Displaying items by tag: Harrison Weger
Review: 'A View from the Bridge' at Theater Wit
Arthur Miller’s perennial classic, ‘A View from the Bridge’, is revived in a faithful production at Shattered Globe Theater. Under the direction of Lou Contey, a cast of familiar Shattered Globe ensemble and a few new faces bring this powder keg of a tale to their stage for the first time since the 1990s.
Every few years, a landmark production of ‘A View from the Bridge’ comes—Chicagoans will remember Ivo Van Hove’s arresting production imported by Goodman in 2017. However, if that’s the only version you’ve seen, you owe it to yourself to see it staged in the way Arthur Miller intended.
Though it wasn’t exactly a smash hit when it debuted on Broadway in 1955, it was through subsequent rewrites and notable revivals that ‘A View from the Bridge’ became nearly as popular as more seminal Miller works like ‘The Crucible’ and ‘Death of a Salesman.’ Perhaps it’s produced so often because its themes surrounding immigration and prejudice remain relevant.
‘A View from the Bridge’ is about a longshoreman, Eddie Carbone (Scott Aiello), and his wife Beatrice (Eileen Niccolai), and their adopted niece Catherine (Isabelle Muthiah). Life is great for the working-class Brooklyn family until their distant relatives from Italy come to stay with them illegally. When a relationship starts to bud between immigrant Rodolpho (Harrison Weger) and Catherine, Eddie’s inappropriate affection for his niece is called into question.
This play has always been a star-turning vehicle for actresses playing Catherine. Scarlett Johanson and Brittany Murphy both took home Tonys for the role. However, Shattered Globe ensemble member Eileen Niccolai’s compelling performance as Beatrice brings the part of the pseudo-cuckolded wife into sharper focus. Niccolai’s Beatrice is vulnerable and needy; she knows her husband isn’t perfect, but he’s all she’s got. Ultimately, she’s the victim of this tragic story. There’s something so fragile about Niccolai’s interpretation.
Inventive staging by Shayna Patel puts the play in a set that looks like a boxing ring. It's a fitting locale for a play so centered around violence. The narrator is a lawyer and interjects an almost inhuman sense of foreboding doom about the Carbones throughout the play. In his view, and perhaps Miller’s greater view, society is so dysfunctional that it leads the lower classes to duke it out at the bottom. Unlike ‘The Crucible,’ Miller points out that having your name respected in the street is just machismo, especially when you’re not respectable.
Themes of toxic masculinity, immigration reform and family abuse are sadly more relevant now than in the 1950s, and the enduring popularity of ‘View from the Bridge’ should inspire activism.
Shattered Globe is one of Chicago’s best and longest-running storefront theatres and it’s easy to see why. Their briskly paced production of ‘A View From the Bridge’ is wonderfully acted, beautifully staged and very traditional. If you like classic American plays, this is the one to see.
Through October 21 at Shattered Globe Theatre at Theater Wit. 1229 W Belmont, Chicago IL 60657 | 773-975-8150
LES MISÉRABLES coming to Cadillac Palace
20 September 2024 in Upcoming TheatreIndividual tickets for Cameron Mackintosh's acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, LES MISÉRABLES, will go…
Royal Shakespeare Company returns to Chicago with PERICLES
19 September 2024 in Theatre in ReviewChicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) presents the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC)'s Pericles, direct from a "triumphant" (The Telegraph) run at the company's home in…
National Tour of PARADE Coming to Chicago
19 September 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce the Tony Award®-winning musical, PARADE, will play the CIBC Theatre (18 w. Monroe St.)…
The 'Flying Lovers of Vitebsk' is an uplifting experience of true love that changed the world
16 September 2024 in Theatre in ReviewI am delighted that Northlight Theatre chose to produce The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk, penned by Daniel Jamieson and expertly…
Kokandy Productions Presents INTO THE WOODS - October 10 – December 22, 2024 at The Chopin Theatre
16 September 2024 in Theatre in ReviewKokandy Productions is pleased to conclude its 2024 season with an immersive production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's classic Into The Woods, the first Chicago…
“East Texas Hot Links” Sizzles at Court Theatre
16 September 2024 in Theatre in ReviewI was skeptical when I learned that Court Theatre was staging "East Texas Hot Links." The Pulitzer prize nominated play…
Review: Light Switch at Open Space Arts
15 September 2024 in Theatre in ReviewI chose to review LIGHT SWITCH because the play sounded intriguing, and also because every production I’ve seen at Open…
Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s HENRY V Features Stunning Design and Standout Cast
15 September 2024 in Theatre in ReviewIt’s the top of Act IV, and King Harry (Elijah Jones) stands alone on stage. The lights are dim –…
Review: Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 at Writers Theatre
14 September 2024 in Theatre in Review“Gonna have to study up a little bit if you wanna keep up with the plot ‘cause it’s a complicated…
THE BOOK OF MORMON is Now Playing with Lottery
10 September 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is delighted to announce the return engagement of THE BOOK OF MORMON, the nine-time Tony Award-winning Best Musical,…
Review: Beneath The Willow Tree at The Den Theatre
10 September 2024 in Theatre in Review“To love the beauty of the mistakes….the imperfect.” Isis Elizabeth, Playwright In Beneath The Willow Tree, playwright Isis Elizabeth weaves…
THE OUTSIDERS opens September 13!
