After many years without seeing the movie or reading the story of Peter Pan, the moment I learned that Peter Pan: The Hit Broadway Musical was coming to Chicago, my inner child couldn’t contain its excitement. I arrived at the James M. Nederlander Theatre, quickly found my seat, and noticed joyful children surrounding me. The adults were definitely outnumbered, but hey, we are still kids at heart and have imagination, too! As expected, on opening night, the theater was filled to capacity, and excitement was palpable.

As the lights dim, theatregoers are welcomed into the shared childhood bedroom of Wendy, John, and Michael. Their parents, preparing for an event that evening, are putting the kids to sleep as they prepare to leave. As soon as the parents are gone, Wendy is woken up to Peter Pan and Tinkerbell rummaging through the bedroom. Wendy confronts Peter, and he explains he’s looking for his lost shadow. Wendy helps him reclaim his shadow, and in the process, wakes up her brothers, John and Michael. One thing leads to another, and before you know it, Peter is sprinkling a bunch of fairy dust on the children. They take flight, and with a magical poof, they soar out of the window, embarking on their journey to Neverland. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

While the plot of the show shares similarities with the movie, it also introduces its own unique twists. Notably, a conflict arises between Tiger Lily’s tribe and Peter Pan along with the Lost Boys. The ongoing battle involves accusations of theft between the groups. Surprisingly, once Captain Hook enters the scene, Tiger Lily’s Tribe and the Lost Boys decide to form an unlikely alliance and become best friends.

The unification of Tiger Lily’s tribe and Peter Pan and the Lost Boys is, in my opinion, the best scene in the play. This performance is packed with ambient singing and beautifully choreographed dance. The musical number called “Friends Forever” plays as they dance along and try to find a new handshake to seal their newly established bond. The song boasts a wonderful melody, seamlessly intertwining with the joyous celebration.

The cast of Peter Pan is wonderfully diverse, featuring actors from various racial backgrounds. This production breathes new life into the story, making it feel more inclusive and significantly more multicultural than the original 1953 animated movie. Every actor delivers an outstanding performance, with special recognition for the young Reed Epley, who has captivated audiences on stage since the tender age of four.

Captain Hook, played by Cody Garcia, is excellent. Garcia is everything you could ask for in an antagonist. He is funny, sassy, and downright evil. Throughout the show, we watch him sing and dance his way into wicked plots to kill all of the children. Surprisingly dark for a kids’ show, I must say. Every time Hook is on stage the crowd laughs, captured by his beguilement. He has what sounds like a Scottish pirate accent and owns it with every word. Garcia’s singing is also impressive with a surprising vocal range that has depth and great heights.

Nolan Almeida, portraying Peter Pan, showcases remarkable acting skills. His singing, dancing, and ability to charm the audience with magic are truly fascinating. Almeida flawlessly hits all his cues and fully embraces his character throughout the show.

My only disappointment stemmed from the choice for the character of Tinker Bell. Anticipating the fairy in physical form, I was surprised when the show opted for what appeared to be a flashlight’s glow instead. Despite my reservations, the children in the audience adored the fairy light, with some even declaring Tinker Bell as their favorite character.

The live orchestra is phenomenal. Their music does a wonderful job complementing the show with whimsical sounds and adventurous beats. Each song is sweetly crafted to help tell the story of Peter Pan, the Lost Boys, and the children versus the dreaded Captain Hook. The music by Morris (Moose) Charlap is perfect and brings the show to life.

Beyond the enchanting music, the choreography by Lorin Latarro truly captivates the audience. Every dance, intricately woven into the musical numbers, is a resounding success, executed flawlessly by the talented cast. The exhilarating flips and graceful couple dancing add an extra layer of excitement. Amidst the choreography, the simulated fights between characters during the show provide an entertaining spectacle. And let’s not forget the magical flying sequences, seamlessly orchestrated by Paul Rubin, which transport us into the heart of Neverland.

Costume design emerged as one of my favorite aspects of the show. Anticipating a vibrant array of colors, I was not disappointed. Sarafina Bush, the costume designer, delivers costumes that are not only true to each character but are also bursting with life. Tiger Lily’s group sports a unique tribal look, while the Lost Boys’ attire exudes wildness and adventure.

