Home

Displaying items by tag: Chicago

So many great bands emerged in the 1960’s and you couldn’t make a list of honorees without including The Rascals. In Steven and Maureen Van Zandt’s presentation of “Once Upon A Dream” we not only learn about one of the most influential bands of that era, we also get to see the New Jersey legends perform. “Once Upon A Dream” starring The Rascals made its way to Chicago stopping off at the Cadillac Palace for a five show stint.  

In “Once Upon A Dream”, The Rascals, formerly known as The Young Rascals, intertwine live song performances with storytelling that explains how the band formed, their survival throughout the British Invasion, their support for Civil Rights as well as many funny anecdotes that took place during their years as a band. Told either by live band members on stage or via recorded images on a giant screen, each story is nicely complemented by The Rascals performing a song that relates.

An inspiring set of classics by The Rascals is played throughout the show including such greats as “Groovin’”, “Good Lovin’”, “Beautiful Morning”, “I’ve Been Away Too Long” and their highly charged, Civil Rights anthem “People Got To Be Free”. Feel like taking a few pictures? Well, that’s just fine by The Rascals who, at the show’s beginning, invite the audience to take out their cameras and shoot away then suggest posting pictures on Twitter and Facebook.     

What you get here is an entertaining story and a live concert rolled into one. The Rascals also show that they are as musically sharp as they were back in their heyday. It’s nearly impossible not to be entertained by this show Rascals fan or not. As the show goes on, audience members let loose to the music more and more, perhaps timid at first since they are at the “theatre”. That said, by the end of the show people are standing and clapping along with each song, crowding the aisles and shouting out to the stage. My hope is that we may see other bands from the past doing show similar to this one in the future. Perhaps The Rascals will prove to be pioneers in such a field.

“Once Upon A Dream” is a truly unique theatre experience. For more information on this wonderfully refreshing show, visit  http://rascalsdream.com/.

Published in In Concert
Wednesday, 06 November 2013 20:54

Lots of Seoul: Love X Stereo Plays Chicago

With the recent influx of K-Pop entering the US in the past few years (Gangnam Style anyone?), it's critical to remember that other music does in fact come out of South Korea. One band in particular is currently on their US tour and should they swing back through Chicago, they are definitely worth seeing live.

Lovex

Love X Stereo performed at the Elbo Room on November 3rd to a shockingly small crowd that didn't appreciate them as they should. Love X Stereo is an electronic rock band based in Seoul, Korea. Love X Stereo’s music is electronic music based in alternative and punk rock from the 90s, think Alanis Morissette with a Ratatat-esque synthesized beat. The lead singer of the band, Annie Ko, has a soft and easy voice that could rival any 90's and 80's female powerhouse. Their song "Soul City (Soeul City)" sounds like it could soundtrack any modern day "Dawson's Creek," while "Lose to Win" and "Fly Over" highlights Ko's vocal talents.

Electronic rock is definitely coming into popularity and hearing a band from South Korea take the genre and make it entirely their own is an experience you won't find equal to. Not surprisingly, Love X Stereo's music often confuses Korean audiences, though they have a strong expat (foreigners living in Korea) community following, and some of those fans adoringly came to the Elbo Room to see Love X Stereo perform live.

annie

Like any new band, exposure is key. Love X Stereo has a unique sound, an album you can put on and cruise to. If they chance to swing back through Chicago, grab some friends and head to see them. Not every day you get to see a South Korean band playing electronic rock in the Windy City. Check out their website here:

 http://lovexstereo.com/

Published in In Concert
Tuesday, 22 October 2013 19:00

We Will Rock You Leaves Something to be Desired

We Will Rock You is currently being performed in Chicago at the Cadillac Palace for a limited engagement from October 22nd through the 27th. And though the songs are probably enough to keep you entertained for the most part, this production just goes to show that a musical doesn’t always need a well-crafted story anymore as long as there is a demand for the music.

