The Greeks, who gave us theatre and big, fat weddings, have always been a rich source of inspiration for contemporary culture makers. From James Joyce’s Ulysses to Disney’s Hercules, the iconic gods and legends of ancient Greece have been re-imagined, rebutted, and redone by painters, philosophers, and playwrights. Penelope, a…
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Theatre in Review
The Joffrey Ballet production of The Nutcracker ran for its 25th season this year in Chicago's Auditorium Theatre. Having once seen The Nutcracker ballet as a child, I was delighted to have the opportunity to see this performance once again as an adult; and it certainly was a treat. The…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Wednesday, 07 December 2011 18:00
Cruel to be Kind; Lisa Lampanelli is the Don Rickles of Our Generation
Kimberly Katz
Lisa Lampanelli really killed it from beginning to end during her sold out comedy concert at The Venue in Hammond, Indiana’s Horseshoe Casino. As she began her usual rant hitting on every race, sexual orientation, religion and minority group, she mentioned that the Hammond casino crowd of 3000 was “cute,…
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Theatre in Review
Monday, 05 December 2011 17:09
"It's A Wonderful Life" at Biograph Theater as Warming and Fun as a Cup of Hot Cocoa
Written by Ken Payne
Most people have never been audience to a radio show, let alone a radio show set in the 1940s. Well, here’s your chance. Set in 1944 as a live broadcast at Chicago’s legendary Biograph Theater, spectators are able to capture an enjoyable and entertaining glimpse of yesteryear. American Blues Theater's…
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Theatre in Review
After a 12 year run at Bailiwick Repertory, The Christmas Schooner sails again in a wonderfully revamped form at The Mercury Theater. The Christmas Schooner relates the true story of German immigrants who risked their lives on the freezing waters of wintry Lake Michigan to bring Christmas trees to Chicago…
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Theatre in Review
Wednesday, 30 November 2011 22:38
Matchmaker, matchmaker, made a great match; ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ wows in Chicago
Written by Kendall Royzen
I have heard about ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ my whole life and don’t know why I waited so long to see this musical. I remember bits and pieces from seeing it as a child, but probably couldn’t begin to appreciate how true-to-life the play really is. ‘Fiddler on the Roof’…
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Theatre in Review
BAH HUMBUG! Ebenezer Scrooge's famous line from Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." It's a story all too familiar to most of us and (I hope) we all still remember it from our childhood; I know I do. It's one of the most memorable Christmas tales ever told and I was particularly pleased to…
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Theatre in Review
Thursday, 03 November 2011 18:24
Two Kids in the Hall Equals Twice the Laughs!
Written by Kimberly Katz
Comedians Scott Thompson and Kevin MacDonald Live at Mayne Stage in Chicago I really enjoyed the dueling comedy sets by “Kids in The Hall” cast members, Scott Thompson and Kevin MacDonald. There is a certain type of ripple effect laughter that really great comics can get out of an audience…
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Theatre in Review
Sunday, 27 November 2011 18:54
Rock ‘N’ Roll and Right ‘N’ Wrong in “Memphis”
Written by Zach Zimmerman
Jukebox musicals have become as common as dancebreaks in the past decade. Popular songs of yesteryear are strung together with a loose story to create a Broadway show that feels more like a scrapbook of memories than something memorable in its own right. Given this musical landscape, it’s a rare…
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Theatre in Review
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Thursday, 17 November 2011 17:38
Yuri Lane' “MeTube” at Victory Gardens Theater - “Two Million Hits and Counting...”
Written by Kimberly Katz
Yuri Lane was a child actor, almost cast as Doogie Howser until the producer decided to go blond. Lane has performed on the stage with Matt Damon and has many commercials under his belt but fame eluded him until one of his videos showing his amazing beat box skills went…
Published in
Theatre in Review
When it comes to bringing Rogers and Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music” alive on stage, of course the surrounding cast is utterly essential, but most important of all, the show would need a vibrant “Maria” who absolutely exudes true spirit and fun. Drury Lane’s Production of “The Sound of Music”…
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Theatre in Review
Sunday, 06 November 2011 20:30
Hunting, Craving and Searching for Happiness in Steppenwolf First Look Series 2011
Written by Zach Zimmerman
A metropolis during the Great Depression, a beachfront home in California, and a chic upper class apartment in New York City are the settings for the three plays developed in this year's Steppenwolf First Looks series. United in their focus on desire and pain, the frugally titled "Man in Love," "Want," and "Oblivion" feature memorable characters that are bold,…
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Theatre in Review
Friday, 04 November 2011 16:10
A Hand-Off Goes Wrong in “A Behanding in Spokane”
Written by Zach Zimmerman
Irish playwright Martin McDonagh’s newest play, “A Behanding in Spokane” is his first set in America. It’s still one of his characteristic black comedies – a label that means it okay to laugh at others’ pain and suffering – but it comes across the pond and centers on a one-handed…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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