Madelaine Schmitt. Reviewed by Tom Lawler Here’s one way to stand out in Chicago’s crowded theater scene: do something that no else does. For Dream Theater Company, it’s a single-minded focus on creating original, risky work that often blurs the lines between performers and audience. In their words, they want to create works that “linger with ...
“Jersey Boys” (Cadillac Palace Theatre): Well-Executed Mix of Drama and Nostalgia
Reviewed by Jennifer Benoit-Bryan Jersey Boys, the winner of Tony, Grammy, and Olivier awards, is back in Chicago for just a few weeks and if you haven’t seen it yet you should book seats soon. Jersey Boys provides an insider’s look at the trajectory of the careers of Frank Valli and the Four Seasons: from growing ...
Review “Quiz Show” (Strawdog Theatre): A Live Theatrical ‘Sixth Sense’
Strawdog Theatre presents the U.S. Premiere of QUIZ SHOW. As a reviewer, I like to go into a show with little to no information. Because I want to have the same experience as the average audience member, I usually read the press release after the play. I went into QUIZ SHOW with two preconceptions. I knew ...
Review “The Little Foxes” (Goodman Theatre): Lush and Wicked
Goodman Theatre presents THE LITTLE FOXES. Upon arrival, the audience is whisked back in time to turn-of-the-century 1900s elegance. Scenic Designer Todd Rosenthal has constructed an oversized Victorian dollhouse complete with ornate gaslights and an elaborate staircase. Towering windows look out onto the grounds. The grandiose appearance is scaled for authenticity. And before we leave, we’ll ...
Review “MACSITH” (E.D.G.E. Theatre): Ambitious and Chaotic
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 ...