In this musical with music by Queen, we are taken to the future to iPlanet where individuality has been stripped and free thinking has become criminal. The story’s hero, “Galileo”, has become a threat to the oppressive government as he receives bits and pieces of rock and roll in his dreams. He soon finds a like-minded girl, “Saramouche” and there adventure to save iPlanet begins. During their mission they come across a band of rebels who live in hiding and worship rock and roll relics and fragments. It’s not long before the iPlanet government led by “Killer Queen” discovers the band of insurgents and the fate of the world falls into “Galileo’s” hands. That about sums it up.   

While the music of Queen is pleasing to the ears and occasionally used with originality in big Vegas-like numbers, we are also subjected to a bevy of contrived one-liners and preposterous situations that fail as campy humor and were instead more along the lines of absurd. Though he carries a legitimate Broadway voice with him, Brian Justin Crum lacks the charisma and rock and roll essence to play such a role as “Galileo”, making it tough to want to cheer for the hero.   

But there is some good in the show, too. Ruby Lewis (“Saramouche”) delivers an astounding vocal performance, as does Jacqueline B. Arnold as the no-nonsense and sassy “Killer Queen”. There are plenty of eye-catching dance numbers that are both sexy and fun, and the band is occasionally visible, which adds a concert-like feel to the show. And let’s not forget that We Will Rock You is one Queen song after another with great selections such as “Somebody to Love”, “Under Pressure” and “We Will Rock You” before an entire cast finale of “Bohemian Rhapsody”.    

In a nutshell, the show is entertaining enough with its dance numbers and the music of queen and though most of the laughs are predictable, there are still a few good hoots that will catch you by surprise. Disappointing is the lack of story writer Ben Elton could manage with all that great music at his disposal.

For more information on We Will Rock You, visit www.BroadwayinChicago.org.   

Published in Theatre in Review

There is just something about the ballet; the people watching (it’s a very entertaining crowd), the glass of bubbly before the show starts, the curtain rising, the live orchestra playing, and of course the ballet dancers that make the most difficult of feats seem effortless. Unfortunately, like previous performances I’ve seen at the Joffrey, the most recent performance of “Othello” left me wanting more.

Joffrey - Othello - Fabrice Calmels  April Daly 1 photo by Herbert Migdoll

Once again, Joffrey loyalists will roll their eyes when I tell them I was disappointed by the “Othello” performance. This was a completely original ballet based off of a great Shakespearean tragedy and it should have been amazing. The short teaser trailer of the performance on the Joffrey’s website was dramatic and foreboding. On the other hand, as the show began, I knew immediately that I would be left wanting. Let me first say that the dancing was beautiful. The main dancers, Othello played by Fabrice Calmels and Desdemona played by April Daly, were graceful, strong, and fluid, and exactly what you’d expect in the principal dancers. Sadly, great dancers can only do so much with what they are given, and I don’t think they were learnt much in the ways of choreography and music. The music alone was enough to make someone dislike the show. Imagine an entire 2 hour performance with drums and strings building and building and taking forever to reach a crescendo and when it does nothing happens on stage to match the power behind those notes. I equate it to sitting in a scary movie, the music building your expectations to a state of uncontrollable suspense, just waiting for the killer to jump out and attack, only to have the loud crash usually tied to a scary moment to be someone yawning on screen. What a letdown, right?

Joffrey - Othello - Matthew Adamczyk as Iago photo by Herbert Migdoll

Also, the choreography was a bit too in-your-face-foreshadowing of the tumultuous and ultimately grim lover’s tale. If you went through high school and college never having read Othello or seeing the movie O, then perhaps the references weren’t so easy to pick up on, but for those of us who know the story it was about as blunt as an axe to the head. At times the duets between Othello and Desdemona just consisted of him lifting her and tossing her around like a gracefully beautiful sack of potatoes, his hands and arms lingering around her neck for an awkwardly long time. Outside of those dancers, the solos of Cassio and Iago, played by Aaron Rogers and Matthew Adamcyzk respectfully, were beautiful, but the jealousy that eventually drives Iago to his dastardly acts was so jagged and rough that it took away from the grace of a great dancer. The character of Iago seethes with jealousy, hatred, and envy but it didn’t translate as powerfully as it could have in the dancing and he ended up looking like a petulant child. All in all, the entire ballet performance was lukewarm for such a heated storyline.

