E.D.G.E Theatre presents the return of MACSITH. I haven’t thought of “Macbeth” and “Star Wars” together... ever. The parallels between a story anchored in history and one in a futuristic galaxy far, far away aren’t obvious. On closer inspection, Macbeth was a man influenced by the dark side. Turns out they are both tales of man’s ...
Review “The Drowning Girls” (Signal Ensemble Theatre): Theatrical Collaboration at its Finest!
Signal Ensemble Theatre presents the Chicago Premiere of THE DROWNING GIRLS. There is nothing amusing about domestic violence. And when the abuse ends in a murder, it can only generate overwhelming sadness for the victim. The true story of three newlywed brides being killed is horrific to imagine. Despair is the inevitable takeaway from a play ...
Review “The White Road” (Irish Theatre of Chicago): Narrow and Frozen
The Irish Theatre of Chicago, formerly known as Seanachai Theatre Company, presents the World Premiere of THE WHITE ROAD. Playwright Karen Tarjan kicks off this historic expedition with personality. Ernest Shackleton (played by Paul Dunckel) is interviewing for adventurers to cross Antarctica with him. Dunckel plays to the explorer’s eccentric nature. He whimsically asks the prospective ...
Review “Major Barbara” (ShawChicago): Engaging on Multiple Levels and from Multiple Angles
ShawChicago Theater Company presents MAJOR BARBARA. In one of its larger public readings, ShawChicago utilizes 14 talented actors for a three hour performance. The running time is daunting especially for a show that will not change scenery or make elaborate costume switches. It’s almost like a radio play with the audio supported by very expressive faces ...
Review “Melancholy Play” (Piven Theater): Sweet until it gets Nutty
Piven Theater presents MELANCHOLY PLAY, A Chamber Musical. I’ve loved every play I’ve ever seen of Sarah Ruhl’s until now. I enjoyed the first act immensely. But then the second act took a nutty turn. Ruhl’s play starts out like a quirky charmer. A bank teller named Tilly (played by a radiant Stephanie Stockstill) is melancholy. Her ...
Review “Sideman” (American Blues Theater): I cringed, I laughed, I got jazzed
American Blues Theater presents SIDEMAN. We read about modern day musicians splurging on luxury items or trashing their five star suite. Although their lives look pampered, easy and enviable, the glamour of being an accomplished musician isn’t always the reality. And the struggle to ‘make it‘ is a long journey tainted with rejection. Playwright Warren Leight ...
Sounds So Sweet (Black Ensemble Theater): Sizzling Musical Performances Backed by Real Emotion
Reviewed by Tom Lawler As far as arresting openings go, it’s hard to top Yahdina U-Deen, starkly illuminated in an ivory suit, tear into Robert Hawkins’ gospel classic, “Goin Up Yonder.” The song is about meeting your creator, and the expression on U-Deen’s face, chin up, is nothing less than exhilaration. Black Ensemble veteran U-Deen portrays “Grandstine” ...
EXTENDED Thru June 14th “Sense and Sensibility” (Chicago Shakes): Lovely just lovely!
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents the world premiere of SENSE AND SENSIBILITY, a musical adaptation. I was giddy to see this new commissioned work by Chicago Shakes. I’m a huge fan of Jane Austen’s book. I’ve seen the film version of the novel, with Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant and Kate Winslet, multiple times. And with spring trying ...
Review “Worthy” (Adventure Stage): Clever Modern-Day Fairytale
Adventure Stage Chicago presents the World Premiere of WORTHY. When I go to a children’s show, I like to pay attention to what’s going on onstage as well as in the audience. When kids are engaged in the play, they laugh, repeat dialogue and often talk directly to the characters. When they aren’t as interested, children ...
Review “Soul Brother, Where Art Thou?” (Second City e.t.c.): Tight as Hell
Reviewed by Tom Lawler Second City e.t.c., presents its 39th Revue, SOUL BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU? Second City e.t.c’s latest revue, Soul Brother, Where art Thou? still has my head buzzing trying to process the heady heights this superb cast and crew have scaled. Both a biting look at social issues we should be talking about but ...