Review “50 Shades! The Musical Parody” (Broadway in Chicago): A truly titillating and tickling musical tale

Thursday, January 15, 2015 Permalink 0

Reviewed by Jeanette Hamel Are you ready for a little R Rated song and dance?  Is your middle aged book club ready for a wine-filled evening out?  Are you one of the hundred MILLION people worldwide who have purchased the run away hit, “Fifty Shades of Grey” by El James?  If so, then 50 Shades!, The ...

I’m what’s cooking

Tuesday, January 13, 2015 Permalink 0

One of my 2015 goals is to cook a meal every week.  My intention is multi-faceted.  First, I’m trying to eat healthier.  I’m defining ‘healthier’ as more organic.  Obviously, I want to get in more fruits and vegetables.  And I’m trying to avoid synthetic foods; items ingested with chemicals for a longer shelf life or ...

EXTENDED Thru Feb 21 “Cookie Play” (Trap Door Theatre): Disconcerting Whimsy

Sunday, January 11, 2015 Permalink 1

Trap Door Theatre presents the World Premiere of COOKIE PLAY. Stepping into Trap Door is to fall down the rabbit hole.  This time, Set Designer Mike Mroch has created a domestic feel.  Mroch has a blue backdrop with cut-out clouds suspended from strings.  A sloping picket fence lines a row of hedges.  The contrived look ...

No WOLF on Walsh Street

Saturday, January 10, 2015 Permalink 0

In this single digit season, I’m focused on indoor activities.  I’m knitting a scarf.  I’m reading my book club book.  I’m going to crack open a new puzzle.  I’ve got the weekend chore of closet cleaning. And I have a few new recipes to get cooking on.  I like a lot of activities to select from ...

#Give presence

Friday, January 9, 2015 Permalink 0

The corner of Southport and Addison spoke to me. “I’ll you have is now.  #Give presence.” I’m sure it was part of a 2014 Miracle-on-34th-Street holiday campaign with the SoPo shopping strip.  Retailers wanting not to want their materialistic side to be the focus of December.  I loved it on two levels!  First, I’m sure Christmas makes ...

…Until…

Tuesday, January 6, 2015 Permalink 0

“A body at rest remains at rest until...”  I woke up with that grade school scientific nugget in my head.  I had just slept for 9 hours for the second night in a row.  I’m officially on bed rest.  Also, couch rest, chair rest, tub rest, and any other things one rests on.  It’s my post holiday ...

Puzzling it together

Sunday, January 4, 2015 Permalink 0

I like a good puzzle.  Recently during some rainy days in Myrtle Beach, we pulled out the put-it-together entertainment.  So, I shifted out of vacation mode and into Walsh drive.  Many of our kin have an obsessive-compulsive need to complete the task.  We go go go.  Until, it’s done done done.  During my stint, I helped ...

My Top Ten Unforgettable Plays of 2014

Out of the 151 plays I saw and reviewed in 2014, these are my Top Ten for their unforgettable quality. GRIFFIN THEATRE:  Titanic was a ship to love.  The emotional connection between the characters and the audience was powerful.  I found it memorable for its passionate and hopeful portrayal of the tragedy. THE SECOND CITY & ...

Review “The Humans” (American Theatre Company): Disconcertingly and Hysterically Authentic!

American Theater Company presents the World Premiere of THE HUMANS. Welcome to the Blakes for Thanksgiving! Dad is exhausted.  Mom is intoxicated.  Sis is brokenhearted. Momo is demented.  Brigid and her new boyfriend are hosting the family gathering in her new, unfurnished apartment. This family is tight.  They know each other’s past mistakes and current inadequacies.  And ...