Items filtered by date: November 2007

Of the many Christmas shows I have seen over the years, Mary Wilson of The Supremes and The Four Tops may have collaborated for one of the best I have seen with their Holiday Spectacular. Amazing vocals, flashy costumes, classic band hits and a bevy of holiday song favorites made this night at Harris Theater one to remember.

The Four Tops, led by founding member Abdul “Duke” Fakir, kicked off the show with a handful of their own hits including “Reach Out”, “Bernadette”, “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” and “Baby, I Need Your Loving”. Spin moves and choreographed  routines that help made them famous in the late 1950s and early 1960s were still highly present as the band motored its way through the night. Beautiful harmonies swept across the auditorium while The Four Tops tackled Christmas favorites “Silent Night” and “White Christmas” before Mary Wilson joined them on other beloved melodies like “My Favorite Things”. Wilson and Fakir also collaborated on one of the highlight moments of the evening when the two teamed up for a duet for an amazing rendition of “Baby It’s Cold Outside”.

Mary Wilson was simply astounding. Looking fantastic and sounding silky smooth she plunged into many of The Supremes most notable songs “Baby Love”, “Can’t Hurry Love” and “Stop In the Name of Love”. Wilson had the help of a 15-plus piece band, backup singers and dancers, making each number larger than life. Another show stopping moment was when Wilson sang a breathtaking version of “Have Yourself A Very Merry Christmas”.

The mood was certainly merry throughout the crowd during this festive and most memorable event. Audience members rose to their feet with regularity. Toes were tapping and hands were clapping. It was certainly a treat to see these performing legends work together and we can only hope that Mary Wilson’s Holiday Spectacular Featuring Special Guest The Four Tops will return next year. 

Twas a cold winter evening,

In Chicagoland,

On the way to the Auditorium theatre,

For a performance quite grand.

The guests took their seats,

The stage decked in splendor,

Anxiously awaiting their journey,

Expecting ballerinas so tender.

Then up went the music,

And down went the lights,

As we were whisked away

To the Nutcracker that night.

All know the story,

The Nutcracker’s tale,

From the grand ball to the Sugar Plum Fairy,

Danced by a young Mikhail (Barishnikov ;-) )

The Joffrey performed the ballet,

With intricate care,

To keep with traditions,

So all ages could share.

Spanish Chocolate, Arabian Coffee,

Chinese Tea and Russian Candy,

Danish Marzipan, Mother Ginger,

It was all just dandy!

But the waltz of the snowflakes

And the waltz of the flowers,

Is where this ballet

Holds all of its power.

The dancers on pointe,

In their tutus and tights,

Twirling and leaping,

Twas a majestic sight.

The Joffrey Ballet is performing,

A holiday tale to remember,

For all to enjoy,

While it runs through December.

So off to The Joffrey!

Don’t miss it this year,

Fill up your holiday,

With Nutcracker cheer!

It’s the holiday season once again and that means an abundance of Christmas themed shows have once again sprouted throughout the Chicago area. With plenty of quality shows to choose from “The People’s A Christmas Wish” at Quest Theatre should not be overlooked – and it is completely free! Donations towards the theatre company are requested upon entry and while exiting to which no amount is too small or large.

“A Christmas Wish” is a charming story that takes place in a taxidermy shop where all the stuffed animals come alive on Christmas Eve. But this year a new arrival is present as Dasher’s head is mounted on the wall. Each animal tells their story, some of love that has sadly passed them by. Dasher tells his new group of friends about his time with Santa and of his true love Jane Doe and how he ended up on the wall of a taxidermy shop.

The story is uniquely different from traditional Christmas stories and also includes tons of fun puppetry. Each animal in the taxidermy shop is also cleverly represented by a human to enhance its story telling through flashbacks and song and dance numbers. When in human form, characteristics of the animal are still applied such as “Goat’s” goatee or “Beaver’s” beaver teeth, adding a needed reference.

