Sunday, 18 June 2023 20:32
Look Within, Look Without; Talent Shines for Ruth Page Civic Ballet and Friends at Ravinia
Written by Kendall Royzen
There is something bittersweet of a one-time performance. The single moment in time displaying artistic excellence, be it music, dance, or art, retreats as quickly as it appears. The audience is often left reeling and wrestling with their emotions, reflecting on the performance, and recalling the beautiful moments they witnessed,…
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Theatre in Review
OBAMA-OLOGY is about privilege, as experienced and explored by Warren, a young gay Black man, recently graduated from college who takes a job with the 2008 Obama campaign. He arrives in a near-frenzy of excitement, but his ardor rapidly shrivels in the bleak streets of East Cleveland. Warren, ably played…
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Theatre in Review
Saturday, 10 June 2023 15:42
NEJLA YATKIN pop-up Performances of ‘FIREBIRD’ FREE in Chicago Parks throughout June -RECOMMENDED!
Sarz Maxwell
As part of Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks series, Nejla Yatkin, dancer and choreographer is offering a series of FREE pop-up performances at parks throughout the City. I just saw her at West Ridge Park; there are fourteen more pop-ups between now and July 8 (I’ll get…
Published in
Theatre in Review
What’s the line between faith and reason? That’s the question at the center of playwright John Pielmeier’s contemporary classic ‘Agnes of God’. The reliable ensemble at Redtwist Theatre creates an atmospheric production that leaves an indelible impression. ‘Agnes of God’ tells the story of a young, mentally impaired nun who…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Thursday, 08 June 2023 10:55
Escape Reality and Laugh With Second City’s ‘Don’t Quit Your Daydream’
Written by Bree Samani
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…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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West Side Story is just as exciting, vibrant, and moving today as it was when it was first created in 1957. Filled with timeless songs and choreographed dance numbers that are as original as they are visually stunning, West Side Story continues to delight audiences old and new, and Lyric…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Saturday, 03 June 2023 11:48
Review: Pippin at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts
Written by CJ Burroughs
Fun fact. I went into Music Theater Works’ production of Pippin knowing the songs, knowing the show, and knowing I’d have a good time. But afterwards, I learned from my daughter, herself a current member of Scotch’n’Soda Theatre, Carnegie Mellon University’s student theater troupe, that the beloved musical didn’t just…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Friday, 02 June 2023 09:54
Good Beyond Words: Cirque du Soleil Returns to Chicago with ‘Corteo’
Written by Bill Esler
After a four-year hiatus, Cirque du Soleil, the ever-inventive circus troupe, has returned to Chicagoland with its latest show, “Corteo.” Founded in Montreal in 2005, Cirque transforms ordinary circus stuff— trapeze performances, acrobatics and gymnastics—through costuming, music, and a continuing storyline into pure stage magic. This has garnered Cirque a…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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Monday, 22 May 2023 13:56
Let the Weeping Cease, “The Gospel At Colonus” Opens at Court Theatre
Written by Wesley David
After an unexpected delay due to Covid-19, a most anticipated musical has finally opened at the Court Theatre. “The Gospel At Colonus” is the second installment of Sophocles’ Theban Trilogy. The first, “Oedipus Rex” was produced by Court Theatre during the 2019/2020 season to rave reviews. The Third, “Antigone” has…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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Sunday, 21 May 2023 13:18
Review: Invictus Theatre Company's 'The Crucible' at Reginald Vaughn Theatre - Very Highly Recommended!
Sarz Maxwell
Do not see THE CRUCIBLE to unwind after a hard week. Do not take a blind date to THE CRUCIBLE. If you couldn’t get tickets to Second City, do not attend THE CRUCIBLE as a backup. But in any other circumstances whatsoever, DO see THE CRUCIBLE at Invictus Theatre. Even…
Published in
Theatre in Review
King Solomon once wrote there is nothing new under the sun, I will also add, there are no new stories to be told. The only difference is how the stories are told. Chicago playwright Joshua Allen with the second installment of his Grand Boulevard Trilogy is proving himself to be…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Playwright Joel Tan named this play for the book And Tango Makes Three, a true story about the two male penguins in Central Park Zoo who as a couple hatched and raised Tango – who, just by the way, later paired with another female penguin. But we’re not here to…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Wednesday, 17 May 2023 08:41
With Fabulous Frivolity, Serious Shakesperean Actor Brings a New Lens to the Canon
Written by Bill Esler
Will WIlhelm, a trans actor with a serious bent for Shakespeare, takes us on a provocative journey through the playwright’s works that is both funny and eye opening. About Face Theatre’s “Gender Play or What You Will” is accompanied by plenty of witty dish. But this seemingly light-hearted two-hours also…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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