The set and stage design further enhances the experience. The lush green jungle landscape of Neverland and the cozy children’s bedroom stand out as exceptional set pieces. Each set was thoughtfully interactive, seamlessly accommodating every scene. And within the Nederlander Theatre, the ambiance feels like the perfect gateway to Neverland—just a sprinkle of fairy dust and a glimpse through French casement windows, and you’ll be soaring.

Kudos to director Lonny Price and executive producer Trinity Wheeler for breathing new life into Peter Pan. Their fresh adaptation transports the beloved characters into a modern world, embracing the timeless magic of imagination. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned viewer, this show promises fun for all.

After the show, I chatted with a few audience members to gauge their thoughts on Peter Pan. Cindy exclaimed, “The show was fantastic, and they had a thrilling cast.”

Kelly, on the other hand, shared a different perspective: “It was a great show, but this wasn’t the same Peter Pan I remember from my childhood. It feels like I didn’t recall any of this happening.”

And then there was Steven, brimming with excitement: “This show was fabulous! It’s a classic story with a modern twist—an absolute must-see for all ages.”

In summary, I thoroughly enjoyed the show. Peter Pan: The Hit Broadway Musical rekindled my youthful spirit and left me wistful for the days of unbridled imagination. While the entire performance was entertaining, Act Two held a special place in my heart. My inner child reveled in the magic, and I departed with renewed inspiration to seek out more ways to stay forever young.

Catch Broadway in Chicago's Peter Pan is being performed March 26th through April 7^th at James M. Nederlander Theatre. Performances are Tuesday through Thursday at 7:00 p.m. (with a Wednesday matinee at 1:00 p.m. on April 3rd), Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. (with an additional performance on Sunday, March 31st at 6:30 p.m.).

The run time of the show is about two hours with a short 15-minute intermission. Make sure to arrive early as the line outside of the theatre is likely to be buzzing with anticipation.

Imagine being Jewish and attending a White Nationalists meeting undercover. Sounds crazy, right? In the award-winning comedian Alex Edelman’s acclaimed Broadway Solo Show, Just for Us you get to hear the story of how Edelman does the unthinkable by putting himself in an extremely uncomfortable situation among White Supremacists. It seems very serious but happens to work perfectly for this comedy show.

The show begins with a few cheesy jokes about gorillas and horses, and how Edelman is dedicated to his craft by spending $800 on sign language classes. Things quickly take a dramatic turn when Edelman shares the blatant anti-Semitism he began to face on Twitter years ago. The scenario gets even more interesting when he finds out there’s a meeting for White Nationalists seeking to “answer questions about their whiteness”. This finding leads to Edelman making a brave and possibly stupid decision to attend the meeting in an apartment located in Queens, New York.

Edelman’s experience attending the meeting carries through the rest of the show as he weaves in childhood stories and random funny lines about our society today. His jokes and anecdotes are brilliantly written with clever punchlines that even made himself laugh. This show is disturbingly relevant to the events unfolding in the world today. And as Jew, who was raised Orthodox, Edelman gives you an inside look of his life experience grappling with his Jewish identity and the hardships of anti-Semitism.

Alex Edelman is a stand-out comedian and is entertaining to watch on stage. He is actively moving around and has quirky movements as he shares his strange experiences and ridiculous thoughts. Comedy seems to come naturally to him as he quickly delivers joke after joke. Edelman did an amazing job engaging the crowd and made us feel like we were a part of his story. He even added a few quiet moments for us to feel how uncomfortable it was for him to be in the room full of anti-Semites at the White Nationalist meeting.

Throughout the show the crowd was on the edge of their seats as laughter echoed in the packed theater. Edelman keeps the audience hooked through ups and downs of laughter and intense silence as he unpacks the depths of serious topics of racism, anti-Semitism, and sheer ignorance. Following the show, audience members were raving with a standing ovation, clapping and cheering.

I spoke with a few of them, and many loved the show. A young man named Asher said, “The show was funny, but relatable, especially if you have experienced any form of being different.”

Another crowd member named Margo said, “It was surprisingly hilarious, endearing and came full circle in the end.” She continued, “It was universal for everybody, something we will take with us and carry from here on out.”