The show is filled with songs accompanied with a live band. Though some songs fall short of being very memorable, there are enough numbers that are humorous and catchy to actually consider “A Christmas Wish” a decent holiday musical.  A few standouts include “Not Again”, “The Most Annoying Song”, “Every Magic Cent” and “Feel Good Tonight”. “A Christmas Wish” is also a clean show that parents along with their children can wholeheartedly enjoy.  

Though not a homerun, “A Christmas Wish” is still a solid collection of base hits, making it a worthwhile show to take in over the holidays. The show is filled with plenty of moments that will make you laugh, some upbeat music to tap your toes to and puppetry that will make you feel a couple decades younger. The story has a nice flow, fun characters, and is visually amusing, but also has an ending that will have you asking yourself, “Uh…Was that a good thing?”     

“The People’s A Christmas Wish” is playing at Quest Theatre through December 22^nd. Quest Theatre is located at 1609 W Gregory. For more show information visit www.questensemble.org. Though the shows are free, Quest Theatre also asks that reservations are made online ahead of time to best accommodate everyone.   

In fine holiday tradition The Christmas Schooner has once again set sail, this time for its third year at Mercury Theater after a twelve year run at Baliwick. Inspired by the 1912 shipwreck of “The Christmas Tree ship” in Lake Michigan, manned by Captain Rouse Simmons, The Christmas Schooner is a heartwarming story catapulted by strong family bonds and Christmas spirit.

Written by John Reeger and composer Julie Shannon, The Christmas Schooner is the tale of a brave sea captain of German decent who decides to ship Christmas trees from Michigan to Chicago through the treacherous winter storms. He is prompted to do so after receiving a letter from his cousin who tells him Christmas is not the same without a Christmas tree.  Tannebaums (fir trees) have always been a tradition in Germany and the many Germans in Chicago have not had access to them since leaving their homeland. There are plenty of trees in Michigan, so Captain Peter Stossel, along with his father Gustav, set sail to Chicago in the hopes that they will find buyers for the many trees they have bundled aboard. To the crew’s surprise, hundreds of Chicagoans are waiting for them, having already dubbed their schooner as “The Christmas Tree Ship”.

Karl Hamilton is just wonderful as “Captain Peter Stossel” generating a true genuineness in his role as a family man, a beloved sea captain and as the man who will sacrifice in order to make a difference. At the same time, Cory Goodrich (“Alma Stossel”) and James Wilson Sherman (“Gustav Stossel”) are also superb all the way around. Sherman exudes charm and kindness becoming the grandfather every child would be lucky to have. A very strong supporting cast is also key in making this such a delightful production with great performances by Travis Taylor as “Steve”, the Captain’s best friend and right hand man, Elizabeth Haley and Brennan Dougherty who plays “Karl Stossel”.

The Christmas Schooner blends classic Christmas songs with original numbers. In this lively production, we are treated to an intriguing story, polished vocal performances, big choruses and a handful of well-choreographed dance routines. Like it or not, audience members cannot help but be injected with a massive dose of Christmas spirit. This is a show that anyone of any age can thoroughly enjoy.

Performances are running at Mercury Theater (3745 N. Southport Ave) through December 29^th. If it isn’t already, make The Christmas Schooner your new holiday tradition. For tickets and/or more information visit www.mercurytheaterchicago.com or call 773-325-1700.

By the 1970's Carol Burnett was such a beloved entertainment spirit that when she shared her seasoned range of expression she landed a historic place in the homes and families of millions of fans who saw her as another part of the family, likely one they wish they could be.

She was born in 1933, a time where the Depression era was not only affecting those old enough to feel the pressures of the times but it created a darker heavier atmosphere for some of the children. There's a reason it was called " The Depression" after all.

Befor the 1930's were over Carol's parents were already divorcing. Her mother was a publicist and her father a movie theater manager. Their alcoholism as media patrons of that time forced Carol into the custody of her grandmother Mabel. Although Carol had a half sister, who also went to live with Mabel in an impoverished Hollywood boarding house, she started inventing her first character. By dressing in different outfits and entering her room at different intervals she entertained herself by creating an imaginary "twin". Although she became tired of running in and out of rooms changing clothes to play both herself and her imaginary twin, this early spiritual exercise would ultimately be the axis of her career.

