Items filtered by date: November 2007

Luis Alfaro’s modern day adaptation of “Oedipus the King”, or “Oedipus Rex”, takes this tragic tale to the streets of gangland Los Angeles. It is there we meet young Oedipus, who was secretly spared after his father, the current “king”, condemned him to death after hearing the prophecy he would one day be killed by his son.  Directed by Chay Yew, “Oedipus el Ray” takes the audience inside gang and prison culture asking the question, “Is the fate of a person of a certain race and class to remain trapped in a system no matter how hard he or she tries to escape?”

With strong performances from lead Adam Poss (Oedipus), Eddie Torres (Tiresius), Madrid St. Angelo (Laius) and Charin Alverez (Jocasta), the audience is taken to a gritty reality of senseless tragedy and hopelessness. Set designer Kevin Depinet creates the perfect environment to host such a story while David Hyman provides just the right urban touches with his costume design to pull off the realistic surroundings.

Just a note to anyone concerned that “Oedipus el Ray” does contain a lengthy bedroom scene containing full frontal nudity – a scene that could have been just as effective in underwear or in sheets. There is also a good share of mature language, although that is necessary in creating the right setting.

All in all “Oedipus el Ray” gets its point across while remaining entertaining.

“Oedipus el Ray” is playing through July 29^th. For more information visit www.victorygardens.org. Victory Gardens Biograph Theater is located at 2433 N. Lincoln. 

Chicago Symphony Orchestra performing Mahler's "Symphony No. 6 In A Minor" Conducted by Jaap Van Zweden     Though even Mahler himself admitted that his Sixth "seems to be yet another hard nut" for critics and audience to crack, conductor Jaap Van Zweden held this nut in a vice-like grip for an uninterrupted 80 minutes at Ravinia this past Saturday.  A four-piece juggernaut of beautiful yet tragic music, Mahler's Sixth is not for the faint of heart.  It is considered by many in the classical realm, including Mahler's own wife, to be a prophetic autobiography--and if you know anything about Mahler's life after he wrote the piece, from his forced resignation from the Vienna Opera to the premature death of his daughter, you will understand the wrenching ride this symphony takes you on.     Three of the four movements are comprised of apocalyptic marches and drastic mood and tempo swings, with only fleeting moments of calm and beauty. The only rest we get is the more reserved third movement, the andante, before being thrown back to the fire that is the final movement.  The last movement is especially notable for featuring a giant hammer striking three times, the "blows of Fate" that fell our musical hero, before concluding in an agonizing pit of despair, a departure from Mahler's usual glorious finales.   Known to steer even the most disciplined conductors off the rails on occasion, Van Zweden expertly navigated the rocky path, pushing and pulling the tempo, bending the orchestra to his will to bring Mahler's story to life.  From the opening notes of the 1st movement, Van Zweden's intensity and ferocity set the tone and it was hard to take your eyes off him.  In true form, Chicago's Symphony Orchestra responded to Van Zweden's demands brilliantly, from overwhelming horn blasts to the most delicate of string melodies.  Their interpretation of this challenging piece was full of warmth and, at the same time, demonstrated the agility that the orchestra is known for.  This was not a musical experience one could soon forget and I'm sure it spawned some new Mahler fans as well, myself included.

Somewhere in the neighborhood of 13,000 people were on hand at Ravinia to watch Steve Martin blaze away on his banjo, ripping into one bluegrass song after another, along with his band, The Steep Canyon Rangers. The famous comedian treated the curious - and thoroughly entertained – crowd to a wide variety of songs ranging from a love song he had written for his wife, “Best Love” to the comedic “Atheists Don’t Have No Songs”.    

Steve Martin was in classic form utilizing his dry wit and humor between each song, but it was his demonstration of dazzling talent on the banjo that became the evening’s true focal point. Tabbed by International Bluegrass Association Awards as the 2011 Entertainers of the Year, Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers were as enjoyable to watch as some songs funny. And what better confines to have such an eventful show as Ravinia itself.