“Just For Us” directed by Adam Brace is hilarious and thoughtfully pieced together with each joke. It’s easily one of the best comedy shows I have seen in a long time. I highly recommend everyone attend this show, no matter your background. The jaw-dropping ending is worth every penny.

The Steppenwolf Theatre was the perfect setting for the comedy show. The theater was sold out and offered a variety of drinks at the bar. The Downstairs Theater has two levels of seating including main floor and balcony areas. The theater is accessible for everyone and is intimate enough so that you don’t feel like you are miles away from the stage.

The Just for Us show runs from Thursday, February 15 to Saturday February 24, 2024. The running time is a quick 85 minutes with no intermission. Showtimes vary day to day from 3:00 pm to 7:30 pm. It’s located in the Downstairs Theater at Steppenwolf Theatre Co. located on 1650 N. Halstead St. in Chicago. Tickets start at $52 and are on sale now at steppenwolf.org/justforus or at the Box Office at (312) 335-1650. Make sure to get your tickets soon as they are selling out fast!

After stuffing myself with a fat plate of Thanksgiving leftovers, I made my way over to Theater Wit for the Who’s Holiday! opening show. The show kicks off with a grand entrance of a much older Cindy Lou Who in a dinky trailer home. Cindy gets comfortable with the crowd and even offers a famous Chicago drink as she takes you back in time. She retells the childhood story of her and the Grinch, and also shares the untold stories of her adult life with R-rated commentary and endless rhyme.

After her introduction and drinks are poured, Cindy shares her plans for hosting a Christmas party that evening with some famous Dr. Seuss friends. As her friends flake out on her party, she takes you back in time with her life’s stories. Cindy’s monologue carries you beyond her childhood as you journey through her memories of her bizarre relationship with the Grinch, her struggles with her family, and her adjustment to a not-so cheery lifestyle. Her life story takes a turn for the worst when cops are called, and she finds herself behind bars. Something none of our inner-child selves could have imagined.

Who’s Holiday! directed by Christopher Pazdernik is now in its third outing and continues to draw in large crowds. The comedy by Matthew Lombardo is bawdy and full of holiday and Grinch themed references. Many people in the crowd were filled with laughter and enjoyed the twists and turns of Cindy’s life story.

The show has just one actress, Veronica Garza who plays the 40-year-old Cindy Lou Who. Garza does an outstanding job playing Cindy and never misses a beat. She is captivating, hilarious and has fun engaging with the crowd. She brings the character to life with unclassy mannerisms and a trailer park twang in her speech. She captures her emotions as they rollercoaster through eagerness, sadness, and Christmas cheer. Trailer park Cindy feels like your long lost childhood friend, someone you can totally let loose with.

Despite having a rough life and a few more years under her belt, Cindy still has amazing hair. The wig, makeup and costume design were all on point. Her blonde hair is fabulous and is pinned up with Christmas colored bows that match her red dress. She also has beautiful makeup that aligned with the holiday theme. Not to mention the eye-catching sparkly Crocs and ruffled white ankle socks.

The first thing I noticed when entering the theater was the decked-out trailer home covered in Christmas decor. It looked like an old 70s shack on wheels with red, green, and white accents along with twinkling lights and tinsel garland. The set was perfect for the show. It was cozy and gave an intimate look into Cindy’s trailer park life.

Something that totally shocked me was the music. A Christmas show isn’t complete without a few Christmas songs, and I have to say this Cindy Lou Who delivered. In one of her songs, she breaks out into a hilarious rap about her parents’ disapproval of their “Green Son-in-Law”. It was an impressive performance with a smooth holiday flow. Later on, Cindy wowed the crowd with a beautiful performance of a sad song of her past traumas. After each song she sang, the crowd filled the air with clapping, cheering, and even snapping.

Following this show, I will probably never look at The Grinch Story the same. However, I did enjoy a good laugh and holiday cheer. If you’re looking for some raunchy comedy, a Christmas-themed cocktail and love the Grinch, I recommend checking out Who’s Holiday. Just make sure to leave the kids at home. The show is playing at Theater Wit located in the Lakeview Neighborhood at 1229 W Belmont Ave. Showtimes continue from November 25-December 30th, at 7 p.m. The show runs for about 60 minutes with no intermission. Tickets are $39-$48. Purchase tickets at theaterwit.org or call the Theater Wit box office, (773) 975-8150.

