Displaying items by tag: Clare Cooney
Real Chicago Grifters Vie to Survive in Chops – a success of Mametian proportions
Right out of the gate CHOPS is a winner – in performances, production and script. Playwright Michael Rychlewski captures that ineffable quintessence of Chicago-ese as his three remnants of the 1950s and ‘60s glory days of Rush Street wash ashore at Vince’s bar.
Let’s hear it for the casting, too – director Richard Shavzin has corralled an exceptionally well-matched brace of players here, strong character actors from our city’s bountiful supply. As Walt (Randy Steinmeyer) launches full throttle into his opening monologue, the audience knows it is in on something big tonight.
On Walt's arm is a dame, Kaki (Clare Cooney), claiming to be older than she is, and unnaturally well schooled in the music and dance from the waning days of 1950s and 1960s big band jazz. Tending bar, the world-weary Vince (Larry Neumann Jr.) is a perfect counterpoint to Walt’s bravado, as he eyes with suspicion this young lady’s game.
The story line is straightforward. Three late middle aged men – the third, Philly (Danny Sullivan) makes a backdoor entrance along the way – are competing for the attention of the comely young lass. They dance, talk big, and tell tales of their past. Chicagoans of a certain age will glow at references to now-vanished Rush St. locales like Mr. Kelley’s and the Gaslight Club.
Then the big talk turns competitive, and a storytelling contest ensues – shades of August Wilson here. A contrivance? Perhaps, but it arrives naturally and these guys are so compelling, the audience doesn’t begrudge a minute of it.
This scene also paints an even richer portrait of Chicago’s bygone era, captured in the color of its speech. While David Mamet has abstracted this linguistic naturalism into a generalized form, Rychlewski gives it the specificity of its locale – all the more enjoyable. Chops is a must-see just for this scene.
As the story continues, the plotting became harder to follow. But given the caliber of the performances, it seems that the director and author may need to coax a bit more from this section to get across the nature of the con that is being set up. Past that scene, the power struggle among the characters continues to a satisfying dramatic conclusion.
There is one point in CHOPS that gave me pause: the character Kaki takes restroom breaks for the convenience of the dramatic trajectory, but at some point these become too many, and one runs unnaturally long (is she doing cocaine in there?).
The set is very good; Grant Sabin has done an impressive job with set design while Chris Neville handled the props. As CHOPS reveals itself to be a cut above the ordinary, I felt myself wishing even more resources were given so that Sabin and Neville could take their artistry further.
In addition to the choreography and music that spice this play, there is also a compelling story behind its authorship, a first work, 25 years in the making by Rychlewski, a Schurz High School English teacher. He brought a 120- page script to director Shavzin, who cut it back to 74 pages – another factor in its excellence.
Dashnight Productions’ CHOPS runs through August 14 at Theatre Wit. May that run be extended.
Chicago Tap Allstars' Holiday Performance WINTER WONDERLAND Returns for One Performance Only - Saturday, Dec. 14
30 October 2024 in Upcoming DanceChicago Tap Allstars, a collective of Tap dance artists and organizations brought together by M.A.D.D. Rhythms and Chicago Tap Theatre, is proud to…
Steppenwolf Theatre's LEROY AND LUCY - October 24 – December 15, 2024 - World Premiere!
30 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreSteppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to continue its 49th season with the world premiere of Ngozi…
Missing the Music: A Disconnected Seven Guitars at City Lit Theater
29 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewAugust Wilson stipulated only Black directors should direct his plays. It stemmed from his deep commitment to authentic representation and…
'Into the Woods' an Exciting Musical Fairytale Mashup at Chopin Theater
29 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewI’ll admit it: I knew little about “Into the Woods” before seeing the new production at Chicago’s Chopin Theatre. I’m…
Botanical Bedlam: Music Theatre Works' Little Shop of Horrors Thrills with Campy Delight!
29 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewMusic Theatre Works’ Little Shop of Horrors, featuring music by Howard Ashman and a book and lyrics by Alan Menken,…
IDENTITY PERFORMING ARTS Presents Fall Concert “Embrace”
28 October 2024 in Upcoming DanceIDENTITY PERFORMING ARTS Presents Fall Concert “Embrace” World Premiere in Chicago for Two Performances Location: Ann Barzel Theater Visceral Dance Center,…
American Blues Theater to produce 23rd Annual It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!
