Displaying items by tag: Queen
Queen Has Strong Buzz for a Reason: It's Exceptionally Good
Let's cut to the chase on this review: Queen is the best show in town.
Having its world premiere at Victory Gardens Theater, in Queen, Madhuri Shekar has delivered a knockout script, deftly directed by Joanie Schultz, and brought to life by a strong cast.
Two PhD students - Sanam Shah (Priya Mohanty) and Ariel Spiegel (Darci Nalepa) - have spent six years examining a true-life dilemma: why honey bees are dying – a real-world environmental crisis.
Ariel does the field research, and Sanam – a highly regarded math wonder - crunches numbers for the data, which point to a farm chemical from Monsanto as the culprit. Or so five years of data have shown. But something is amiss.
Queen is a gripping account of academic intrigue laced with ethical challenges, along the lines of David Auburn’s provocative Proof, but with a much livelier pace.
The two are working under Dr. Philip Hayes (Stephen Spencer) who is to deliver within a few days a presentation on their work to an influential scientific group. The paper based on their research has been accepted for the journal Science. Dr. Hayes is gleeful about the prospects for his program, and promising access to big funding for the University.
A crisis looms as the latest research data does not support the earlier findings. Believing it stems from a glitch in the programming, Sanam searches desperately through the code. The pressure is on to bring the numbers in line with expectations.
If this sounds drab, it is anything but. Shekar lays out the science, and describes the culture of academia, in digestible bites. The human side of the drama comes to the fore in the relationship between the two women researchers, Sanam and Ariel, as the pressure mounts to get the results required by their academic overseer. BFFs, the two struggle through this growing professional chasm.
But it is the side-story about Sanam and a potential mate, Arvind Patel (Adam Poss) that leads to some exceptionally well-played scenes that steal the show – at least for me. Sanam’s diffidence about a date with Arvind (set up by her parents back in India) eventually leads to an unexpected romance.
Patel plays Arvind with a smooth, purring, throwaway manliness of that on-the-make single guy everyone knows. Sanam, who parries Arvind’s advances with vigor as he helps her puzzle out the math (he’s a math guy too, an investment manager who works in quant theory), and debate the ethical issues. To see the chemistry between Mohanty and Poss is worth a trip to the converted Biograph Theater.
Queen has been portrayed as an Earth Day oriented story, and a story of friendship among women. But it's also a showcase of great writing and acting. Don’t miss Queen. It runs through May 14th and it's very highly recommended.
For more show information click here.
Unimaginably Good: “An Iliad” Is the Best Show I Have Ever Seen
17 June 2025 in Theatre in ReviewCourt Theatre has brought back to its stage “An Iliad,” a surpassingly wonderful riff on Homer’s ancient Greek poem, “The…
Review: You Will Get Sick at Steppenwolf Theatre
16 June 2025 in Theatre in ReviewIf ever given the chance to see Amy Morton on her home stage at Steppenwolf–take it. She stars in the…
Cast and creative team announced for SENTINELS, a play with music celebrating the contributions of women over the past 80 years
15 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreCPA Theatricals and Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre today announced casting for their co-production of the play with music SENTINELS, which…
EUREKA DAY WILL PLAY BROADWAY IN CHICAGO’S BROADWAY PLAYHOUSE AT WATER TOWER PLACE JANUARY 13 – FEBRUARY 22, 2026
13 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is pleased to announce Chicago’s acclaimed TimeLine Theatre Company is returning to the Broadway Playhouse at Water…
“Twihard! A Twilight Musical Parody” Sinks Its Teeth Into Limited Engagement At the Apollo Theater
12 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreOtherworld Theatre Company, the premier sci-fi and fantasy live theater production company in North America, today announced its smash hit…
Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces cast and creative team for an electrifying world premiere play Billie Jean
12 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreChicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces today the cast and creative team of the world premiere play Billie Jean, about sports icon and equality…
PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE’S BROADWAY IN YOUR BACKYARD RETURNS THIS SUMMER, JULY 14 - 23
12 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatrePorchlight Music Theatre is proud to announce the return of its free summer concert series Broadway in your Backyard, July 14…
Don't Wait Until It's Too Late: Kimberly Akimbo a Must See at CIBC Theatre
12 June 2025 in Theatre ReviewsI like to think that I am hip and with it (insert millennial Gif here). I like to think that…
42 Balloons Soaring High at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
11 June 2025 in Theatre in ReviewIt’s 1982 and Larry Walters approaches his lawn chair. On either side are bags and containers full of various items…
Hell in a Handbag's QUEEN FOR A DAY - July 9 – August 3, 2025 at the Bramble Arts Loft - World Premiere!
