Patrick Swayze fans brace yourselves. Crazy for Swayze – a Swayzical is here and is running at Studio BE through October 26th. Crazy for Swayze is a fun tribute to the late, great Patrick Swayze – one of our most beloved movie stars in the 1980s and 1990s. Even if you were never the biggest Swayze fan on the planet, New Millennium Theatre Company’s Crazy for Swayze is a hilarious production with big laughs from beginning to end for everyone to enjoy – although it does help to know the movie references.
In this original New Millennium’s production directed by Steven Attanasie, all of Patrick Swayze’s greatest movies and characters are taken and are lumped into one insane adventure – and I really do mean insane. Not only do we see “Bodie” from Point Break, “Dalton” from Roadhouse, “Johnny Castle” and “Sam Wheat” from Ghost, but we are also blitzed with some of Swayze’s most colorful costars like Sam Elliot, Gary Busy and Whoopi Goldberg. Though writer Laura Coleman’s plot itself is a more than a bit nonsensical, it’s absurdness actually lends to its overall effect on the audience, which is simple - laughter at the utterly ridiculous. Theatre goers should not see this show with any expectation that the story is supposed to make sense, but with the intent on taking in an evening of silliness, which the show’s title should have already given away.
Michael Sherwin boldly takes on the role of Patrick Swayze and though he is far from a mirror-like image of the pop culture icon, he more than makes up for it by capturing the essence of Swayze. Sherwin’s over-the-top portrayal of Swayze undoubtedly makes the show but the well delivered campiness of the supporting cast should also be recognized. Many of Swayze’s most notable moments are relived in this 56-minute show, and most of them work. In fact, you’re probably not going to find another show where crying out “Wolverines” or simply replying with a “Ditto” will make you laugh like Crazy for Swayze can.
In the vein of past NMT productions like The Texas Chainsaw Musical, Police Academy: Insurgency Emergency and Plans 1 through 8 from Outer Space, Crazy for Swayze could be the funniest of the bunch. If you are looking for silly amusement, easy hoots and senseless fun for a reasonable price then look no further. Crazy for Swayze: A Swayzical tickets are $18 but can be had for just $15 by pre-ordering through Brown Paper Tickets. For more show information visit http://www.nmtchicago.org.
CPA Theatricals and Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre today announced casting for their co-production of the play with music SENTINELS, which…
Broadway In Chicago is pleased to announce Chicago’s acclaimed TimeLine Theatre Company is returning to the Broadway Playhouse at Water…
Otherworld Theatre Company, the premier sci-fi and fantasy live theater production company in North America, today announced its smash hit…
I like to think that I am hip and with it (insert millennial Gif here). I like to think that…
It’s 1982 and Larry Walters approaches his lawn chair. On either side are bags and containers full of various items…
Hell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to conclude its 2024/25 Season with the world premiere of QUEEN FOR A DAY written by…
This performance by Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre (CRDT) at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts directly addressed and refuted…
“Ripe material for a comedy,” chuckles Atra Asdou, writer and star of ‘Iraq, but Funny” now playing at Lookingglass Theatre.…
Wowza! If you're searching for one of Chicago’s must-see summer events, look no further. The Joffrey Ballet has done it…
Following an acclaimed run at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles and NY City Center in New York, AVA: The Secret…
“Six Men Dressed Like Stalin,” now at A Red Orchid Theatre in Chicago and directed by dado, draws upon the…
The Den Theatre today announced upcoming July 2025 shows at the theatre's Wicker Park stages at 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., including Sammy…
The Opera Festival of Chicago announces the cast and creative team for Pagliacci by Ruggero Leoncavallo, directed by Sasha Gerritson, conducted by…
You’ll want to join this “Neighborhood Watch," a fast-paced comedy having its world premiere in Jackalope Theatre’s performance space in…
Kokandy Productions invites you to spend the summer in Paris (Montmartre, to be exact), as it kicks off its 2025 Season with…
Producers Lia Vollack, John Branca, and John McClain and Broadway In Chicago are thrilled to announce that individual tickets for the highly anticipated return engagement of…
Recent Chicago-area winters have been relatively easy ones. Lest we forget howling blizzards or subzero temperatures, Will Arbery’s Evanston Salt…
Corn Productions announces the world premiere of “Support Group For The End Of The World” Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, June…
I’m a geek, I admit it; I love seeing theatre that’s … well … real. Like SCANDALOUS BOY – you’ve…
Writers Theatre, under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Artistic Director Braden Abraham, concludes its…
TimeLine Theatre Company, celebrated for its powerful and provocative productions that connect past, present, and future, announces a landmark 29th…
Chicago's Raven Theatre Company today announced its 43rd season, with productions appearing on its Edgewater stages at 6157 N. Clark St. in…
For a dose of summer fun, theatergoers are invited to grab their Walkman, cue up their favorite 80s mix tape,…
Lucid Theater announced today it will present the world premiere of BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY by Chicago playwright Amy Crider, whose WELLS…
HONEYPOT originated as a creative nonfiction book by E. Patrick Johnson, Dean of the School of Communication at Northwestern University.…
It was a dark and stormy night as I motored to The Conspirators “Chicago Cop Macbeth,” with a fog of…
Broadway In Chicago announced today that HAMILTON will return to Chicago for a multi-week engagement beginning March 4, 2026 through April 26,…
An electrifying evening of artistic fusion unfolded at the Auditorium Theatre as Hiplet Ballerinas, the professional company of the Chicago…
We are inside the Pompeii Club. From everything Charity has told us, the club is the place to be, and…
With AI and other technological advancements continuing to change the landscape of how we work and interact with one another,…
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.