Apparently, at some point in Carol's early infinity for acting, her mother insinuated that writing was more stable a choice because looks we not a factor.

Yet Ms. Burnett's interest in theater only became stronger. Having both parents in the industry and a grandmother living in Hollywood, in addition to being excluded by the theoretics of glamor and Hollywood perceptions at the time, Carol started getting her "foot in the theater door" so to speak by becoming an usherette at one. Despite her parents alcoholism Carol showed signs of survival, taking all of the components of her life circumstances and place and pedalling them even stronger up hill.

The impression that Carol Burnett was an exceptionally sanguine, optimistic, and high spirited child who's wide-eyed hunger took both good and bad equitably in stride is unquestionable. That her parents were overly influenced by fashionable Hollywood dogma, tailing out of the depression, is testament to some of the gravities that bounced off of her brimming determination to stay young at heart even if she likely had her lonely moments as any depressed childhood ego would be.

A higher power of human continuity mused Carol as a channel of free spirited expressionism in a time where rigid social structures forced many people to lock up depressed emotions. Her drive is a testament to this; her performance career a lucky look into what is really important overall.

The video below shows some of what makes Carol Burnett a real star by all definitions of the heavenly term. Stay tuned for a follow up on more of the Carol Burnett story, as well as unique insight into the work and life of this amazing entertainment icon.

Until then, enjoy the video below.

As the snow starts to fall, Chicago audiences take refuge in heated theatres and family-friendly performances that warm them with holiday cheer. But if someone stumbled upon Victory Gardens this winter, perhaps expecting "It's a Wonderful Life," they'd quickly realize they were taking in something very different: a close examination of a family that is definitively unfriendly.

Victory Garden's "Appropriate," a world premier from young African-American playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, follows the Lafayette family as three children return to their deceased father's estate to settle his affairs and their life-long feuds. These adult children - who often act more like children than adults – are played by the powerhouse Kristen Fitzgerald, the comedic Keith Kupferer and the looney Stef Tovar. Along with their "chosen" family – a son, a wife and two children, and a new finance named River, respectively – the three treat each other as only family can: cruelly, hurtfully, and painfully.

Their mutual distaste is heightened when the threesome uncover a secret about their absent father. How Jacobs-Jenkins reveals the secret, though, is a delicate moment that could be improved – we see the characters in shock, repeatedly, before we are let in on what it is. When our imaginations are left to run wild, it can hurt the gravity of the actual secret and make it seem smaller to what is collectively imagine.

Critical reception to the play has been overwhelmingly positive, with many comparing the work to the similarly Chicago-bred dysfunctional family drama "August: Osage County." Workshopped and developed in 2012 at Victory Gardens, "Appropriate" is now officially premiering, though I can't help but feel like it is on the cusp of greatness and not-yet-great. My suggestion would be for the playwright and director Gary Griffin to seek out and nurture moments of compassion and comedy in the play. In such a dark, realistic slice of an American family, we need a balm to go along with the wounds we are watching. Jacobs-Jenkins has a biting wit and command of dramatic tension, and hints of nourishment are present. But without some substantial "holiday cheer" (for lack of a better term), we are far less likely to eat the brilliant medicine he wants to feed us.

"Appropriate" is tearing down the house at Victory Gardens through December 14. More information and tickets at  http://victorygardens.org 

Currently playing at Northlight Theatre, here is a powerful play directed by Ron OJ Parson and written by Dominique Morisseau. Though the play starts on a lighter note and can be quite humorous at times, a feeling of impending heaviness grows as we get deeper into the story. Focusing on a brother (“Lank”) and his sister (“Chelle”) that live together in their late parents’ home, we get a glimpse of an era that is both riddled with ignorant hatred but also flows with a hope for a better future.  

Set in the titled year of 1967, Detroit ’67 gives us an in depth look at a family in the midst of the race riots that ran rampant in the streets of Detroit. The play argues that racist cops were mostly to blame for the riots pointing out the fact that white law enforcement took advantage of their position, making it a living hell in black communities where they inflicted their hate crimes.  