10 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreHell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to conclude its 2024/25 Season with the world premiere of QUEEN FOR A DAY written by…
Review: Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre at Ruth Page Center for the Arts
09 June 2025 in Dance in ReviewThis performance by Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre (CRDT) at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts directly addressed and refuted…
Review: Iraq, But Funny at Lookingglass Theatre
09 June 2025 in Theatre in Review“Ripe material for a comedy,” chuckles Atra Asdou, writer and star of ‘Iraq, but Funny” now playing at Lookingglass Theatre.…
Chasing the White Rabbit into Ballet Brilliance: Joffrey Ballet’s Mesmerizing 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'
07 June 2025 in Dance in ReviewWowza! If you're searching for one of Chicago’s must-see summer events, look no further. The Joffrey Ballet has done it…
Elizabeth McGovern's AVA: The Secret Conversations to play in Chicago
06 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreFollowing an acclaimed run at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles and NY City Center in New York, AVA: The Secret…
A Remarkable Story Based on Real Events: 'Six Men Dressed Like Stalin'
04 June 2025 in Theatre in Review“Six Men Dressed Like Stalin,” now at A Red Orchid Theatre in Chicago and directed by dado, draws upon the…
THE DEN THEATRE ANNOUNCES JULY COMEDY SHOWS
01 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreThe Den Theatre today announced upcoming July 2025 shows at the theatre's Wicker Park stages at 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., including Sammy…
OPERA FESTIVAL OF CHICAGO ANNOUNCES THE CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM FOR PAGLIACCI, JUNE 27 AND 29 AT THE NORTH SHORE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
01 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreThe Opera Festival of Chicago announces the cast and creative team for Pagliacci by Ruggero Leoncavallo, directed by Sasha Gerritson, conducted by…
It's Funny What Can Happen on a "Neighborhood Watch," Now Running at Jackalope Theatre
31 May 2025 in Theatre in ReviewYou’ll want to join this “Neighborhood Watch," a fast-paced comedy having its world premiere in Jackalope Theatre’s performance space in…
Kokandy Productions Presents the Chicago Premiere of AMÉLIE
28 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreKokandy Productions invites you to spend the summer in Paris (Montmartre, to be exact), as it kicks off its 2025 Season with…
MJ THE MUSICAL is On Sale Wednesday May 28th!
27 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreProducers 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…
Evanston Salt Costs Rising: Stormy souls on salted streets at First Floor Theater
26 May 2025 in Theatre in ReviewRecent Chicago-area winters have been relatively easy ones. Lest we forget howling blizzards or subzero temperatures, Will Arbery’s Evanston Salt…
Corn Productions has a new original play premiering in June - Support Group For The End Of The World
26 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreCorn Productions announces the world premiere of “Support Group For The End Of The World” Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, June…
History. Passion. Power. A Love That Changed an Empire - Scandalous Boy at
25 May 2025 in Theatre in ReviewI’m a geek, I admit it; I love seeing theatre that’s … well … real. Like SCANDALOUS BOY – you’ve…
Writers Theatre concludes its 2024/25 Season with the World Premiere of Dhaba on Devon Avenue
22 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreWriters 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 announces milestone 2025-26 season, culminating with inaugural production at its new home in Uptown
22 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreTimeLine Theatre Company, celebrated for its powerful and provocative productions that connect past, present, and future, announces a landmark 29th…
RAVEN THEATRE ANNOUNCES 43rd SEASON - Dave Malloy's A Capella Musical OCTET and Terry Guest's OAK Get Chicago Premieres; TOP GIRLS Explores Feminism Through History
22 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreChicago's Raven Theatre Company today announced its 43rd season, with productions appearing on its Edgewater stages at 6157 N. Clark St. in…
Marriott Theatre Continues 50th Anniversary Season with Vibrant New Jukebox Musical, Always Something There…
21 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreFor a dose of summer fun, theatergoers are invited to grab their Walkman, cue up their favorite 80s mix tape,…
Lucid Theater to stage comedy BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY by WELLS AND WELLES playwright Amy Crider, August 1-17 at the Edge Theatre
21 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreLucid Theater announced today it will present the world premiere of BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY by Chicago playwright Amy Crider, whose WELLS…
Review: HONEYPOT: BLACK SOUTHERN WOMEN WHO LOVE WOMEN at Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre in Evanston
20 May 2025 in Theatre in ReviewHONEYPOT originated as a creative nonfiction book by E. Patrick Johnson, Dean of the School of Communication at Northwestern University.…
The Title Says it All in Conspirators Remarkable ‘Chicago Cop Macbeth’
20 May 2025 in Theatre in ReviewIt was a dark and stormy night as I motored to The Conspirators “Chicago Cop Macbeth,” with a fog of…
Latest Articles
-
Unimaginably Good: “An Iliad” Is the Best Show I Have Ever Seen
Written by Bill EslerCourt Theatre has brought back to its stage “An Iliad,” a surpassingly wonderful riff on Homer’s ancient Greek poem, “The Iliad.” Starring Timothy Edward Kane in a reprise of his sensational one-man performance as The Poet, it is directed by… -
Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces cast and creative team for an electrifying world premiere play Billie Jean
Written by Buzz Center StageChicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces today the cast and creative team of the world premiere play Billie Jean, about sports icon and equality champion Billie Jean King. Playwright Lauren Gunderson, one of the most-produced playwrights in the US, and director Marc Bruni (Broadway's The Great Gatsby and Beautiful: The Carole… -
PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE’S BROADWAY IN YOUR BACKYARD RETURNS THIS SUMMER, JULY 14 - 23
Written by Buzz Center StagePorchlight Music Theatre is proud to announce the return of its free summer concert series Broadway in your Backyard, July 14 - 23, sponsored by Chicago Free For All Fund. Broadway in your Backyard is directed by Artistic Director Michael Weber, music directed…
-
Review: You Will Get Sick at Steppenwolf Theatre
Written by John AccroccoIf ever given the chance to see Amy Morton on her home stage at Steppenwolf–take it. She stars in the Chicago premiere of Noah Diaz’s ‘You Will Get Sick’ alongside fellow ensemble members Cliff Chamberlain, Namir Smallwood, Jordan Arredondo and…
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.