The Steep Canyon Rangers were tight and they were precise. Fiddle player Nicky Sanders could have successfully entertained the crowd with his own show as he flex around his instrument like a raging maniac. To spotlight their tremendous vocal skills, the band also performed a beautiful a cappella number without Steve Martin (while he was off Googling himself as he later claimed) called “I Can’t Sit Down.

A truly entertaining show in every aspect of the word, Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers lived up to the hype and beyond. As one of the first shows to kick off the official summer season, Ravinia struck gold with this one. Great comedy, music and ambience – what could make a better night?

With one night left before the end of the TBS Just for Laughs Festival, I decided to check out the Chicago Playground after reading about Sean Flannery’s “Never Been to Paris”. In doing some background on Sean Flannery I saw that he also does movie reviews without even seeing the film. That in itself was a funny enough concept for me to investigate this comedian further. So I hopped on the Red Line, got off at Belmont and walked over to Halsted and found 3209 North.

I hadn’t been to the Chicago Playground before, but now, after experiencing a comedy show there, can say what a great little venue it is – cozy, urban and friendly would be good adjectives to use. Before the show began, I was approached by a TBS hire who had asked me if I had seen Sean Flannery’s show prior. When I answered that I had not, she told me that Sean’s show was one of the funniest performances of the entire festival period – and this is coming from someone who had seen most of the big ticket shows in the week-long line up. She was right – I laughed my ass off from beginning to end, the kind of laughing that evokes tears and cramping below the rib cage.

Sean Flannery’s “Never Been to Paris” is based on the twelve or so times when the comedian had almost killed himself. With the help of animated slides, hilarious delivery and one outrageous story after another, “Never Been to Paris” is one of the most original and funny shows that I have ever come across.

From walking of a rooftop (WALKING off a rooftop – not falling from) to electrocuting himself unconscious at a job interview by licking a monster battery, Flannery explains each story in comical, side-splitting detail, barely giving the audience enough time to recover from the last big laugh. “Never Been to Paris” is a true madcap adventure filled with nonsensical judgment and uproarious scenarios that throws all caution to the wind – literally.

Hysterically brilliant!

I highly recommend you catch this comedian when you can.

For more information and show dates, visit http://www.worldsdumbestman.com/.

With the seating area set like the inside of a large ship, wonderment immediately ensues as audience members walk into the theatre. Wooden pews take the place of traditional theatre chairs and a large canopy encompassing the entire room hangs overhead. Excitement takes places throughout the crowd before the show even begins.

Written by Artistic Director Andrew White, “Eastland” is the story of the Eastland Disaster that took place in the summer of 1915. A ship that was first built to hold 1500 passengers was later cleared to carry 2000. However, on July 25^th 2,500 passengers were allowed to board. Despite an abnormal amount of swaying and rocking from side to side – while still docked – passengers, some already worried at the ship’s stability, were not told to exit the vessel. Finally, tragedy struck on the Chicago River near the intersection of Clark and LaSalle as the large boat capsized killing 844 passengers by drowning and being crushed.

The play is the telling of this Chicago catastrophe as it happens, along with flashbacks leading up to the event filled with highly anticipated excitement, curiosity and concern. “Eastland” is a musical that is done right. Its music, while explanatory, is memorable and in many cases aided with just the perfect amount of subtle choreography. Cast members double as the band members that provide all the show’s music complete with violin, banjo, piano and guitar.

Along with tremendous acting, Claire Wellin (“Bobbie”) gets to display her velvety vocals that have the makings of a pop superstar. The talent pool is vast in this production with great singing and acting performances from Michael Barrow Smith (“Pedersen”), Doug Hara (“Reggie”), Christine Mary Dunford (“Marianne”) and Lawrence E. Distasi (“Otto”, “Olaf”) to name a few.

“Eastland” is about last regrets, missed chances and unsaid goodbyes.

Imaginative and breathtaking, this is a show for everyone to enjoy – Chicago history buff or not. A truly entertaining story, “Eastland” is Chicago theatre at its best.

For more information and tickets visit www.lookingglasstheatre.org or call (312) 337-0665. Lookingglass Theatre is located at 821 N Michigan Avenue, Chicago. “Eastland” is running through July 29^th.           