Chelle and Lank run an afterhours club in their basement and though they often clash about how to invest the family money left to them, it is apparent that nothing can truly get between them, as we can see a strong bond throughout the play. Their daily existence is uprooted when Lank brings in a white girl (“Caroline”) home that was beaten and left for dead. With nowhere else to go, Chelle and Lank offer her temporary residence so long as she helps around the house. As time goes on, Lank and Caroline develop a connection and realize that they are very similar despite the color of their skin. At the same time, Lank and his best friend, “Sly”, who has a genuine interest in Chelle, are making plans to open a bar using the family money. The story unfolds nicely and gives the audience a true feeling of family and friendship.

Tyla Abercrombie and Kamal Angelo Bolden are both sensational in their roles as brother and sister really projecting the closeness of their relationship, making their characters immensely believable. It should also be noted that Kelvin Roston Jr. also delivers an ignited performance as “Sly”. The entire show takes place in a basement setting that becomes comfortable within its first few minutes.

“Detroit ’67” is both thought provoking and humorous but it’s the show’s overall message of hope and change that dominates as it should. Playing at Northlight Theatre through December 15^th, “Detroit ‘67” is a well written, well-acted play that is thoroughly entertaining.

For more information on “Detroit ’67 visit www.Northlight.org.  

*Above photo by Michael Brosilow

The much beloved Chicago tradition of the presentation of THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER returns to Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport, previewing November 27, opening Wednesday, December 4 at 7:30 p.m., and running through December 29, 2013.  The whole family will enjoy this heart-warming musical story of the first Christmas tree ship and the family who risked their lives to fill Chicago with the Christmas spirit. Hailed as “A sacred part of a Chicago Christmas!” by The Chicago Tribune, the production features a powerful, moving story, an exquisite score of original music and traditional holiday favorites, and a company of 25 actors and musicians.  The production is helmed by the Jeff-award winning team of L. Walter Stearns (Director), Eugene Dizon (Musical Director) and Brenda Didier (Choreographer). 

The shipwreck of the Rouse Simmons, known as ‘The Christmas Tree Ship,’ served as inspiration for THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER.  Her captain and crew risked the notoriously violent winter lake to bring Christmas trees from Michigan's Upper Peninsula to Chicago’s German immigrants. Each year, Captain Herman Schuenemann would sell trees right off of the ship at the Clark Street Docks, and was known to give free trees to the needy. On November 23 1912, the ship was swept up in a terrible storm. It was not until 59 years later that she was discovered, lying in 170 feet of water. Today the Rouse Simmons and her cargo of 5,500 well stacked trees remain preserved in the cold, fresh waters of Lake Michigan and her legend has grown to mythical proportions. The Blaine Nickelodeon - the silent film theater that now houses the Mercury - opened that very same year.

THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER has entertained audiences in hundreds of productions including a twelve year run at Chicago’s Bailiwick Repertory Theatre. A timely and uplifting tale of love, THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER is a poignant ode to the rich legacy of Chicago and a reminder of our responsibility to celebrate the living while honoring our heritage.  In 2011, Mercury Theater Chicago revived THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER with a full orchestra and an all-star cast, garnering a “Best Production” nomination for the 2012 Jeff Awards. The production has been called  “A grand family tradition!” by The Chicago Tribune and “An inheritance to be treasured…Highly recommended!” by the Chicago Sun-Times. Time Out Chicago Kids says that “A slice of Chicago history and an emotion-packed, Christmas-themed tale of redemption give the Mercury Theater’s production ofTHE CHRISTMAS SCHOONERall the trappings of a family holiday tradition in the making!”

THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER is written by John Reeger (book) and Julie Shannon (music and lyrics) and stars returning cast members Karl Hamilton as “Peter Stossel,” Jeff Award winner Cory Goodrich as “Alma Stossel,” and James Wilson Sherman as “Gustav Stossel.” Rounding out the crew on this year’s schooner voyage are Kelly Anne Clark, Brennan Dougherty, Jaclyn Dougherty, Elizabeth Haley, Sage Harper, Christian Libonati, Leah Morrow, Michael Pacas, Eric Parker, Thom Shea, Travis Taylor and Sean Thomas.