Joffrey - Othello - Fabrice Calmels  April Daly 3 photo by Herbert Migdoll

So why go back? Why keep going to the ballet if I’m not going to enjoy it? It’s because I believe in this art and want to be blown away each and every time. Some of the dance companies in Chicago without nearly the endowment the Joffrey has, have left me speechless and simply blown away by their performances. I suppose I just expect the same from a company with such amazing talent as the Joffrey. So I will still go, and still hope for a performance that takes my breath away and leaves me saying ‘O.’

Published in Theatre in Review

I’ve never been to Havana, Cuba. I never even saw Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights. But after seeing the world premiere of River North Dance Chicago and the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic’s performance of “Havana Blue,” Havana is definitely a place that I would hop on a plane and visit in a heartbeat. I am of course basing this decision entirely upon the hope that everyone breaks out into expertly choreographed dances to express emotions and feelings for the city they reside in. Regardless, the premiere of “Havana Blue” was a wonderful and entertaining surprise.

Havana Blue 08 Photo by Cheryl Mann

“Havana Blue” was created and collaborated on by choreographer Frank Chaves and jazz trumpeter Orbert Davis. They traveled the streets of Cuba, immersing themselves into the culture, the nightlife, exploring the country’s musical routes. What they came back with was a beautiful ensemble that celebrates the life and exuberance that is Havana.

Entering the theater and the show, I was far from the most knowledgeable about Jazz or Cuban life and culture. Jazz lovers and dance lovers alike flocked to see “Havana Blue” to make it a nearly sold-out performance, a feat I had never seen at the Auditorium Theater. The crowd was energetic and lively, freely swaying back and forth to the music and even jumping up in the aisles to dance. Everyone in the audience, including my friend who accompanied me, knew when Orbert Davis said ‘Dizzy,’ knew to respond with ‘Gillespie.’ But I soon discovered, when the curtain went up and the music started to play, I didn’t need to know a great deal about the show, or jazz history, to appreciate the art forms performing in front of me.

Havana Blue 04 Photo by Cheryl Mann

The curtains rose to reveal a brass jazz band, the brass twinkling under the bright stage lights, set against a dark brick wall. It was an impressive sight, and just as visually stunning as the gorgeous dance pairs of River North Dance Chicago that opened the show, the women in flowing blue dresses, the men in sexy-tight pants and open shirts, muy caliente.

“Havana Blue” is comprised of a several sultry and powerful dance segments, each representing a mood that you could find in the life-pulse of the Cuban city. One of the more notable dances was “Solteras" ("Single Ladies"), which many found to be a sad(ish) dance in which one woman was not being coupled up to dance with male partners. But the solo woman did not dance with a dejected rhythm but a “que sera sera” style, retaining a sexiness and comfortableness with dancing alone. Indeed, the women shifted partners, each woman getting a chance to dance solo while the couples danced around them. As the “Solteras” danced, there were smiles on their faces, not longing. I viewed the dance as empowerment for women, not romantic yearning because they weren’t coupled up. The women danced in spite of not having a partner and danced beautifully and strong, not slumped and saddened. (Cue female empowerment music: 'All the solteras, all the solteras,' kidding). Shortly after that performance was another notable dance segment "Lo Masculino" ("The Masculine"). To sum up the performance in one word: steamy. The males of River North Dance Chicago performed shirtless to a powerhouse number filled with masculinity, sweaty six-pack abs, and moves that would have made Baryshnikov proud. It was the perfect blend of power and rhythm that really made "Havana Blue" pop and sizzle.