We all know him—the Jazz King—the legend who single-handedly transformed music with a trumpet, gravelly voice, and his big dazzling smile. Louis Armstrong is the man who made us and still makes us desire a Wonderful World. As soon as I heard of the new Broadway-bound musical, "A Wonderful World," would have a short (through October 29) pre-Broadway run at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, I canceled my original plans and jumped in a cab to Randolph Street.

There, as the blue clouds fade and the curtains part, you meet Louis Armstrong’s four wives who sing and dance as they tell you about their old Satchmo. The play quickly transitions you into Louis Armstrong’s humble beginnings in the South. You travel back in time to the early 1900s in a poor neighborhood in New Orleans, Louisiana. Armstrong sees his Jewish adoptive father, Mr. Karnofsky, with a cart full of miscellaneous items, and among them is an old trumpet. Louis begins to play and blows Karnofsky away. The show then takes you on his journey as he rises to his title as the “Jazz King.”

Before you know it, you’re whisked away into the prohibition era of the roaring 1920s in the Red Light District called “Storyville” in the heart of New Orleans. The Land of Sin is introduced to you by Armstrong’s first wife, Daisy Parker, who shows you the world of sex, booze, and jazz through dancing and singing. The costumes blew me away with glittery flapper dresses, pinstriped waistcoats, and flat caps.

You learn how Armstrong began his music career in a band called Fate Marable touring on a steamboat in the Mississippi River. At first, Armstrong’s voice was soft and not the voice we all know. This left me to wonder if they cast the wrong actor for the part. Then I quickly was surprised by a dramatic voice change and came to learn that Armstrong’s voice was damaged by his first jazz tour on the Sidney steamboat. The actor’s voice transition was remarkable. He nailed Louis’ warm raspy voice as if it was second nature to him.

The musical carries on as you watch Armstrong shuffle his way through four different wives, multiple skeezy managers, endless tours, and the challenges of racial inequality as a black man in the United States. The show takes you all over the map from New Orleans, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Queens, New York, with set designs embracing all parts of the United States.

Louis’ life story gets you tangled with mobsters, behind bars in jail, and in music clubs as he plays and sings jazz music. The show captivates you as you reach a critical point in history when the Little Rock Crisis unfolds and Armstrong watches African American children be verbally and physically abused by white Americans for attending desegregated schools.

In response to the chaos, the show breaks your heart with a solemn performance of Louis singing the famous Fats Waller song, “Black and Blue.” Louis Armstrong grows angry and finds himself in a difficult place that could potentially end his career as racial tensions rise. Leaving you to wonder how he will make it through as he balances his passion for jazz and his demand for justice.

Cadillac Palace Theatre is the perfect location for this musical. The theatre opened in Chicago in 1926, just four years after Louis Armstrong moved to Chicago to play jazz music with Joe “King” Oliver. The lobby of the theatre is very rich looking with large gold mirrors and white marble. Every seat was filled in the 2,300-seated auditorium.

The stage accommodates a multi-level set with a spiral staircase and decorative wrought iron railings adorning the stairs and balconies. You seamlessly travel from place to place as the set quickly transforms into a swanky jazz club, a jail cell, the bright lights of the Windy City, and a movie set in Hollywood. The variety of stage props including suitcases, band sets, sofas, and a large office desk quickly glide on and off stage in the blink of an eye.

You feel as though you have traveled back in time and see what it was like to live in America in the 1920s and experience each decade until the early 1970s. Thanks to Toni-Leslie James, the costume design accurately changes with each decade from the dropped waistlines and feathers of the 1920s to the full skirts and sportcoats in the 1950s. It’s also worth mentioning Cookie Jordan’s phenomenal wig and hair design that flows beautifully throughout the musical.

Directed by Christopher Renshaw and conceived by Renshaw and Andrew Delaplaine, "AWonderful World" is a hit musical that is an absolute must-see. The perfectly written storyline steadily moves you through Louis Armstrong’s life through song and dance as he pursues a wonderful world through blue notes, scatting, and sheer perseverance.

