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 ...
Review “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” (Porchlight Music Theatre): Exuberant!
Porchlight Music Theatre presents A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM. Exuberant was the first word to spring into my mind at the end of FORUM. With the boards still awash with blood from Sweeney Todd’s victims and the aisles still haunted by the past and present ghosts of Sondheim on Sondheim, Porchlight ...
Review “Badfic Love” (Strange Bedfellows): Bad Ass!
Strange Bedfellows Theatre presents the World Premiere of BADFIC LOVE. In his story within a story, Playwright Adam Pasen again focuses on the storytellers. A couple years ago, Pasen penned a tale of the meet up of two literary giants in his world premiere, Tea with Edie and Fitz. This time, Pasen’s homage to writers goes ...
Is Jeff biased?
The 2015 NON-EQUITY JEFF AWARD nominations were announced last night. Meh! Don’t get me wrong. I sincerely congratulate all the nominees that are being acknowledged for their extraordinary contribution to Chicago theatre. Well done! My lackluster response is seeing the same theatre companies always honored… maybe overly. Below, I took the time to compare all the ...
Review “Lips Together, Teeth Apart” (Eclipse Theatre): Story Dated, Performances Great
Eclipse Theatre Company, the only Midwest theatre company to feature one playwright in one season, opens their 23rd anniversary, 2015 Terrence McNally season with LIPS TOGETHER, TEETH APART. Playwright Terrence McNally premiered this play in 1991. The story is about two couples struggling with personal and marital issues on their 4th of July weekend. McNally uses ...