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 ...
I love a lot!
Happy Valentine’s Day! Today is all about love. And yes, I love my family and friends so much. And even though I’m missing romantic love, I know I am truly blessed. Yesterday, someone at the office told me I looked like I was dressed for Valentine’s Day. I responded, “I did it intentionally to prove I’m ...
What the funk?
It’s Friday the 13th! I’m not really a superstitious gal but I did wake up in a gloomy funk. And I like the idea of a mystical reason rather than the reality of my life. This week has been hard. I’ve been in week 2 of the never-ending cold. I don’t feel super horrific – thankfully- ...
Review “Sondheim on Sondheim” (Porchlight Music Theatre): A Keepsake to be Shared
Porchlight Music Theatre presents the Chicago Premiere of SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM. Composer Stephen Sondheim handwrites his award-winning pieces on legal pads in pencil. He does it sipping a shot of whiskey while reclining on a couch. How do I know? He told me. In this intimate musical documentary, Sondheim himself narrates us through his 50 year ...
Review “Tannhauser” (Lyric Opera): Lust to Love
Lyric Opera presents TANNHAUSER. Wagner’s love debate of intellectual connection verses physical attraction opens with sensual athleticism. On a surreal set featuring a grand stage on the Lyric’s grandeur stage, Michaela Schuster (Venus) seduces Johan Botha (Tannhauser). He watches from a chair. She beckons from the stage. Reality is blurred. Venus becomes several ladies. Tannhauser becomes ...
Review “Circle-Machine” (Oracle Theatre): Imaginative Spectacle
Oracle Theatre presents the world premiere adaptation, CIRCLE-MACHINE. REVIEWERS DISCLAIMER: I, unfortunately, had an obscure vantage point. The show is set up as partial thrust staging. The bulk seats are on either side of the stage. Then there is an odd elevated row along the middle wall in-between. The six seats are recessed and against a ...
Review “Red Bud” (Signal Ensemble Theatre): Playful to Toxic in 70 Minutes!
Signal Ensemble Theatre presents the U.S. Premiere of RED BUD. Playwright Brett Neveu captures perfectly what’s good and awful with annual male rituals. In his ode to the Midwest, Neveu has his guys gather for Red Bud, a championship motorcross race. The show starts off slowly as camp is set up. Each of the men arrives ...