Displaying items by tag: Lillian Hellman
Review: Machinal at Greenhouse Theater Center
Machinal refers to an automated or mechanical system. Sophie Treadwell's 1929 play "Machinal" takes its styling from this theme. Directed by Jacob Harvey, Greenhouse Theater Center brings this work back to Chicago for the first time in many years.
Maybe not as well known as Lillian Hellman, but Sophie Treadwell was once a popular playwright on Broadway during the height of expressionism in theater. She wrote some forty plays and often directed them, nearly unheard of in those times.
"Machinal" is a retelling of the murder trial of Ruth Snyder who was eventually executed by electric chair. The play is an expressionist interpretation. The dialogue is written in a way that feels like the innerworkings of a machine. There's a sparse greyness to the costumes by Christina Leinicke that would also suggest the joylessness the protagonist lives.
Heather Chrisler plays the young woman. Chrisler interprets the staccato dialogue with a human quality. Her performance brings up the intensity by breaking through the repetitive and unpoetic lines. She brings life to them and elicits an emotional response. This woman is pleading for her life as her societal system of steamrolls her.
Doubtful that Treadwell saw the real life Ruth Snyder as a villain. "Machinal" shows the the pressure of getting married, of having financial security and living in a ever-moving world. The young woman in Treadwell's play can't keep up. She's pushed into an advantageous, but unsatisfying marriage. She finds happiness in the arms of a lover. She does what she has to do to feel free and pays the ultimate price.
Eleanor Kahn's set mirrors the starkness of the play. Presented in a near black box with the exception of some strobe lighting, there's an eeriness from the beginning. There's an atmospheric quality in Kahn's setting, and it's working.
Life may seem a little more liberated for today's women but Jacob Harvey's point in mounting this work, is that maybe it's not? And maybe it's not even limited to just women. Treadwell's play is about the mechanics of being a adult human in this world, and how that conveyor-belt life makes us all animals destined for slaughter.
Through September 24 at The Greenhouse Theater Center. 2257 N Lincoln Ave.
Chicago City Opera Delivers a Rare Operatic Haunting with Der Vampyr
08 October 2026 in Theatre in ReviewWith Halloween creeping closer, there’s something fitting about revisiting one of opera’s earliest flirtations with macabre horror - especially in…
Goodman's Dead Girl’s Quinceañera: When Fifteen Meets the Adult World
07 October 2026 in Theatre in ReviewAt fifteen, the world can feel like a television show you haven't quite figured out how to turn off. For…
Steppenwolf Theatre's ADIRONDACK CHAIR CIRCLE In Rehearsal – Playing October 22 – December 6, 2026 – World Premiere!
07 October 2026 in Upcoming TheatreSteppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to launch its 51st Season with the world premiere of…
Hell in a Handbag Productions Announces 25th Anniversary Season!
07 October 2026 in Upcoming TheatreHell in a Handbag Productions is thrilled to announce its 25th Anniversary Season, featuring three "camptacular" shows guaranteed to delight lovers of…
Chicago’s Theater Wit introduces new Watchword closed captioning system, dramatically improving access in all three of its theaters
07 October 2026 in Theatre BuzzChicago’s Theater Wit is now offering new, state-of-the-art closed captioning service, marking a dramatic improvement in making live theater more…
Paramount Theatre’s reimagined A Christmas Carol promises to be a dazzling new, all-ages spectacle for Chicago’s holiday theater season, November 11-January 3
07 October 2026 in Upcoming Theatre“God bless us, everyone,” because there’s a fresh, new, reimagined version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale A Christmas Carol debuting…
"John C. Reilly is Mister Romantic" Returns to Steppenwolf Theatre - December 10 – 13, 2026
06 October 2026 in Upcoming TheatreFollowing last year's critically acclaimed, sell-out engagement, Steppenwolf Theatre Company is pleased to announce the return of John C. Reilly…
Saint Sebastian Players Open 45th Season With A Murder Is Announced by Agatha Christie Classic Miss Marple Mystery Runs Oct. 23–Nov. 15
06 October 2026 in Upcoming TheatreThe Saint Sebastian Players open their 45th season of travels to different places with A Murder is Announced, a classic Miss Marple mystery…
Announcing "The Goodman, For Good" Campaign
06 October 2026 in Theatre BuzzToday, Goodman Theatre raises the curtain on its future as leadership and artists share a vision for its next century…
Two Edge Theater Company to stage A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE as its inaugural Chicago production, December 4 through January 10
05 October 2026 in Upcoming TheatreTwo Edge Theater, a reincarnation of the Edge Theater Company that enjoyed eight successful seasons in the Denver, Colorado area,…
Frankenstein at Studebaker Theater adds performances for Halloween run
05 October 2026 in Upcoming TheatreChicago's historic Fine Arts Building and Studebaker Theater are thrilled to announce their Halloween co-production of Manual Cinema's acclaimed Frankenstein…
Chicago-Area World Premiere of Liana Sonenclar's The Years Between Us - October 15-18
05 October 2026 in Upcoming TheatreJonathan James Productions presents the world premiere of The Years Between Us, a new play by Liana Sonenclar, directed by…
Oil Lamp Theater Announces its 2027 Season
05 October 2026 in Upcoming TheatreOil Lamp Theater, currently presenting the highly recommended Dial M for Murder, through November 1, is proud to announce its…
Dial M for Mastery: Oil Lamp’s Thriller Tightens the Screws
04 October 2026 in Theatre in ReviewAs a lifelong Hitchcock fan, Dial M for Murder has always been one of my comfort film thrillers - the…
