Jackalope Theatre presents FOUR. Talking about nothing on the phone. Awkward silences during a car ride. Sneaking fries when your date leaves the table. Playwright Christopher Shinn takes us on two first dates. It’s Fourth of July. And four individuals want to declare their independence. Paige Collins (Abigayle) takes a night off from caring for her ...
Review “The Sweeter Option” (Strawdog Theatre): Stylized and Edgy
Strawdog Theatre celebrates its 100th production by presenting the World Premiere of THE SWEETER OPTION. The intrigue starts immediately as an anxious Sam Guinan-Nyhart (Tucker) dumps an unconscious Michaela Petro (Irene) on the couch. Guinan-Nyhart then positions himself barricading the door and goes to sleep. My curiosity is aroused. And my spidey sense is on full ...
Review “Macbeth” (The Artistic Home): A Futuristic Twist on a Classic
The Artistic Home presents MACBETH. This is Shakespeare like I’ve never experienced before. The classic gets a futuristic twist under the imaginative direction of Scott Westerman. Instead of Scotland in the 1500s, the drama unfolds in an American metropolis in 2100s. The city is what remains after The Great Water Riots of 2089. Water is scarce. ...
Happy Oscar Sunday!
Every year, I try to see as many Oscar nominated movies as possible. Following the nomination announcement in January, the race is on! I get a little obsessive about it. I’m a Walsh after all. It’s in our genetic makeup to be constantly competing to completion. Even if it’s just a personal challenge, we want ...
Review “The Talking Cure” (Idle Muse Theatre): Psychoanalysis Origin Story
Idle Muse Theatre presents the Chicago premiere of THE TALKING CURE. The origin story of psychoanalysis is presented with wonder and reverence in this play about the evolution of thought. Playwright Christopher Hampton tells the story of Carl Jung’s discoveries in applying his mentor’s, Sigmund Freud, theories into actual treatment. The play starts with Jung (played ...
Connecting to the passed
Abby and I went to see a medium yesterday. I had gotten the idea from one of my office team members. She had gone with her mother. Her mom gave her a session for her birthday. She loved it. I decided it was something I’d like to do for my birthday. My niece Abby wanted to ...
Review “Marie Antoinette” (Steppenwolf Theatre): Definitely Chic
Steppenwolf Theatre presents the Chicago premiere of MARIE ANTOINETTE. This show starts like a techno fashion show. Two oversized video screens bookend a mirrored runway stage. Above the stage are oversized flowers. Everything about the visual is glam. Lights flash. Music blares. And the ladies arrive to strut the catwalk in 18th Century couture meets ...
I had Body Awareness Day Off!
Monday might have been President’s Day nationally but it turned into body awareness day personally. I started out with a solid training session with Josh. After Friday’s disappointment, my body owed me. And it performed! Push-ups, sit-ups, leg lifts and a variety of other exercises tested me and I met the challenge. Now, that doesn’t mean ...
Review “Body/Courage” (Danielle Pinnock): Outstanding Storyteller
For one night only, Danielle Pinnock presented her one woman show BODY/COURAGE. Pinnock’s personality showcase is a powerful tribute to body image. After interviewing 400 people, Pinnock has assembled a twelve character-driven montage. Pinnock actualizes each interview by becoming the character and delivering verbatim their answers. Each monologue has the authenticity of nervous laughter, awkward pauses ...
Review “A Kid Like Jake” (About Face Theatre): More like “Parents Like Jake’s”
About Face Theatre presents the Chicago premiere of A KID LIKE JAKE. From the get go, I was uncomfortable with Daniel Pearle’s sharply written drama. It wasn’t from the intended subject matter, a young boy wanting to be a princess. Instead, my stomach started churning because of his intense parents. Katherine Keberlein (Alexandra) and Michael Aaron ...