Monday, 28 April 2025 16:24
Gusto Performances in ‘Spring Awakening,’ Vibrant Staging of 1906 Basis of Broadway Musical
Written by Bill Esler
“Spring Awakenings,” now playing at Chicago’s Greenhouse Theater Center, is not the Tony-winning 2006 Broadway musical “Spring Awakening,” but an adaptation of its original basis, an 1891 German play by Frank Wedekind that was first performed in 1906. Translated by Francis J. Ziegler, and directed and adapted by Lazy Susan…
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Theatre in Review
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Sunday, 27 April 2025 13:00
A Half-Century in Harmony: Ryan Opera Center Shines in ‘Rising Stars in Concert’
Written by Bree Samani
It was a night of celebration, reflection, and breathtaking talent at the Civic Opera House. Fifty years of song echoed through the hall, but it was the future of opera that took center stage. On Friday, April 25, Ryan Opera Center celebrated their 50th Anniversary Season with 11 opera singers…
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Theatre in Review
Sunday, 27 April 2025 12:34
From Graphic Epic to Stage Triumph: Berlin at Court Theatre
Written by Wesley David
Court Theatre’s world premiere of Berlin, adapted by Mickle Maher from Jason Lutes’ monumental graphic novel, is a breathtaking achievement. Directed with precision and deep sensitivity by Charles Newell, Berlin brings the chaos and beauty of Weimar-era Germany to stunning life on stage, rendered in an unforgettable 1930s noir style.…
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Theatre in Review
Sunday, 27 April 2025 20:03
‘Kairos’ Is One of the Most Enjoyable and Provocative Shows in Chicago
Written by Bill Esler
Lisa Sanaye Dring’s play “Kairos,” which just opened at The Edge Off Broadway theater, is one of the most thought-provoking and enjoyable productions I have seen lately. Set in the near future, the 90-minute play (no intermission) is as good anything you might see in streaming shows ("Black Mirror" comes…
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Theatre in Review
Thursday, 24 April 2025 13:18
David Mamet's 'Henry Johnson' in High Powered Premiere at Victory Gardens Biograph
Written by Bill Esler
“Henry Johnson,” David Mamet’s new play running at the vintage Biograph Theatre, is like many of his works, enigmatic and demanding of his audience. With Mamet one must pay close attention to the dialog, packed with foreshadowing and reveals. Miss a line or even a word, and you’ll miss out.…
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Theatre in Review
Monday, 21 April 2025 12:36
A WONDROUS SOUND - Orchestra and Chorus of the Chicago Lyric Opera is a wondrous compilation of the best of the best!
Sarz Maxwell
The repertoire for this fabulous program - A WONDROUS SOUND, showcasing the full force of Lyric’s amazing orchestra and chorus, was developed in collaboration between Lyric Conductor Enrique Mazzola and Chorus Director Michael Black. The orchestra started it off with the thrilling overture from Carmen, followed by some of that…
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Theatre in Review
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Monday, 21 April 2025 15:03
Stellar Performances in “Prayer for the French Republic”
Written by Bill Esler
Early in the first act I whispered to my companion and said “I love this!” Extremely well written by Joshua Hartman with stellar performances directed by Jeremy Wechsler, “Prayer for the French Republic” (a Northlight Theatre Theatre Wit co-production) attempts to reveal the soul-searching and angst among a Jewish family…
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Theatre in Review
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Sunday, 20 April 2025 12:06
Citadel's 'A Jukebox for the Algonquin" - The Reality of Life in a Senior Center sets the Stage for Tunes, Friendship and Rebellion!
Written by Kimberly Katz
Citadel’s latest production, A Jukebox for the Algonquin, truly captured my heart. It’s a refreshing reminder that as we age, life doesn’t lose its spark—it merely shifts to a new rhythm, one filled with laughter, camaraderie, and unexpected joys. This delightful offering beautifully showcased the vibrant lives that still await…
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Theatre in Review
Thursday, 17 April 2025 14:48
A Night to Remember Aboard Marriott Theatre’s Titanic
Written by CJ Burroughs
As a lifelong aficionado of the ill-fated ocean liner RMS Titanic, I’ve always gravitated toward any experience that would leave me feeling immersed in that famous moment of an era that nobody any of us knows anymore is alive to remember. I’ve watched every grainy, dated video interview with actual…
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Theatre in Review
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Tuesday, 15 April 2025 11:54
Writers Theater Excels in Brian Friel's Funny, Complicated 'Translations'
Written by Bill Esler
Brian Friel’s “Translations,” now playing at Writers Theatre in Glencoe, IL, shows off the renowned Irish playwright’s signature skill in creating a stage full of memorable characters, 10 in this case, each with depth sufficient to fuel their dramatic paths. “Translations” as Friel tells us, “has to do with language…
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Theatre in Review
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Sunday, 06 April 2025 13:00
Chicago Shakespeare Theater Presents Lively Production of Sunny Afternoon
Written by Lauren Katz
“It’s not us… all this mucking about with our sound.” Sunny Afternoon is about many things. This is in so many ways a rock concert – with a score that makes it impossible not to dance and clap along in your seat. It’s vibrant – with a talented design…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Tuesday, 08 April 2025 09:51
Layers Unfold in “The Book of Grace” at Steppenwolf
Written by Wesley David
In a masterful stroke of programming, Steppenwolf Theatre Company presents the Chicago premiere of "The Book of Grace," Suzan-Lori Parks' incendiary companion piece to her Pulitzer Prize-winning "Topdog/Underdog." Director Steve H. Broadnax III has crafted a searing production that peels back the layers of American family dysfunction with surgical precision.…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Saturday, 05 April 2025 09:39
‘Trial of Themistocles’ Shows Off Best of the Culture of Greece, and Chicago Jurisprudence
Written by Bill Esler
Walking into the Harris Theater for the “Trial of Themistocles,” I was expecting something translated from ancient Greek, togas, masks, maybe a chorus, and a scholarly script that would take some work to wade through. Instead I found the latest installment of a delightful Trials Series produced since 2013 by…
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Theatre in Review
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Gusto Performances in ‘Spring Awakening,’ Vibrant Staging of 1906 Basis of Broadway Musical
Written by Bill Esler“Spring Awakenings,” now playing at Chicago’s Greenhouse Theater Center, is not the Tony-winning 2006 Broadway musical “Spring Awakening,” but an adaptation of its original basis, an 1891 German play by Frank Wedekind that was first performed in 1906. Translated by… -
BrightSide Theatre announces cast and production team for season finale PIPPIN, June 13-29
Written by Buzz Center StageBrightSide Theatre, Naperville’s professional theatre company, has announced the cast for the final show of its 13th season – the Stephen Schwartz/Roger O. Hirson musical PIPPIN. This tale of a prince who learns the true meaning of glory, love, and… -
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
Written by Buzz Center StageEight Chicago artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines have spent the last eight months in residence at the Chicago Puppet Lab, a program of the Chicago Puppet International Puppet Theater Festival, where they have been expanding their skill sets by…
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A Half-Century in Harmony: Ryan Opera Center Shines in ‘Rising Stars in Concert’
Written by Bree SamaniIt was a night of celebration, reflection, and breathtaking talent at the Civic Opera House. Fifty years of song echoed through the hall, but it was the future of opera that took center stage. On Friday, April 25, Ryan Opera…
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