Lookingglass Theatre presents the Chicago Premiere of DEATH TAX. I would sum up Lookingglass’ season opener as ‘disturbing’! Lucas Hnath’s story swirls past in five scenes. The action takes place in a boxing-ring-type square but instead of ropes, the area is blocked off with theatrical floor lights. The visual reminds us that this is a play. ...
Review “Rest” (Victory Gardens): Restless Contemplation-inducing
Victory Gardens presents the Midwest Premiere of REST. Playwright Samuel D. Hunter pulls us into this Midwest reality. His set up is authentically familiar; the economy is shutting down a healthcare facility. Only a few residents and staff are left. One of the gentlemen has advanced Alzheimer’s. When a blizzard hits, his disappearance causes growing concern. Set ...
My life in couches
I realized the other day that I have never bought a new couch. I have just acquired used ones. This is my life in couches... When I graduated from college and moved into my first apartment, my parents gave me their fairly new striped couch. I loved it! But it didn’t love me. My friends and ...
Review “King Lear” (Chicago Shakespeare Theater): Yando is THE King!
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents KING LEAR. From lights up, Larry Yando (Lear) shows us he is indeed king. He kicks off the show lounging in silk pajamas flipping through Frank Sinatra songs. Without saying a word, we see this is Yando’s world and he is in command. After he divides his kingdom into gifts for his ...
Enjoy your day!
I try not to tell people to “have a good day.” Instead, I go with my standard “enjoy your day.” I believe it’s a subtle yet significant difference. When I say “enjoy your day,” I mean so many things… I mean live in the moment. We shouldn’t just get through this hour, this work day, this month, ...
#endyouthhomelessness
Last night, I saw “The Homestretch.” The documentary follows three homeless Chicago youth in their fight to overcome obstacles. Roque, Kasey and Anthony’s stories are powerful, inspirational and heart-wrenching. I had multiple personal reactions within the tight 90 minute film. I recently returned from Vegas, the city of excessive indulgence! Watching the movie, I initially felt ...
Review “Fail/Safe” (Strawdog Theatre): Timeless, disturbing eye opener
Strawdog Theatre presents the World Premiere of FAIL/SAFE. FAIL/SAFE, the 1962 best selling novel was made into movies in 1964 and 2000. The story is about a mechanical error that triggers missiles to attack Russia. The incident threatens to initiate WWIII. Director and co-adaptor Anderson Lawfer stages the action in three rooms: the flight control room, ...
“Ernest Bloch’s Macbeth” (Chicago Opera Theater): Modern Marvel
Reviewed by Sara Eisenbaum Chicago Opera Theater presents Ernest Bloch’s Macbeth Ernest Bloch’s rendition of Macbeth was a modern marvel. Far and away one of the best scores I’ve heard from a play, and no less stunning with the addition of a choir at poignant places throughout the text. I was able to attend the opera without ...
Instead of my palms, I had my body read
Bellagio poolside pre-massage Whenever I stay at the Bellagio, I have a massage with Jeff. Okay, this has only happened once because I’ve only stayed at the Bellagio once. Yet, once is enough when it’s an amazingly memorable experience. Before I headed to Vegas and I imagine to shut down my whining, my personal trainer suggested I ...
Vegas Day 3: The Old and The New
Today, we visited old Las Vegas aka Freemont Street. This is where the Rat Pack was born. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammie Davis Jr. would roll into town, put on a show and then hit the tables. The vintage look has been preserved and semi-enclosed. Freemont Street is covered by a canopy of lights. The ...