Havana Blue 05 Photo by Cheryl Mann

“Havana Blue” completely embodied the sensual, powerful, and allure of the Havana culture. The artistic direction of Frank Chaves with River North Dance Chicago and the artistic direction of Orbert Davis was a match made in the streets of Havana. These two men created a show that will surely be enjoyed for years to come. Should you see “Havana Blue” coming to a city near you, or to our very own Chicago again, be sure to samba your way to see this show, you will not be decepcionado.

Published in Theatre in Review
Page 37 of 37

BrightSide Theatre announces cast and production team for season finale PIPPIN, June 13-29

29 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

BrightSide Theatre, Naperville’s professional theatre company, has announced the cast for the final show of its 13th season – the…

Chicago Puppet Lab Showcase culminates eight-month residency with experimental live shows by emerging puppet artists, May 31-June 1 at Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center

29 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Eight Chicago artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines have spent the last eight months in residence at the Chicago Puppet…

Gusto Performances in ‘Spring Awakening,’ Vibrant Staging of 1906 Basis of Broadway Musical

28 April 2025 in Theatre in Review

“Spring Awakenings,” now playing at Chicago’s Greenhouse Theater Center, is not the Tony-winning 2006 Broadway musical “Spring Awakening,” but an…

Rosemont's Parkway Bank Park Announces 2025 Lineup for Rockin in the Park Free Summer Concert Series

28 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Rosemont's Parkway Bank Park entertainment district (5501 Park Place, Rosemont) will turn up the volume this summer with the return of its…

‘Kairos’ Is One of the Most Enjoyable and Provocative Shows in Chicago

27 April 2025 in Theatre in Review

Lisa Sanaye Dring’s play “Kairos,” which just opened at The Edge Off Broadway theater, is one of the most thought-provoking…

A Half-Century in Harmony: Ryan Opera Center Shines in ‘Rising Stars in Concert’

27 April 2025 in Theatre in Review

It was a night of celebration, reflection, and breathtaking talent at the Civic Opera House. Fifty years of song echoed…

From Graphic Epic to Stage Triumph: Berlin at Court Theatre

27 April 2025 in Theatre in Review

Court Theatre’s world premiere of Berlin, adapted by Mickle Maher from Jason Lutes’ monumental graphic novel, is a breathtaking achievement.…

Rivendell Theatre continues 30th Anniversary Season with GORGEOUS in a co-production with Raven Theatre May 1 - June 7, 2025

25 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Chicago's Rivendell Theatre Ensemble continues to celebrate its 30th Anniversary season with the World Premiere co-production of Keiko Green's GORGEOUS, directed by Kirsten Fitzgerald. The co-production…

Announcing the 2025 Broadway In Chicago Summer Concert

24 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce that its free SUMMER CONCERT will return to Millennium Park on August 11,…

THE JOFFREY BALLET CLOSES 69TH SEASON WITH EXTENDED RUN OF CHRISTOPHER WHEELDON'S ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND

24 April 2025 in Upcoming Dance

The Joffrey Ballet concludes its 69th season with two-time Tony Award®-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon's enchanting and family-friendly Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Set to…

David Mamet's 'Henry Johnson' in High Powered Premiere at Victory Gardens Biograph

24 April 2025 in Theatre in Review

“Henry Johnson,” David Mamet’s new play running at the vintage Biograph Theatre, is like many of his works, enigmatic and…

American Blues Theater presents the Chicago Premiere of Golden Leaf Ragtime Blues

23 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, presents the Chicago premiere of Artistic Affiliate Charles Smith's Golden Leaf…

Stellar Performances in “Prayer for the French Republic”

21 April 2025 in Theatre in Review

Early in the first act I whispered to my companion and said “I love this!” Extremely well written by Joshua…

A WONDROUS SOUND - Orchestra and Chorus of the Chicago Lyric Opera is a wondrous compilation of the best of the best!

