There’s a reason Elton John’s Broadway musical adaptation of ‘Aida’ was one the most popular musicals of the early aughts. Verdi’s classic has all the romance and tragedy that opera fans crave, but with a relatively easy to follow plot. For that reason, ‘Aida’ is a more accessible work for…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Monday, 11 March 2024 11:14
'Bill W. and Dr. Bob' Tells About AA Founders, and What It Was Really Like to be their Wives
Written by Bill Esler
“Bill W. and Dr. Bob,” in its Chicago premiere at the Biograph Theater, tells the exciting story of the 1935 origins of Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA. Ubiquitous (though by its own traditions it doesn’t advertise), AA has spawned some 200 similar addictive behavior treatment programs (for drugs, compulsive sex and…
Published in
Theatre in Review
It was a dark and stormy night (yes, it really was!) – the perfect ambiance for taking in one of theatre’s classic comedic thrillers, Ira Levin’s Deathtrap, staged by BrightSide Theatre at North Central College’s Meiley-Swallow Hall, in Naperville. For knowledgeable theatre buffs, Deathtrap holds the record for the longest-running…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Tuesday, 05 March 2024 15:07
Black Ensemble Theatre's 'The Time Machine: A Tribute To The 80’s' celebrates a transformative era of music
Written by Wesley David
Black music in the 1980’s was transformative. It was the decade where Black music exploded in diversity and influence. It broke down racial barriers in popular music, with Black artists topping the charts and influencing artists across genres. Black music embraced new music technology; pioneering techniques used in popular music…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Sunday, 03 March 2024 13:21
Skokie Theatre Cast and Creatives for The Lightning Thief: A Percy Jackson Musical
Written by Buzz Center Stage
MadKap Productions is pleased to announce the cast and creative team for The Lightning Thief: a Percy Jackson Musical, a special Theatre for Young Audience presentation which will run for 10 live performances between June 7 and July 28 at the Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave in Downtown Skokie. The Lightning Thief: A…
Published in
Upcoming Theatre
Thursday, 29 February 2024 12:30
Tickets go on Sale March 1 for Music Theater Works' 2024 Producers Gala ALL THAT JAZZ, May 11
Written by Buzz Center Stage
Music Theater Works is proud to announce its annual gala, the Producers Gala, All that Jazz, Saturday, May 11 at 6 p.m. All That Jazz, at the Kenilworth Club at 410 Kenilworth Ave., begins at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour and is followed by a sit-down dinner, the presentation of the third annual Joyce Ruth…
Published in
Upcoming Theatre
Friday, 01 March 2024 12:01
Mrs. Doubtfire leaves no doubt, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE
Written by Wesley David
The Groundhog Day musical debacle left me wary of movie-to-stage adaptations. I saw them as cash grabs, mere shadows of the beloved originals. So, I approached Mrs. Doubtfire with trepidation, fearing another corny, uninspired musical. Thankfully, Mrs. Doubtfire surprised me. It wasn't just enjoyable, but the refreshingly unapologetic old-fashioned style…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Wednesday, 28 February 2024 14:26
'Shakespeare’s R & J' adapted from 'Romeo and Juliet' by William Shakespeare at Pride Arts Center
Sarz Maxwell
Shakespeare’s R & J is another demonstration of just how brilliant William Shakespeare truly was, is, and ever will be. Romeo & Juliet has captivated audiences since the 16th century. The story of the star-crossed lovers is universal, appealing to audiences from all walks of life, and stanzas from the…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Thursday, 29 February 2024 12:06
Chicago Theatres celebrate Women's History Month
Written by Buzz Center Stage
Throughout Women's History Month this March, many Chicago theatres are presenting productions that encourage and celebrate the vital role of women in American history. Additional details about each of the Women's History Month offerings are available at ChicagoPlays.com and HotTix.org, Chicago's local, discounted ticketing service. "We invite Chicagoans to celebrate women this month by taking in…
Published in
Upcoming Theatre
More...
Thursday, 29 February 2024 11:02
Local artists join UK all-stars in the cast of international smash-hit The Choir of Man
Written by Buzz Center Stage
The gang's all here! International smash hit The Choir of Man is thrilled to announce its Chicago cast, featuring a mix of Chicago area natives and all-star The Choir of Man veterans direct from the UK. A critically acclaimed theatrical sensation, known across the globe as "the ultimate feel-good show," The Choir of Man is 90 minutes of indisputable…
Published in
Upcoming Theatre
Tagged under
Thursday, 29 February 2024 12:58
MAMMA MIA! TO PLAY BROADWAY IN CHICAGO'S JAMES M. NEDERLANDER THEATRE
Written by Buzz Center Stage
Broadway In Chicago is ecstatic to announce that individual tickets for the 25th Anniversary Tour of MAMMA MIA! will go on sale on Friday, March 1. The ultimate feel-good show based on the songs of ABBA, will play Broadway In Chicago's James M. Nederlander Theatre (24 W. Randolph St.) for a limited…
Published in
Upcoming Theatre
Tagged under
Wednesday, 21 February 2024 12:14
Auditorium Theatre announces programming for highly anticipated return of ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER in six performances only, April 17-21, 2024
Written by Buzz Center Stage
World renowned ambassadors of Dance and Culture, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to its Chicago home – the landmark Auditorium Theatre at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive – for its 55th engagement here, with six dynamic performances, April 17-21, 2024. Celebrating its 65th Anniversary season in 2023-24, the company will perform three distinct programs certain…
Published in
Upcoming Theatre
Tagged under
Saturday, 17 February 2024 12:07
'SHORT SHAKESPEARE! ROMEO AND JULIET' now being performed
Written by Buzz Center Stage
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents a perfect introduction to Shakespeare's work for young audiences with a 75-minute abridgement of Romeo and Juliet, adapted and directed by Mikael Burke. This production reimagines Shakespeare's tale of young love found—and tragically lost—in the 1980s. During a four-week run of weekday matinees, Chicago Shakespeare welcomes thousands of middle and…
Published in
Upcoming Theatre
Register
Login
Latest Articles
-
Review: Joffrey Ballet's 'Midsummer Night’s Dream' at Lyric Opera House
Written by John AccroccoFrolicking season is upon us once again and Joffrey Ballet welcomes summer with the return of Alexander Ekman’s “Midsummer Night’s Dream”. This production was last seen in Chicago in 2018. Told through a mix of ballet and modern dance, this… -
Review: Joe Turner's Come and Gone at Goodman Theatre
Written by John AccroccoDirector Chuck Smith returns to Goodman with another major August Wilson revival–“Joe Turner’s Come and Gone”. This is the second play in Wilson’s 10-play “American Century Cycle”. Goodman produced the first play in the series, “Gem of the Ocean” in…
-
Eerie, Human Mystery In Captivating ‘Jump’ by Shattered Globe Theatre
Written by Bill EslerAs the audience takes its seats we are greeted by an atmosphere of foreboding, a trestle bridge girder to the left, and in the evening air, foggy wisps drift about the stage. Already something is up, but we don’t know… -
THE 35th ANNUAL RHINOCEROS THEATER FESTIVAL RETURNS MAY 25 – JUNE 30 AT SIX CHICAGO VENUES
Written by Buzz Center StageCurious Theatre Branch is pleased to announce the 35th annual Rhinoceros Theater Festival, May 25 - June 30 at six venues across Chicago. The month-long festival of shows will kick off with a special Full Moon Vaudeville concert event on Saturday, May 25 at…
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.