Has a way to G-O to be a Winner!
Chicago Theater Works presents the interactive dinner experience WE GOTTA BINGO. Upon arrival, the atmosphere is festive. A band is playing polka-style music. The proprietor, clad in leder-hosen and an Alpine hat, beckons people to get their drink on. Beer posters and knick-knacks plaster the room. A throne is perched against the wall. We’ve entered the ...
Review “Last Train to Nibroc” (Haven Theatre): Satisfyingly Engaging
Haven Theatre presents the Chicago premiere of LAST TRAIN TO NIBROC. This play reminded me of the movie “Before Sunrise”. Two people meet on a train. Their first encounter has the hesitation of strangers deciding to become familiar. The conversation is awkward and riddled with possibility. We are seeing the very beginning of a relationship. It’s ...
“FEAST” (Albany Park Theatre Project): Gritty Reality Blended with Whimsy for a Palpable Pleaser
Albany Park Theatre Project (APTP), in partnership with Goodman Theatre, presents a revival of its 2010 hit play FEAST. The 25-member youth theatre ensemble works with a team of adult theatre artists for a bounty of imaginative storytelling. FEAST is devised from dozens of interviews of the local residents in Albany Park. The multi-cultural ensemble share ...
Alligator (Dream Theatre Company): Edgy, but Could Use a Little More Bite
Reviewed by Tom Lawler Set the scene: Dream Theatre Company always keeps thinks edgy and interesting in its Lincoln Square storefront space. What’s it all about: Troubled girl, Velvet (Anna Menekseoglu) keeps having nightmares about someone from her past and alligators. Will kindly ex-con Ben (Eric Barton) rescue her from these demons or from her scary brother, ...
Review “Pippin” (Broadway in Chicago): Heart-warming and Sexy with Mystifying Moves
Broadway in Chicago presents the Tony Award-winning musical PIPPIN for a limited two week engagement. This unconventional show looks like a circus, sounds like a musical and acts like burlesque. Among the lovely and peppy harmonies are feats of amazement and risqué flirtations. At the core, Pippin, a young prince (played by Sam Lips), is searching for ...