28 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreAmerican Blues Theater announces its 23rd Annual Production of It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! from Frank Capra's film and directed by Executive Artistic…
CHICAGO TAP THEATRE PROUDLY ANNOUNCES ITS 2024-2025 SEASON
28 October 2024 in Upcoming DanceChicago Tap Theatre (CTT) has recently returned from a successful European Tour and is pleased to announce its 2024-2025 season and…
Pericles: Royal Shakespeare Company refreshes an obscure tale at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
27 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewThey do abuse the king that flatter him For flattery is the bellows that blows up sin These days, fireplace…
Teatro ZinZanni Presents: The LiV Warfield Xperience For One Night Only - Nov. 18
25 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreTeatro ZinZanni, Chicago's wildly entertaining cabaret and cirque show, will open up their vintage circus tent, the Spiegeltent, to present The LiV…
Matinee added on December 9 for CHRISTMAS WITH THE KING: BRANDON BENNETT SINGS ELVIS PRESLEY
24 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreMarriott Theatre has added a second matinee performance of the concert CHRISTMAS WITH THE KING: BRANDON BENNETT SINGS ELVIS PRESLEY…
Some Like It Hot sizzles at Cadillac Palace Theatre
24 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewIn the midst of the bustle and busyness of several stunning song-and-dance routines in Some Like It Hot, beautifully directed…
Lifeline Theatre presents 28th Annual Fillet of Solo Festival two-week festival of storytelling performances November 8 - November 17, 2024
23 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreLifeline Theatre presents the 28th Annual Fillet of Solo Festival, a vibrant celebration of Chicago's premiere storytelling and live lit scene. The…
Puppet shows for private audiences in living room settings: Chicago Puppet Fest's Fall Living Room Tour returns November 14-16
23 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreThe Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival is pulling strings to raise funds this fall, offering three exclusive sneak peeks of…
Review: Remy Bumppo's 'Dear Elizabeth' at Theater Wit
23 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewWhat a treat to have two of Evanston-native Sarah Ruhl’s plays running concurrently at Theatre Wit. Alongside the Shattered Globe…
Deliciously wicked: Evil Perfect at Bramble Theatre Company tells a familiar story in a perfectly wicked way
23 October 2024 in Theatre ReviewsAfter completing my hundredth fan fiction about the same two characters defying all obstacles and falling in love, I took…
Live immersive horror experience based on INSIDIOUS coming to Chicago
22 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBrace yourself for the scare of a lifetime, as the world of Insidious jumps off the screen and directly into your theater…
Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' at Brightside Theatre is the ultimate Halloween treat with just the right amount of bite!
21 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewBrightside Theatre’s rendition of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, adapted by Stephen Dietz, captivates from the opening scene to its climactic finale.…
Dante’s ‘Commedia Divina,’ Retooled by Conspirators, Delivers Epic Laughs at Otherworld Theatre
20 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewThe early closing of the Conspirators’ 2023 production of “Commedia Divina,” proved useful, giving this …erm … highly original company…
Mandy Patinkin & Kathryn Grody Bring Afternoon of Entertaining Conversation to the MAC Nov. 10
18 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreThe McAninch Arts Center (MAC) welcomes back Mandy Patinkin. This time he will be joined by his wife for "A…
Royko: The Toughest Man in Chicago to return to The Chopin in November
18 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreToughest Man Productions, Executive Producer Lecy Goranson and producing consultant Beth Kligerman announce a return engagement for the world premiere…
Review: Joffrey Ballet's US Premiere of Cathy Marston's 'Atonement' at Civic Opera House
18 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewWhat source materials make a great ballet? Can everything be interpreted through dance? It’s a fair question when considering Joffrey…
Hell in a Handbag Productions Announces 2024/25 Season
17 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreHell in a Handbag Productions is thrilled to announce its 2024/25 Season, featuring a fan favorite and two world premieres. Now in…
Casting announced for ANNIE at Chicago Theatre Nov. 12-Dec 1
16 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreMadison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment), Carolyn Rossi Copeland Productions, Inc. and Crossroads Live North America today announced casting…
Handbag's 'The Golden Girls Meet The Skooby Don’t Gang: The Mystery of The Haunted Bush' a hilarious adventure not to be missed!
15 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewI look forward to every Hell and a Handbag production - because I know they’re always a great time. The…
Embracing Vulnerability: Goodman’s Heartfelt 'Primary Trust' Highlights the Power of Not Being Okay
15 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewEboni Booth’s 2024 Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Primary Trust is a deeply introspective and bittersweet exploration of abandonment, routine, and the…
Love Me, Love Me: The Love Object brings back the drama of bubblegum pop at Raven Theatre
14 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewThe Y2K era was a wild time to be a girl. Bubblegum pop juxtaposed against futuristic silver-scaled sets, female artists…
Try To See It Their Way: Milo Imagines The World at Chicago Children's Theatre
13 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewHave you ever jumped on a crowded L train and wondered just why there were so many people on it?…
THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER On Sale
12 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreThe Hip Hop Nutcracker returns to Broadway In Chicago, playing at the CIBC Theatre from December 10 to December 15, 2024.…
TUTA Theatre to stage Thornton Wilder's THE LONG CHRISTMAS DINNER November 26 - December 29
12 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreTUTA Theatre has announced it will stage the infrequently produced Thornton Wilder drama THE LONG CHRISTMAS DINNER for the 2024…
Latest Articles
-
Missing the Music: A Disconnected Seven Guitars at City Lit Theater
Written by Wesley DavidAugust Wilson stipulated only Black directors should direct his plays. It stemmed from his deep commitment to authentic representation and cultural integrity. He argued Black directors could interpret and present certain themes with the depth, empathy, and insight needed to… -
Botanical Bedlam: Music Theatre Works' Little Shop of Horrors Thrills with Campy Delight!
Written by Kimberly KatzMusic Theatre Works’ Little Shop of Horrors, featuring music by Howard Ashman and a book and lyrics by Alan Menken, is the ultimate Halloween and fall musical for cult hit fans. This spooky, yet fun production captures the essence of… -
Chicago Tap Allstars' Holiday Performance WINTER WONDERLAND Returns for One Performance Only - Saturday, Dec. 14
Written by Buzz Center StageChicago Tap Allstars, a collective of Tap dance artists and organizations brought together by M.A.D.D. Rhythms and Chicago Tap Theatre, is proud to announce the return of “Winter Wonderland,” Saturday, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. at the Harold Washington Cultural Center, 4701 S.… -
Steppenwolf Theatre's LEROY AND LUCY - October 24 – December 15, 2024 - World Premiere!
Written by Buzz Center StageSteppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to continue its 49th season with the world premiere of Ngozi Anyanwu's Leroy and Lucy, a bluesy and seductive play with music, directed by Awoye Timpo, playing October 24 – December 15, 2024 in Steppenwolf's…
Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.