Items filtered by date: November 2007

Watching Brian Dennehy, still as handsome, graceful and light on his feet at 71 as at 51, I have to ask myself in disbelief, has it really been twenty years since I last saw him perform on the Goodman stage in “The Iceman Cometh”?  It seems just like yesterday. The great thing about an actor’s actor like Dennehy, is the way he can utilize all the knowledge he has acquired during his long and illustrious career and still bring a freshness, a youthfulness, an energy and presence that is uniquely his own to every role. 

The story of Annie, the optimistic red-headed orphan, is one that still resonates with the same power and charm today as it did when it melted the hearts of theater-goers on Broadway in 1977...

The lights were dimmed low and the place went wild. No one could contain themselves as one of the Kings of Comedy took the stage. The music played and the MC introduced the genius comical mind of Steve Harvey. The Venue at The Horseshoe Casino was near chaos levels to catch a peek at the phenomenal comedian.

Once again making a triumphant return to Chicago is Mamma Mia!, now playing at the Rosemont Theatre (5400 N. River Road, Rosemont) through Sunday, January 24^th. With a national touring cast that is as energetic as they were talented, Mamma Mia is a wild ride full of catchy ABBA songs, laughs and well-choreographed dancing. .

 The Bowerbirds headlined Saturday, January 16^th, at Lincoln Hall as part of the Tomorrow Never Knows festival. The Bowerbirds are an indie folk band consisting of Phil Moore on guitar and lead vocals, Beth Tacular on accordion, keyboards and vocals, and Dan “Yan” Westerlund on drums, keyboards and vocals.

Imagine that you are a talented young woman raised by a loving father who has instilled in you the value of an education and your own inestimable worth in the world. Imagine that your father, your only ally, dies just as you are on the brink of independence.

These are the very guys I can imagine having had shot spit balls out of a straw at teachers with in 5th grade, being staples on the "Smoker's Corner," right outside of school, and "playing hooky" with to have some cans of cheap ol' Milwaukee's Best or Pabst Blue Ribbons.

Have you ever had the pleasure of hearing the song titled "My Ding-a-ling-a-ling?" Some of its' lyrics are: "My Ding-a-ling..My Ding-a-ling..I want you to play with My Ding-a-ling!"

On the day after Christmas light fluffy snow fell to the ground covering the Chicago area in cotton like white silk. The stockings were no longer hung with care and St. Nicholas would not be back until next year. Concert goers braved the elements and piled into the Allstate Arena (6920 N. Mannhiem Road Rosmont, Illinois) to see a spectacular showing of the Trans Siberian Orchestra (TSO).

Lights, lasers, and many other special effects were a huge part of the show that entertained an audience of all ages. Guitars, bass, drums, strings, singers, and a narrator resonated through the arena with a perfect level of decibels. The performance of this well rehearsed orchestra was a delight to witness.

The narration for the evening was done by Bryan Hicks with his lower register vocal style in a very warm feeling. He told a story in passages as the show went along that were intriguing and literary works of art in so many ways. As the narrator he introduced the songs within stories and words that flowed of the tip of his tongue.  

Over a dozen years have passed since the creation of the TSO the great group of musicians performed some interesting variations on the old classic Christmas songs that are fond memories for everyone. They did a soulful version of “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.” The voice was smooth and tastefully duplicating a Yule tide classic.

Violinist Anna Phoebe was a highlight of the evening. She had quick runs as her bow slid across the strings over and over again proved she is not just another pretty face. She played a pink electric violin that was a show stealer on every song. Her performance was top notch and never a dull moment. Anna was perfect in every way. She was well accompanied by a set of strings that played along during the entire evening with lots of sweet accents. 

Guitarist Robert Kinkel showed his ability throughout the show and gracefully performed a few of the old classic pieces with a more modern rock feeling to it. As the band leader he played his intricate parts in a mechanical effortless way and the notes flowed into a river of music. He was backed by two other well accomplished guitar players Chris Caffery and Alex Skolnick both of which played with incredible musical chops throughout the entire evening.

The rhythm section was made up of Johnny Lee Middleton on bass and Jeff Plate on drums. The drummer was well surrounded by a circle of percussion and he could barely be seen. Every tap to his kit was just like clockwork within a perfect measure of time. The bass was plucked adding the smooth bottom end that could be felt from the floor to the rafters.

An eight person group of backup singers made up a wide range of notes on the musical scale. Singing throughout the show, even in Latin at times, was a sweet accent for the music. Four female singers came to the front of the stage long enough to do a song and dance showing their multi talented skills.

The two keyboard players tickled away at eighty-eight pieces of ebony and ivory for the show. Both were well trained and well accomplished musicians who couldn’t play a bad note if they tried. Smooth pretty sounds came from these two musicians. Sweeping sound-scapes to tinkering on the piano didn’t really matter. It was just beautiful no matter what they did.

The list of songs played was a perfect selection to include a few of the most sophisticated Christmas songs. They performed their own version of “The Nutcracker” called “The Night Castle.” Considered the highlight of the evening, this rock orchestra put an unusual twist to the classical masterpiece.

At a point in the show when the band was introduced it appeared that the show was over for the evening, but then they surprisingly introduced the second half of their show. The show lasted about two and a half hours and was magical from beginning to end.

As others were returning their gifts, shoveling their walk, and eating leftovers; over ten thousand entered the Allstate Arena for a show that will not soon be forgotten. The lights, the lasers, and the smoke machines were more effects than what most bands bring on tour with them. The show was good wholesome entertainment from beginning to end for your eyes and ears to see and hear. The show helps to bring a reminder as to what the real reason for the holiday season is. This was truly a phenomenal show for anyone to see.   

Director David Catlin successfully brings Greek mythology to the stage in Lookingglass Theatre’s production of “Icarus”, the story of a boy with wax wings who flew too close to the sun and, well, you can probably guess how that turned out. Lindsey Whiting splendidly plays the young Icarus while other cast members are also stand outs including Larry DiStasi as the boy’s father and Nicole Shalhoub as both Medea and Naucrate.

The show is a visual wonder with plenty of circus-like gymnastics and stunning, high-flying acts that take one’s breath away. Sylvia Hernandez DiStasi should receive a ton of credit for her fantastic work with the aerial choreography that makes this show such a magical experience. Captured is so much emotion and heartfelt moments that become even more meaningful, and beautiful, thanks to Hernandez’ soulful arrangements and design.

Since David Catlin also masters the art of exposing individual behaviors and does so with physical storytelling, his partnership with Hernandez couldn’t be more perfect. When asked how developed the choreographed moments are before their evolution during rehearsals, Catlin explains, “As I’m writing I will likely have a sense that there’s some sort of movement or dream sequence that, for example, is supposed to give the sense of flight, or that feeling you get when you’re first meeting someone, when you’re falling in love. But the specifics of how that ends up being manifested on stage is always better than I imagine, because of the talents of Sylvia [Hernandez].”

“Icarus” is youthful, timeless and spirited and is a wonderful correlation of many parental relationships with child. With any Greek mythology, lessons are learned that often come about by tragedy, and this story is no exception. Well-acted, luminously directed and visually exciting, “Icarus” is thoroughly enjoyable and bonding.

“Icarus” is playing through January 24^th at Lookingglass Theatre, 821 N. Michigan Ave and tickets are $18-$62. For more information call 312-337-0665 or visit www.lookingglass.org.