Out of the 26-member cast, the true star of the show, James Monroe Iglehart embodies Louis Armstrong. He nails every Louis Armstrong gesture and even has a similar smile. It’s almost as if he was resurrected and brought before our eyes with his magnetic charm, musical genius, and unforgettable voice.

This musical had the daunting task of creating music and sound that would closely resonate with the sound of Ambassador Satch’s musical perfection. I feel that it’s safe to say, that this show answered that call with a talented live jazz ensemble and Annastasia Victory’s and Michael O. Mitchell’s flawless music direction. Every cast member sang beautifully and hit every note with perfection. And as they sang they danced away in rhythmic dances around the stage.

There are a variety of dance styles like the Fox Trot and the Boogie-woogie. Each move was on point and added that razzle dazzle we all crave in a musical.
Despite some of the hardships the characters face in the musical, the show lightens it up with some comedic flare. I found myself and the crowd laughing often with some suggestive jokes and witty clap backs. At one point, Louis Armstrong’s character breaks the fourth wall and asks for the audience’s participation in singing one of his famous songs.

The opening show ended with a standing ovation and loud cheering from the crowd. Many people had Big Dipper smiles on their faces and were sharing their amazement at the performance. One crowd member, Ashley Josey said, “I literally could not stop watching. It was so inspirational.” Outside the theatre, my heart felt warm as I watched one audience member dancing and scatting his way across the crosswalk. I gotta say, I think even Pops would be proud of this wonderful, wonderful show.

‘A Wonderful World’ produced by Vanessa Williams opened on Friday, October 13th, and will run until October 29, 2023. Showtimes are 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The runtime is 2 hours and 40 minutes with a brief intermission. Tickets range from $11 to $101 depending on seats. Located at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in downtown Chicago at 151 W Randolph Street, drinks and snacks offered at concessions and can be brought into the auditorium. There are also a few items for sale at the merch station including a mug, t-shirt, pin, and more.
Tickets are available for purchase at https://www.louisarmstrongmusical.com/

Second City’s Don’t Quit Your Daydream is a dream you won’t want to wake up from. I gotta say this show brought me to tears… of laughter. Once the lights dim, you are welcomed with a groovy dance opening and then dive into back-to-back comedy sketches. This show captures all those ridiculous thoughts one could have in a daydream and conveys them in a series of hilarious skits.

Don’t Quit Your Daydream is written and performed by Andy Bolduc, Kiley Fitzgerald, Claire McFadden, Evan Mills, Julia Morales, and Jordan Stafford and directed by Carisa Barreca. This brilliant six-member ensemble plays a variety of characters throughout the show. Some characters include high school students, an angel, a loofa, imaginary friends, a “cool” nun, and an evil villain named Snakewart. All the comedians are amazing performers and are able to radically change their persona from skit to skit. The cast is perfect for this show and has some major wow moments in their execution.

One stand-out performer is Evan Mills who has been working at Second City since 2018. Mills keeps you on your toes as you wait for him to deliver his clever punchlines and funny reactions. He brings a multi-talented performance that includes singing a song about the thoughts that keep him up at night, dancing with his gay crush at prom, and improv as a not-so-famous background actor. During the show, I heard one crowd member say, “Oh my god, he’s hilarious!”

Another comedian that kept the crowd rolling was Andy Bolduc. Bolduc is a natural on the stage and often plays as the privileged white guy or bizarre characters like a brother who is dating his imaginary friend, Flip Flop. He’s convincing in his act and often reminds you of that one weird kid from school. His lines, delivery, and body language fully embrace each role and leave you wanting more.

 Don’t Quit Your Day Dream’s production was flawless. The lights, music, sound effects, and stage setup were seamlessly pieced together. The transitions between sketches happened in the blink of an eye and kept the audience fully engaged throughout the duration of the show. All the seats in the club offered a great viewing experience and a chance to get picked on by the cast.