21 April 2025 in Theatre in Review

The repertoire for this fabulous program - A WONDROUS SOUND, showcasing the full force of Lyric’s amazing orchestra and chorus,…

Citadel's 'A Jukebox for the Algonquin" - The Reality of Life in a Senior Center sets the Stage for Tunes, Friendship and Rebellion!

20 April 2025 in Theatre in Review

Citadel’s latest production, A Jukebox for the Algonquin, truly captured my heart. It’s a refreshing reminder that as we age,…

A Night to Remember Aboard Marriott Theatre’s Titanic

17 April 2025 in 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…

The Artistic Home presents CUT TO THE CHASE festival of one-act plays May 1-4 at The Den Theatre

17 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

The Artistic Home Studio will present the 2025 edition of its annual CUT TO THE CHASE festival of new one…

Chopin Theatre & Gwydion Theatre present "Theatre of the Absurd" festival Eight Darkly Comedic Tales May 2 – May 25, 2025 | Chopin Theatre Studio

17 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

In an era that often defies reason, Chopin Theatre and Gwydion Theatre launch the first annual Theatre of the Absurd…

Pegasus Theatre Chicago announces cast for its revival of Shakin' the Mess Outta Misery

16 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Pegasus Theatre Chicago and Director ILesa Duncan proudly announce the casting for the revival of playwright Shay Youngblood's Shakin' the Mess Outta Misery, which follows…

THE LOVE OF THREE KINGS Returns and Kicks Off the Opera Festival of Chicago, May 9 and 11

16 April 2025 in Upcoming Dance

The Opera Festival of Chicago announces the cast and creative team for The Love of Three Kings (L’Amore dei tre Re), with…

See Chicago Dance Announces the Return of Chicago Dance Month, May 31 - June 28, 2025

16 April 2025 in Upcoming Dance

See Chicago Dance, the dance industry's nonprofit service organization celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, is proud to announce that its popular…

Steppenwolf Theatre Announces LookOut's Summer 2025 Season

15 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Steppenwolf's LookOut Series is pleased to announce its action-packed summer lineup of comedy, magic, storytelling, drag and more! The Summer 2025 Season…

Writers Theater Excels in Brian Friel's Funny, Complicated 'Translations'

15 April 2025 in Theatre in Review

Brian Friel’s “Translations,” now playing at Writers Theatre in Glencoe, IL, shows off the renowned Irish playwright’s signature skill in…

Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces casting for the NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE of a new musical from the producers of SIX - 42 Balloons

14 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces today the cast of the North American premiere of the new musical 42 Balloons. From the multi-award-winning producers Kevin McCollum (Oh,…

Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces a Bold 2025/26 Season of 12 productions

09 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) Artistic Director Edward Hall and Executive Director Kimberly Motes announce today the 2025/26 Season. As the nation's largest year-round theater dedicated…

Tickets on sale April 11 for A Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness

09 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Tickets go on sale Friday, April 11 at 10 a.m. Central time for the world-premiere performances of A Night of Mellon…

TWILIGHT In Concert Comes to Chicago

09 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

GEA Live and Broadway In Chicago in association with Lionsgate, today announced the highly-anticipated 60-city national tour of the first-ever TWILIGHT IN CONCERT ( www.twilightinconcert.com) will visit in…

Layers Unfold in “The Book of Grace” at Steppenwolf

08 April 2025 in Theatre in Review

In a masterful stroke of programming, Steppenwolf Theatre Company presents the Chicago premiere of "The Book of Grace," Suzan-Lori Parks'…

Theo Ubique and CPA Theatricals to co-produce SENTINELS, a play with music celebrating the contributions of women over the past 80 years, August 1-10

07 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

CPA Theatricals and Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre today announced a co-production of the play with music SENTINELS, which imagines a…

KIMBERLY AKIMBO On Sale

07 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce individual tickets for KIMBERLY AKIMBO, winner of five 2023 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL and the most…

 

 

         17 Years and counting!

Register

     

Latest Articles

Guests Online

We have 287 guests and no members online

Buzz Chicago on Facebook Buzz Chicago on Twitter 

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.