ARTEMISIA REVEALS PLAYWRIGHTS AND DIRECTORS FOR THE 2026 WEWOMEN PLAY FESTIVAL At Bramble Arts Loft from Nov 16 - 18th
03 October 2026 in Upcoming TheatreArtemisia Theatre is proud to announce the return of the WeWomen Play Festival, its annual celebration of new feminist work.…
Operation Mincemeat: A Smart, Scrappy Musical That Shines When Its Cast Takes the Wheel
01 October 2026 in Theatre in ReviewIn the 2019 film Yesterday, a struggling musician wakes up in a world where The Beatles never existed. A similar…
Backyard Theatre Company’s Red Bike - Berger Park Coach House Theatre - Through October 24th
30 September 2026 in Now PlayingRed Bike is an intimate, movement‑driven play that follows a young person navigating a town transforming faster than they can…
Red Theater presents the world premiere of CHURCH HURT October 24 - November 21, 2026
30 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreRed Theater is thrilled to announce the cast and production team of the world premiere of Church Hurt by Brynne…
Ballets Jazz Montréal Makes Chicago debut at THE AUDITORIUM Saturday, November 7th
30 September 2026 in Upcoming DanceThe Auditorium (Chicago's landmark stage at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) continues its 2026-27 Dance Season titled North American…
A Red Orchid Theatre Opens 34th Season with Chicago Premiere of HEROES OF THE FOURTH TURNING October 29 – December 6, 2026
29 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreA Red Orchid Theatre is pleased open its 34th Season, exploring the theme of "world on fire," with the Chicago…
Lookingglass announces new leadership team
29 September 2026 in Theatre BuzzLookingglass Theatre Company today announced a new leadership structure that brings together four longtime members of its acclaimed ensemble and…
Steppenwolf’s Topdog/Underdog: When History Deals the Cards
28 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewSusan-Lori Parks’ Topdog/Underdog, the Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, is the kind of play that changes depending on when—and how many times—you…
MAMMA MIA! and HADESTOWN Return to Chicago in Spring 2027
28 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is excited to announce two fan-favorite shows are returning to our stages this year: MAMMA MIA! and…
Collaboraction to premiere Mud Life, drawn from Willie Round’s experience as a writer and rapper on Chicago’s west side, October 21-November 15
27 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreMud Life, a world premiere drama by Chicago writing duo G. Riley Mills and Willie Round, drawn from Round’s life…
'I’m Going to Marry You Tobey Maguire,' Full of Laughs, Ends With a Fizzle
25 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewHere’s a play that should be really good, based on its reputation alone. Written by Chicago comedy writer Samantha Hurley,…
ALL THINGS EQUAL: THE LIFE AND TRIALS OF RUTH BADER GINSBURG 2027 NATIONAL TOUR - tickets now on sale
25 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreInnovation Arts & Entertainment, along with Broadway In Chicago, are thrilled to announce single tickets for ALL THINGS EQUAL: THE…
League of Chicago Theatres announces "It's Theatre Season" and celebrates the industry's impact
24 September 2026 in Theatre BuzzThe League of Chicago Theatres announces the return of It's Theatre Season, a campaign inviting Chicagoans and visitors to discover…
Steppenwolf Theatre Continues 51st Season with World Premiere of ADIRONDACK CHAIR CIRCLE October 22 — December 6
24 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreSteppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to launch its 51st Season with the world premiere of…
Lookingglass’ Kowalski Ignites a Battle of Wits Between Two Icons
24 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewLookingglass Theatre’s production of Kowalski offers a gripping, fictionalized glimpse into the first meeting between two theater greats: Tennessee Williams…
Writers Theatre continues its 35th Anniversary Season with explosive, high-stakes boxing drama The Royale October 22 – November 29
23 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewWriters Theatre, under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Artistic Director Braden Abraham, continues…
Latest Articles
-
Goodman's Dead Girl’s Quinceañera: When Fifteen Meets the Adult World
Written by Wesley DavidAt fifteen, the world can feel like a television show you haven't quite figured out how to turn off. For Salma (Jacqueline Guillen), it may be even more difficult. She watches too much television—especially detective shows—and has begun to see… -
Chicago City Opera Delivers a Rare Operatic Haunting with Der Vampyr
Written by Ken PayneWith Halloween creeping closer, there’s something fitting about revisiting one of opera’s earliest flirtations with macabre horror - especially in a production presented and performed by Chicago City Opera (COT). Der Vampyr may not enjoy the mainstream familiarity of later… -
Collaboraction to premiere Mud Life, drawn from Willie Round’s experience as a writer and rapper on Chicago’s west side, October 21-November 15
Written by Buzz Center StageMud Life, a world premiere drama by Chicago writing duo G. Riley Mills and Willie Round, drawn from Round’s life experiences as an emerging writer, rapper and producer, opens Collaboraction Theatre’s 2026-27 season, October 21 - November 15.Round and Mills… -
Steppenwolf Theatre's ADIRONDACK CHAIR CIRCLE In Rehearsal – Playing October 22 – December 6, 2026 – World Premiere!
Written by Buzz Center StageSteppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to launch its 51st Season with the world premiere of Chicago playwright Stephanie Alison Walker's biting satire Adirondack Chair Circle, directed by Tony Award winner Pam MacKinnon (Downstate, Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia…
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.