As part of TBS’ “Just for Laughs Festival”, An Evening with Kevin Smith was certainly one of the highlights. Performing at the Chicago Theater, Kevin Smith fielded questions from audience members for just over two hours, responding with his quick wit and “open book” approach.

Probably known best as the brilliant creator behind Clerks, Mallrats, Dogma and Chasing Amy, Kevin Smith has found a new niche over the past decade in holding Q&A sessions where his engaging story telling ability is front and center to its audience. Courageous enough to answer any question thrown his way, no subject matter was taboo for Smith as he touched on anything from smoking pot to the most awkward and embarrassing situations in which he has found himself. Smith answers often drew laughs from the crowd, but many of his responses, especially when it comes to the film industry were honest and educational. Donned in a New Jersey Devils jersey, Smith preached how film school is overrated and that in this day in age anyone can become a successful film maker. However, he emphasized that a love for the art MUST be present and that he has no advice when it comes to doing film solely for money.

Smith’s answers often segue into more stories sometimes providing a twenty minute explanation that went in many different directions before returning to point. However, in many cases, the longer his response the better. Smith churned out one hilarious story after another, including one where his wife got stoned silly on “two baby hits” of medicinal marijuana and freaked out to the point that paramedics had to be called despite the fact that she was never in any danger. Another story had Smith trying to rewrite his lines for Law and Order – something that just isn’t done on the big time cop and lawyer drama. Each story was better than the next.

Most notable was Smith’s rapport with audience members and specifically those asking the questions. His ability to get the laughs when needed while truly relating to answer-seeking individuals the entire time was a true testament to his reputation as all-around cool guy. In many instances a small conversation between Smith and a participant at the microphone would develop, which was very entertaining to watch on the sidelines.

Kevin Smith was beyond doubt a true bright spot and great addition to the TBS “Just for Laughs Festival”. I look forward to his return to Chicago.

The Up Comedy Club is where the scene was at last Wednesday night, the second day of TBS’ Just for Laughs Festival. Geek humor alert – anything from Star Wars to Weezer was fair game for these nerdy comedians.

Hosted by tremendously humorous Pete Holmes, “The Nerd Show” is a super funny collection of geek stand-ups including Brent Weinbach, Dan Telfer, Hari Kondabolu, Mike Lawrence, Brian Posehn and even drop in T.J. Miller, who downed an entire Italian beef in one minute flat. 

Each comedian brought their A game to the stage. Weinbach wondered why heterosexual guys are cool going to strip clubs together so that they could sit next to each other having boners. And, would they still be comfortable have boners next to each other if just sitting in a car? Kondabolu, who once worshipped Weezer, asked why the band still writes their lyrics geared to 14-year-olds now that they are in their 40s and took it further stating how he feels like the old creepy dude – at 27 – when attending a Weezer concert. “I feel like all the teenage girls are looking at me waiting for me to ask ‘Hey, do you want to grind to Weezer?’”

Brian Posehn went into deep geekiness on his Star Wars obsession and also explored the world of Weird Al Yankovic, wondering if he should only present his versions of the songs to his kid rather then the real artists’. That way when his son hears “Beat It” for the first time, he would be like, “Holy shit! That sounds just like “Eat It”.

“The Nerd Show” had comedians talking about Apple, Marvel comics, Mortal Combat, World of Warcraft and pretty much anything else geek related, including computers from the ‘90s that took a full weekend to download a 4MB file.

By the way, if you have yet visited Up Comedy Club at 233 W. North Avenue in Chicago, it’s a great place to see live stand up. Drinks and food are served throughout the show and the ambience screams late night fun. 

Pine Box Theater Company really hits the funny bone hard with their latest production, “The Jammer”, currently playing at the Athenaeum Theatre (2936 N Southport).  In this hilarious play by Rolin Jones, the audience is blasted with funny from the beginning and the laughs never let up. Relying partly on the inspired direction of Vincent Tentinty, the show also comes with a strong script, but really makes it mark with its very talented cast.

