Items filtered by date: November 2007
Flaming Dames in “Bump and Grindhouse”
With the re-emergence of burlesque, The Flaming Dames have put their own stamp on the exotic, vaudevillian art made famous in the early 20th century. Led by choreographer Leslie Kerrigan, the burlesque troupe known as The Flaming Dames bring their unique B-Horror homage to life in their new production, “Bump and Grindhouse”.
Drury Lane's “The Odd couple” A Must See
Most of us know playwright Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple from either the big screen with Walter Matthau and Jack Lemon as the quirky pair of opposite roommates or more recently (30 years ago) from the TV adaptation that starred Tony Randall as the germaphobic neat freak Felix Ungar and Jack Klugman as the slobbish sports writing Oscar Madison. However, whether you are familiar...
Summer Extravalanche Spectacular
The Extravalanche comedy flight offers a preview of some of the best shows in the Windy. Hosted Nick Lullo (Blu Mic), performers include Steve Mulcahy, Tony Sam, Kumail (Chicago Comedy Series), Jared Logan (Chicago Comedy Series), Rachel Lewis, Headcheese Fatboss, Flambango, Team Submarinne, and the improvised rock opera Baby Wants Candy.
Manson Returns to Chicago
Manson’s stage show was certainly lavish, featuring glittering lights and multiple costume transformations as he moved and gestured with his Marilyn-esque theatrical expressiveness like only he can. The set also included numerous prop changes to enhance the vibe of a particular song such as a rising platform transcending Manson...
Muntu Dance Theatre Extravaganza
On July 14, 2007, Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago celebrated their 35th Anniversary with a concert and Gala at the famous Harris Theater in Millennium Park. This Milestone featured the world premieres of Brazilian choreographer Rosangela Silvestre’s piece, which was titled “Guide” and “In Search Of Africa by Amaniyea Payne, Muntu’s artistic director.
It's time to RAGTIME again!
The epic sweep of Ragtime is captured in its opening prologue, a nine-minute kaleidoscope of fictional characters mingling with historical figures from the early 20th century as originally captured in E.L. Doctorow’s novel. As the story continues, we meet pianist Coalhouse Walker Jr. and his child's mother, Sarah who has been taken in by a respectable family...
It’s a Bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superman!
The redux of 1940’s Superman comics has once again made its way to live theatre, giving audience members a chance to follow the man of steel in an all-out song and dance adventure. Drury Lane’s presentation of “It’s a Bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superman!” contends with any summer musical thanks to a charming cast and a strategically retro stage set. The somewhat campy script...
Crossing California Hits Home
Remember what Chicago’s West Rogers Park was like in 1979? Ok, maybe you do and maybe you don’t. But for those that don’t Crossing California delivers a powerful, but comedic, look into the past in this coming of age story based on the novel by Adam Langer. For those that do remember, Crossing is a wonderful reminiscence of what is was like to be a teen in yet another controversial era.
Patton Oswalt Knocks ‘Em Dead
Like that itch on your ass that you have to repeatedly scratch, Patton Oswalt kept the sold out crowd at Lakeshore Theatre laughing relentlessly from the moment Janeane Garofalo introduced him to the moment he triumphantly darted off the stage. Not a dry eye remained in the house as Patton’s one-hour plus hysterical routine delivered blow after blow – and then some. And though Patton’s clever premeditated material...
Janeane Garofalo: Lean Mean Comedy Machine
"I guess I just prefer to see the dark side of things. The glass is always half empty. And cracked. And I just cut my lip on it. And chipped a tooth." Janeane Garofalo
In a world that seems increasingly full of giggly, cooing blonds and pantyless, camera hungry, dyed blonds - Janeane Garofalo’s black hair, tattooed arms, funky eyeglasses and whip smart humor are as refreshing to me as a cool breeze on a 110 degree summer day.
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