The scenic design is by Jacqueline and Richard Penrod, with costume design by Carol Blanchard and lighting design by Jason Epperson.

Mercury Theater Chicago is an intimate jewel-box in the heart of a sophisticated neighborhood of restaurants and shopping just steps from Wrigley Field.  It adjoins two restaurants; Cullen’s Bar and Grill and Deleece, who offer dining and libations before and after the show.

Performances are from November 27 to December 29, 2013.  The schedule is: Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., Thursdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2pm.  There are additional performances on November 29 at 2pm, December 23 at 7:30 p.m. and December 24 at 2 p.m.  Tickets range from $20 to $55. For group discounts, tickets and information contact the Mercury Theater at 773-325-1700 or www.mercurytheaterchicago.com.

With the recent influx of K-Pop entering the US in the past few years (Gangnam Style anyone?), it's critical to remember that other music does in fact come out of South Korea. One band in particular is currently on their US tour and should they swing back through Chicago, they are definitely worth seeing live.

Love X Stereo performed at the Elbo Room on November 3rd to a shockingly small crowd that didn't appreciate them as they should. Love X Stereo is an electronic rock band based in Seoul, Korea. Love X Stereo’s music is electronic music based in alternative and punk rock from the 90s, think Alanis Morissette with a Ratatat-esque synthesized beat. The lead singer of the band, Annie Ko, has a soft and easy voice that could rival any 90's and 80's female powerhouse. Their song "Soul City (Soeul City)" sounds like it could soundtrack any modern day "Dawson's Creek," while "Lose to Win" and "Fly Over" highlights Ko's vocal talents.

Electronic rock is definitely coming into popularity and hearing a band from South Korea take the genre and make it entirely their own is an experience you won't find equal to. Not surprisingly, Love X Stereo's music often confuses Korean audiences, though they have a strong expat (foreigners living in Korea) community following, and some of those fans adoringly came to the Elbo Room to see Love X Stereo perform live.

Like any new band, exposure is key. Love X Stereo has a unique sound, an album you can put on and cruise to. If they chance to swing back through Chicago, grab some friends and head to see them. Not every day you get to see a South Korean band playing electronic rock in the Windy City. Check out their website here:

 http://lovexstereo.com/

So many great bands emerged in the 1960’s and you couldn’t make a list of honorees without including The Rascals. In Steven and Maureen Van Zandt’s presentation of “Once Upon A Dream” we not only learn about one of the most influential bands of that era, we also get to see the New Jersey legends perform. “Once Upon A Dream” starring The Rascals made its way to Chicago stopping off at the Cadillac Palace for a five show stint.  

In “Once Upon A Dream”, The Rascals, formerly known as The Young Rascals, intertwine live song performances with storytelling that explains how the band formed, their survival throughout the British Invasion, their support for Civil Rights as well as many funny anecdotes that took place during their years as a band. Told either by live band members on stage or via recorded images on a giant screen, each story is nicely complemented by The Rascals performing a song that relates.

An inspiring set of classics by The Rascals is played throughout the show including such greats as “Groovin’”, “Good Lovin’”, “Beautiful Morning”, “I’ve Been Away Too Long” and their highly charged, Civil Rights anthem “People Got To Be Free”. Feel like taking a few pictures? Well, that’s just fine by The Rascals who, at the show’s beginning, invite the audience to take out their cameras and shoot away then suggest posting pictures on Twitter and Facebook.     

What you get here is an entertaining story and a live concert rolled into one. The Rascals also show that they are as musically sharp as they were back in their heyday. It’s nearly impossible not to be entertained by this show Rascals fan or not. As the show goes on, audience members let loose to the music more and more, perhaps timid at first since they are at the “theatre”. That said, by the end of the show people are standing and clapping along with each song, crowding the aisles and shouting out to the stage. My hope is that we may see other bands from the past doing show similar to this one in the future. Perhaps The Rascals will prove to be pioneers in such a field.

“Once Upon A Dream” is a truly unique theatre experience. For more information on this wonderfully refreshing show, visit  http://rascalsdream.com/.