The story revolves around “Jack Lovington”, who leaves his home in New York to join a traveling roller derby team. At home “Jack” has a close relationship with “Father Kosciusko” whom he seeks advice and counsel, while the love of his life, “Aurora” has just left him. Once “Jack” hits the road with his new teammates, it’s nothing but uproarious adventure and uncomfortable situations, as his dream turns out to be not so much what he had expected.

In “The Jammer” we are treated to imaginative set use that brings alive a roller coaster ride with all its twists and turns and takes the audience to several bloodthirsty, knock ‘em sock ‘em roller derby matches. Acting performances by Josh Oder (“Jack Lovington”) and Sara Gorsky as the foul-mouthed “Lindy Batello” are extremely fun to watch while Bill Bannon (“Father Kosciusko”, Jerry “Three Nuts” Kiger) is wonderful in each of his two roles. I really have to mention the entire cast as Kersten Haile, Miguel Nunez, Eliza Shin, Greg Rothman, Amy Johnson, Levenix Riddle and Michael Kevin Martin are just about as fantastic as it gets and do great jobs as multiple characters.

If you want fast action, blood, sex accompanied with side-splitting laughs, then the “The Jammer” is your show. Playing at the Athenaeum Theater through July 1^st, shows are performed on Thursdays and Fridays at 8:15pm, Saturdays at 5pm and 8:15pm and Sundays at 7pm. Tickets are $28 and are available at www.pineboxtheatre.org and by calling the box office at (773) 935-6875.

This derby is on! 

After a series of wonderful shows, Raven closes its 2011-2012 season on a high note with their production of “Bang the Drum Slowly”, directed by Michael Menendian. Playing through June 30^th, “Bang the Drum Slowly” is classic, smart, inspiring and a must for any theatre fan who also happens to like baseball.

Taking place in the late 1950s, we are told the story of a pitcher, Henry “Author” Wiggen, who befriends a third-string catcher, Bruce Pearson. Pearson is sick and diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease and confides this tragic news in Henry. Not wanting him to be cut from the team, a protective Wiggen keeps this a secret, especially from the team’s coach, “Dutch” Schnell. Eventually the news gradually breaks throughout the team, but the reaction is different then the one Henry expected. Instead, the teams offers a touching amount of support to Pearson. Even “Goose” Williams the starting, but aging catcher who had it out for the third-stringer since the beginning of the new season comes around and becomes one of Pearson’s biggest allies.   

The total package is nicely wrapped with a resourceful set, a wonderful script and a cast that can pull it off. Tim Walsh (“Dutch”) is simply fantastic and is no doubt the glue that holds the cast together. Whether blowing his lid or just managing the day to day operations as the fiery manager, Walsh was a real pleasure to watch. While Kevin Duvall does an admirable job as “Bruce Pearson”, Joshua J. Volkers also makes a noteworthy performance as “Goose”. 

A true inspirational piece, “Bang the Drum Slowly” is truly for everyone – young or old.

Tickets are $30 and performances take place through June 30^th on Thursday-Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 3pm. Raven Theatre is located at 6157 N Clark. For more information visit www.raventheatre.com or call 773-338-2177.

Mayer Hawthorne and the County brought neo-soul to Park West.  Promising not just a concert but a show, from beginning to end, the band provided almost 95 minutes of pure music.

Swaggering onto the stage in a black suit, bow tie and with Red McFly Back to the Future High tops, with red lit laces, the bespectacled crooner melted hearts and had everyone burning up the dance floor just as much as the crowd sang along to the lyrics of his songs.

Starting the show with the up-beat ‘You Called Me’ and a screaming response from fans for his most recent tongue in cheek ‘The Walk’ to the sultry smooth sounds of their take of ‘Rico Suave’ and falling into the falsetto of ‘Just Ain’t Gonna Work Out’ or remaking a poppy version of Daryll Hall & John Oates’ “You Make My Dreams Come True.” 

Hawthorne and the County kept up the beat of the tunes with sing-a-longs, calls and responses and easy to follow choreography, that even the self-proclaimed non-dancers were sliding and two-steppin’ to the beat.  Mayer Hawthorne is truly an inspired, talented and eclectic performer, rounding out old school beats and tune with new sounds. Definitely a live show worth watching and one to watch again!