Initially, I had the jitters about reviewing Grandma’s Jukebox. Obviously the show was very much about music, and I’ve just never been really into music; I’d rather be reading. I didn’t even own a stereo in college! But I love theater so I arrived at the opening with an open…
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Theatre in Review
Wednesday, 25 May 2022 09:30
The Magnolia Ballet: Funny, Powerful, and Poetry in Motion
Written by Bill Esler
'The Magnolia Ballet' is an exceptional show—perfect in performances, direction (Mikael Burke), staging. And then there’s the script, by Terry Guest, who also plays the lead as Ezekiel “Z” Mitchell VI. While this show merits a Jeff Award (Chicago's Tony) without doubt, I believe it’s Pulitzer material, at least in…
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Theatre in Review
Monday, 23 May 2022 18:14
Two Trains of Thought in Court Theatre’s ‘Two Trains Running’
Written by Wesley David
August Wilson is best known for a series of 10 plays known as the “Pittsburgh cycle” which chronicle the African American experience in America. For me, Wilson’s greater achievement is giving voice to African American men. Grown African American men over a certain age. Wilson allows his male characters to…
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Theatre in Review
Wednesday, 18 May 2022 17:01
'The Chinese Lady' is Powerful, Poignant, and Not to Be Missed
Written by Bill Esler
TimeLine Theatre’s ‘The Chinese Lady’ is a powerful show - poignant, learned, sophisticated - and illuminating. Ninety minutes of engaging drama (no intermission) that left me somewhere between laughing, crying, and standing on my feet to cheer. Directed by Helen Young from the script by Lloyd Suh (an award-winning playwright…
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Theatre in Review
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“A man came by chance, saw it, and destroyed it” repeats Chekhov in his psychological melodrama “The Seagull”. Such a simple phrase says so much about the ways humans can treat one another. Steppenwolf Theatre revives the classic play under the title “Seagull” in a new adaptation by company member…
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Theatre in Review
Friday, 13 May 2022 22:24
That I am…; 'The Luckiest' plays at Raven Theatre
Written by Kendall Royzen
Life comes at you fast. We go about our lives, navigating the ups and the downs, never really thinking of more than the day to day, the little irritations of work, or being consumed by a new love. Then, as it always seems to go, something upends our life, like…
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Theatre in Review
Saturday, 30 April 2022 13:36
'Emma’s Child' at City Lit Powerfully Explores What It Means to Be a Parent
Kerstin Broockmann
Hopes and reality rarely align. Fairytale marriages only exist in fairy tales, and parenting is not nearly as easy as television shows that wrap up family crises in a half hour including commercials would indicate. Yet people keep getting married and having children, and discovering that, while spouses and children…
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Theatre in Review
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Saturday, 30 April 2022 13:20
Review: Porchlight's 'Spring Awakening' at Ruth Page Center for the Arts
Written by John Accrocco
Fifteen years ago, boy band flavored ‘Spring Awakening’ took Broadway by storm. Promises of on-stage teen sex had lines wrapped around the block. Broadway blockbusters can be hard to predict, but typically breakout hits are shows that transcend the boundaries of traditional musical theatre. With a pop rock soundtrack by…
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Theatre in Review
Friday, 29 April 2022 18:42
Hop To It; 'The Lapin Agile' at Citadel Theater
Written by Kendall Royzen
Grab a glass of wine with me and journey with me to Paris, France 1904. We stumble in as guests to a local artist haunt in the Montmartre District and remain on the exterior of the room. It's a cozy, intimate, and simple bar, with witty, smart, and regular patrons…
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Theatre in Review
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Friday, 29 April 2022 07:27
Lifeline Resumes Run 'Middle Passage' Even Better Than Before
Written by Bill Esler
Lifeline Theatre has remounted 'Middle Passage' for its return to live production. It is every bit as good, even better, than the run cut short by the pandemic in March 2020. But this time around I was better able to appreciate the artfulness of the script. Adapted by Ilesa Duncan…
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Theatre in Review
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Sunday, 24 April 2022 12:50
‘Intimate Apparel’ at Northlight Theatre - Intimate Acting Brings Unidentified Back To Life
Written by Wesley David
“Intimate Apparel” by Lynn Nottage is a story about 35-year-old Esther, a skilled seamstress in New York City. The year is 1905. She lives in a boarding house owned by Ms. Dickerson, a widow. This boarding house houses other women who are passing thru on their way to marriage. Esther…
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Theatre in Review
Monday, 25 April 2022 12:38
"Rock of Ages" at Paramount Theatre is Bursting with Fresh Talent and Energy
Written by Kimberly Katz
As a reviewer I've attended many productions of Rock of Ages and Paramount Theatre’s current production with its talented cast, wide-ranging set and rockin’ hair band rates right up there with some of the best I've seen. For me, it was especially exciting to return to the gorgeous and comfortable Paramount…
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Theatre in Review
Saturday, 23 April 2022 10:39
Marriott Theatre's 'The Sound of Music' Delights
Written by CJ Burroughs
For most of us—those reviewing theater or those thinking about attending or just about anyone, I guess—Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music is omnipresent. Just a part of our existence. The original soundtrack in everyone’s grandmother’s vinyl collection, with all of those songs. The 1960s film version that once…
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Theatre in Review
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