Monday, 20 April 2015 00:00
"Look, We Are Breathing": When Is Loss Meaningful? Answer - Always
Written by Ken Payne
“Look, We Are Breathing” at Rivendell Theatre is a powerful drama that deals with the coping of loss. Written by Chicago playwright Laura Jaccqmin, “Look, We Are Breathing” examines the grieving process when the one taken away so unexpectedly never really amounted to much nor has shown the potential to…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Thursday, 16 April 2015 00:00
Steppenwolf's "The Herd" Is Family Dramedy At Its Best
Written by Ken Payne
When it comes to family, can there be boundaries crossed to which mercy and forgiveness should no longer considered? And should this barrier be traversed upon, is it even possible to wholeheartedly exonerate those who do even if one wants to? In Rory Kinnear’s debut play The Herd (aptly named…
Published in
Theatre in Review
As Chekov supposedly once said, if you bring a gun out in act one, it better go off by act three. Raul Castillo’s new play for Teatro Vista, ‘Between You, Me and the Lampshade’ goes for a metaphoric interpretation of the old rule. The play starts off with a rush…
Published in
Theatre in Review
In today’s culture of OnDemand and streaming entertainment, one has to wonder how theatre art will adapt. Accomplished playwright Jordan Harrison also currently writes for the hit Netflix series ‘Orange is the New Black.’ Nobody can argue that Mr. Harrison hasn’t mastered the one-hour drama format, but what we can…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Friday, 10 April 2015 00:00
Louis and Keely, Live at the Sahara- Brings Two Jazz Prodigies Back to Life!
Written by Kimberly Katz
From the moment actor Anthony Crivello as Jazz great, Louis Prima, is wheeled onto the stage on a hospital bed speaking to us from a coma, and snaps his fingers to begin the story of his life, the audience is absolutely enthralled by his manic yet superbly commanding presence until…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Roger and Hammerstein’s “Carousel” is always a treat, and that holds true especially with Lyric Opera of Chicago’s current production at the Civic Opera House. A true spectacle of colorful sets, scenic backdrops and larger than life dancing choreography envelope brilliant vocal performances in the fun classic. Of course, the…
Published in
Theatre in Review
In celebration of Roosevelt University’s 70th anniversary, the Auditorium Theatre brings in two iconic stage and television veterans for its one night performance of “An Evening with the Roosevelts”. Ed Asner, known mostly for his portrayal of “Lou Grant” on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and much more recently as…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Friday, 10 April 2015 00:00
Murder Ballad: A Fresh Take on the Rock Opera
Written by Anne Rakowiecki
If RENT made a baby with an episode of Dateline, the result might be something like Murder Ballad, the musical. This rock opera tells the story of a love triangle gone out of control, and there is much in the way of drama, energetic pop/rock anthems, suspense, and -- you…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Badfic Love, the new play directed by Aaron Henrickson and written by Adam Pasen, proudly delves into the nerdy world of fan fiction – its readers, its creators and its auditors. What is fan fiction some might ask? For those of you who are not familiar with this somewhat underground…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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Tuesday, 31 March 2015 00:00
“Title and Deed” by Will Eno - Beautiful Prose Poetry on the Funeral That Is Life”
Written by Kimberly Katz
Title and Deed is a one man show, a 65 minute monologue delivered on a bare stage with a few subtle lighting changes and the gentle rolling of the lead actor’s wheelchair to signal movement throughout the play. Will Eno’s writing is often compared to Beckett but I found Eno’s…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Thursday, 02 April 2015 00:00
Ed Asner and Loretta Swit Celebrate Roosevelt University's 70th in “An Evening with the Roosevelts”
Buzz News
Continuing its 125th Anniversary celebration, the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University adds two, one-night-only performances to its momentous season. On Friday, April 10, 2015, “An Evening with the Roosevelts” celebrates Roosevelt University’s 70th Anniversary. The star-studded evening features Ed Asner performing his one-man show, “FDR” as Franklin Delano Roosevelt and…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Northlight Theatre follows up the hard-hitting drama “White Guy on the Bus” with another extra-base hit with the charming comedy "Outside Mullinger". Set in the Midlands of Ireland, Artistic Director BJ Jones directs this humorous love story that, though mostly transparent in its direction, offers a handful of fun surprises.…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Former members of The Band, Levon Helm Band and the Rick Danko Band were playing songs popularized by The Band last Friday night at the Elgin Community College Arts Center. It was very nice seeing such well-seasoned players serving up some fine music. This talented musical outfit is simply called…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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