Each skit in Don’t Quit Your Daydream is unique with a comedic twist. The dream-like storylines take you on a journey to the gates of Black Heaven, an awkward high school prom, a flawed murder mystery scene, and many more. Each sketch has a sense of silly magic, leaving you with childlike wonder. Plus, you get to hear a few corny dad jokes sprinkled throughout the show. But it’s not all jokes. You also get to hear the comedians sing their original songs, watch them show off their moves in a synchronized dance, and test their skills with improv as they engage the crowd. It’s safe to say this Second City show takes sketch comedy to a whole new level.

The Second City comedy club is conveniently located in the Old Town neighborhood inside Piper’s Alley Mall. This area offers many great restaurants that are superb for grabbing a bite to eat before the show. Don’t Quit Your Daydream is held in the mainstage theater with small tables and chairs and a large stage. Second City offers in-theater dining that includes small bites and a wide selection of drinks.

Don’t Quit Your Daydream has a two-hour run time with a quick 15-minute intermission. This summer show runs Tuesdays-Thursdays at 8pm; Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm and 10pm; Sundays at 7pm starting June 7, 2023. Tickets range from $39-$94. Doors open 45 minutes prior to showtime.

I definitely recommend seeing this show, just leave the kids at home since this one is Rated R. Make sure to buy your tickets fast, many shows are selling out! Purchase your tickets online today.

“We make the most money and take the most shit.” I’m sure most of us can relate to this line. We've all been there, working a minimum-wage job and getting nothing in return. Written by Ken Green and directed by Rachel Van, In the Back/On the Floor accurately portrays the hardships minimum wage workers endure in a workplace.

The show takes place sometime around the 2010s in a corporate retail store called “HomeBase''. HomeBase is pretty much the fictional equivalent to our present-day Costco or Walmart. The HomeBase branch in this play is located in the South Loop neighborhood of Chicago and is the workplace of the main characters in this story. Around this time, minimum wage was about $9/hour, barely enough to survive. You see this major pain point impacts the lives of the adult workers who are supporting families and just trying to get by.

The setting of the show transpires during the stocking hours for the HomeBase store. The stage is set with shelves, product boxes, and a break room with folding chairs and a crappy coffee machine. The stage was modest and the perfect setting to display the HomeBase store.

The diverse nine-member cast is extremely talented and each of them truly own their characters. They feel like real people or friends in your life. You grow close to them during the show as you learn more about their struggles at home. The cast consists of old, middle-aged, and young characters from a variety of backgrounds. Their working relationships create an interesting dynamic with growing racial tension and tough conversations.

“In the Back/On the Floor'' has a clever contrast of well-written comedy and the painful realities many working class Americans face. This play puts the toxic corporation work culture under the microscope and rightly criticizes the poor treatment of its workers. The show hilariously mocks cringey workplace phrases we all hate, like “We are more than just colleagues, we are a family.”

The show begins with an over-the-top scene from a HomeBase training video with two characters outlining the unrealistic expectations of its workers. Then it cuts to the break room filled with HomeBase stock team employees complaining about their jobs. The show continues to flip-flop between the ridiculous training video and the dialogue amongst the HomeBase employees. Giving you a taste of good hardworking people versus evil money-grabbing companies.

As the story carries on, the employees face personal difficulties, challenges with their assistant manager, and a tremendous amount of pressure to work harder. As friction builds between the corporate executives and the overworked part-time employees, talks of unionizing naturally arise. You’ll find yourself cheering for the employees, while worrying for their job security. I highly recommend watching this play to see what happens next!

The show is held in the intimate Chicago Dramatists Theatre in the River West neighborhood of Chicago. Opening night was packed full of an excited crowd. We received a warm welcome and were encouraged to contribute a donation to the Stage Left Theatre charity. Masks are required during the show and provided by the staff. Not only do you get to experience a great show, but you also support their charity that supports unheard voices in the theatre community and local artists.

The runtime of the play was around an hour and 45 minutes, with no intermission. Overall, the show was enjoyable and went by quickly. “In the Back/On the Floor” has a showing every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday April 28th-May 28th. Tickets are $25 per person and definitely worth it! Grab a friend, family member, or loved one and have a wonderful night with great acting and some good laughs.

Performances of Stage Left Theatre’s In the Back/On the Floor run through May 28th at Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W Chicago Ave Ste 202.

Purchase your tickets here: https://checkout.square.site/buy/NNMIMR22NVKYZ6VYX7PU3PRQ