09 September 2024 in Upcoming TheatreProducer and Director Jonathan James and The Home Creative Co. are proud to announce the opening of THE OUTSIDERS, the immersive and thrilling adaptation of the…
Hell in a Handbag's "THE GOLDEN GIRLS MEET THE SKOOBY DON'T GANG: THE MYSTERY OF THE HAUNTED BUSH" - Oct. 10 – Nov. 3, 2024 at The Chopin Theatre
09 September 2024 in Upcoming TheatreHell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to conclude its 22nd season with the world premiere of The Golden Girls Meet The Skooby…
He Was Really This Good: ‘Royko’ at Chopin Nails Essence of This Influential Chicago Writer
09 September 2024 in Theatre in ReviewMike Royko is a seminal influence on—and expression of—Chicago culture. Even today, if many locals might not know who Royko…
'South Pacific' Soars Musically with Classic Romance and Drama
08 September 2024 in Theatre in ReviewSouth Pacific, with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein, is undoubtedly one of my all-time favorite musical…
Outstanding Performances Make 'This Is Our Youth' a Winning Production
06 September 2024 in Theatre in Review“This Is Our Youth,” with mesmerizing performances by Kason Chesky as Warren, Grayson Kennedy as Dennis, and Annalie Ciolino as…
BrightSide Theatre announces casting for DRACULA, to play October 18th through November 3rd
05 September 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBrightSide Theatre will open its 13th season in October, with a play especially appropriate for the Halloween season. Naperville's only professional…
HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD Announces Golden Snitch Lottery
05 September 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is pleased to announce the Golden Snitch Digital Lottery for the upcoming engagement of HARRY POTTER AND THE…
The Marvel Universe: ‘House of Ideas’ Explores Stan Lee and Jack Kirby Creative Tension
04 September 2024 in Theatre in Review“The House of Ideas,” directed by Terry McCabe, is an aptly named recount of the rise of Marvel Comics and…
!['[Title of the Show]' Is a Hilarious Musical About Writing a Musical In A Hurry](/media/k2/items/cache/bddddad8eeb01fc98a40503c7ca4463f_S.jpg)
'[Title of the Show]' Is a Hilarious Musical About Writing a Musical In A Hurry
30 August 2024 in Theatre in ReviewI think I’d better begin by answering some questions, starting with ‘WTF is the title of this show?’ to which…
HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD Begins September 10th!
27 August 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is excited to announce the National Tour of HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD launches in Chicago in just…
Review: The Normal Heart at Redtwist Theatre
26 August 2024 in Theatre in ReviewThough Larry Kramer did not live to see the end of the 2020 COVID-19 lock downs, no doubt his contributions…
Chicago Opera Theater presents North American Premiere of 'Leonora' Oct. 1-6
26 August 2024 in Upcoming TheatreChicago Opera Theater (COT), Chicago’s foremost producer of new and rarely produced operas, begins its 2024/25 Season, with an exciting and aptly…
Dog Man: The Musical returns to Chicago for limited engagement this November
25 August 2024 in Upcoming TheatreTheaterWorksUSA (Barbara Pasternack, Artistic Director; Michael Harrington, Executive Director) is thrilled to announce that after a successful run in the…
'Network' at Invictus Theatre Co. is one fun, funny, exciting show
23 August 2024 in Theatre in Review“Network” at Invictus Theatre Co. is one fun, funny, exciting show. In this full-throttle Chicago debut at the WIndy City…
Tickets on Sale! Some Like It Hot at Cadillac Palace Theatre
19 August 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is pleased to announce tickets for SOME LIKE IT HOT, the "Super-Sized, All-Out Song-And-Dance Spectacular!" (The New York…
FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK Coming to Chicago
19 August 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is excited to announce FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK will play Broadway In Chicago's Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place…
Bringing 1988 Back: Back to the Future: The Musical at Cadillac Palace Theatre
15 August 2024 in Theatre ReviewsLike the waves lapping along the shores of Lake Michigan, there is another wave that is hitting Chicago; a nostalgia…
Sandy Rustin's comedy THE COTTAGE, opening September 14 at Citadel Theatre
13 August 2024 in Upcoming TheatreCitadel Theatre, which was recently honored with Jeff Award nominations for Best Productions and Directors in the Midsize Play and…
Broadway In Chicago Celebrates 25 Years
13 August 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is thrilled to celebrate its 25th year, marking a quarter-century of bringing world-class theatre to the heart of…
Latest Articles
-
Royal Shakespeare Company returns to Chicago with PERICLES
Written by Buzz Center StageChicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) presents the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC)'s Pericles, direct from a "triumphant" (The Telegraph) run at the company's home in Stratford-upon-Avon, UK. One of the world's preeminent theater companies, the RSC returns to Chicago for the first time in 30… -
National Tour of PARADE Coming to Chicago
Written by Buzz Center StageBroadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce the Tony Award®-winning musical, PARADE, will play the CIBC Theatre (18 w. Monroe St.) for a limited two-week engagement, August 5 -17, 2025. The producers of the acclaimed Broadway revival of PARADE, winner of the…
-
LES MISÉRABLES coming to Cadillac Palace
Written by Buzz Center StageIndividual tickets for Cameron Mackintosh's acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, LES MISÉRABLES, will go on sale on Friday, September 20. LES MISÉRABLES will play Broadway In Chicago's Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph St.) for…
-
The 'Flying Lovers of Vitebsk' is an uplifting experience of true love that changed the world
Written by Kimberly KatzI am delighted that Northlight Theatre chose to produce The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk, penned by Daniel Jamieson and expertly staged and directed by Elizabeth Margolius, especially given the alarming rise of antisemitism currently sweeping the country. The Flying Lovers…
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.