A fool and their money are soon parted as the old expression goes, but what do you do when that fool is your best friend? Yasmina Reza’s 1996 Tony Award winning play ‘Art’ explores the balance of opinion, influence and friendship. Under Marti Lyons’ direction, Remy Bumppo’s revival is a…
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Theatre in Review
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Sunday, 04 May 2025 12:32
Hymn at Chicago Shakespeare Theater – A Soulful Exploration of Brotherhood
Wesley David
Stories that explore the emotional lives of men—especially Black men—are still far too rare on the American stage. Outside the monumental works of August Wilson, narratives that center male vulnerability, intimacy, and connection remain the exception. Lolita Chakrabarti’s Hymn, now playing at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, is a welcome and moving…
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Theatre in Review
Something extraordinary happens on a street in Huntsville, Alabama. Mr. Woods (Keith Randolph Smith), a hard-working Black man in the community, is involved in a traffic stop with two cops (Mark Bedard and Jorge Luna) - a scene witnessed far too many times in America. But this time something strange…
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Theatre in Review
Tuesday, 29 April 2025 15:22
Redtwist Theatre's GARY: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus: Who mops up after the royals' butchery?
Sarz Maxwell
I reviewed TITUS ANDRONICUS in mid-February, so I was eager to see the sequel! In TITUS, Shakespeare tells the story from the viewpoint of the regnant major characters: Empress Tamora and her sons Chiron, Demetrius and Bassianus; Lucius and the unlucky Lavinia, progeny of Titus Andronicus himself. GARY occurs immediately…
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Theatre in Review
Monday, 28 April 2025 16:24
Gusto Performances in ‘Spring Awakening,’ Vibrant Staging of 1906 Basis of Broadway Musical
Bill Esler
“Spring Awakenings,” now playing at Chicago’s Greenhouse Theater Center, is not the Tony-winning 2006 Broadway musical “Spring Awakening,” but an adaptation of its original basis, an 1891 German play by Frank Wedekind that was first performed in 1906. Translated by Francis J. Ziegler, and directed and adapted by Lazy Susan…
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Sunday, 27 April 2025 13:00
A Half-Century in Harmony: Ryan Opera Center Shines in ‘Rising Stars in Concert’
Bree Samani
It was a night of celebration, reflection, and breathtaking talent at the Civic Opera House. Fifty years of song echoed through the hall, but it was the future of opera that took center stage. On Friday, April 25, Ryan Opera Center celebrated their 50th Anniversary Season with 11 opera singers…
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Theatre in Review
Sunday, 27 April 2025 12:34
From Graphic Epic to Stage Triumph: Berlin at Court Theatre
Wesley David
Court Theatre’s world premiere of Berlin, adapted by Mickle Maher from Jason Lutes’ monumental graphic novel, is a breathtaking achievement. Directed with precision and deep sensitivity by Charles Newell, Berlin brings the chaos and beauty of Weimar-era Germany to stunning life on stage, rendered in an unforgettable 1930s noir style.…
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Theatre in Review
Sunday, 27 April 2025 20:03
‘Kairos’ Is One of the Most Enjoyable and Provocative Shows in Chicago
Bill Esler
Lisa Sanaye Dring’s play “Kairos,” which just opened at The Edge Off Broadway theater, is one of the most thought-provoking and enjoyable productions I have seen lately. Set in the near future, the 90-minute play (no intermission) is as good anything you might see in streaming shows ("Black Mirror" comes…
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Theatre in Review
Thursday, 24 April 2025 13:18
David Mamet's 'Henry Johnson' in High Powered Premiere at Victory Gardens Biograph
Bill Esler
“Henry Johnson,” David Mamet’s new play running at the vintage Biograph Theatre, is like many of his works, enigmatic and demanding of his audience. With Mamet one must pay close attention to the dialog, packed with foreshadowing and reveals. Miss a line or even a word, and you’ll miss out.…
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Theatre in Review
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Monday, 21 April 2025 12:36
A WONDROUS SOUND - Orchestra and Chorus of the Chicago Lyric Opera is a wondrous compilation of the best of the best!
Sarz Maxwell
The repertoire for this fabulous program - A WONDROUS SOUND, showcasing the full force of Lyric’s amazing orchestra and chorus, was developed in collaboration between Lyric Conductor Enrique Mazzola and Chorus Director Michael Black. The orchestra started it off with the thrilling overture from Carmen, followed by some of that…
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Early in the first act I whispered to my companion and said “I love this!” Extremely well written by Joshua Hartman with stellar performances directed by Jeremy Wechsler, “Prayer for the French Republic” (a Northlight Theatre Theatre Wit co-production) attempts to reveal the soul-searching and angst among a Jewish family…
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Sunday, 20 April 2025 12:06
Citadel's 'A Jukebox for the Algonquin" - The Reality of Life in a Senior Center sets the Stage for Tunes, Friendship and Rebellion!
Kimberly Katz
Citadel’s latest production, A Jukebox for the Algonquin, truly captured my heart. It’s a refreshing reminder that as we age, life doesn’t lose its spark—it merely shifts to a new rhythm, one filled with laughter, camaraderie, and unexpected joys. This delightful offering beautifully showcased the vibrant lives that still await…
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Theatre in Review
As a lifelong aficionado of the ill-fated ocean liner RMS Titanic, I’ve always gravitated toward any experience that would leave me feeling immersed in that famous moment of an era that nobody any of us knows anymore is alive to remember. I’ve watched every grainy, dated video interview with actual…
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Theatre in Review
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Review: Remy Bumppo's 'Art' at Theatre Wit
Written by John AccroccoA fool and their money are soon parted as the old expression goes, but what do you do when that fool is your best friend? Yasmina Reza’s 1996 Tony Award winning play ‘Art’ explores the balance of opinion, influence and… -
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