Theatre in Review

Subscribe to this RSS feed
Monday, 24 March 2025 14:06

Definition Theatre Defines the Crisis: 'Splash Hatch on the E Going Down'

Written by
Rita Wicks in "Splash Hatch on the E Going Down" at Definition Theatre.
In Definition Theatre's production of "Splash Hatch on the E Going Down," Kia Corthron's 1997 work feels unnervingly relevant in 2025. Under Cheryl Lynn Bruce's incisive direction, this story of environmental racism and maternal health transforms from a Clinton-era critique into a mirror reflecting our ongoing, unresolved struggles with environmental…
Published in Theatre in Review
Tagged under
Read more...
Friday, 21 March 2025 12:08

The Search for Truth Turns to War in Oil Lamp’s Outstanding ‘The Lifespan of a Fact’

Written by
(L to R) James Wheeler, Tim Walsh and Marianne Embree in THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT from Oil Lamp Theater, now playing through April 6.
Don’t be deceived by the title.  The phrase “lifespan of a fact” sounds about as dry as the Mojave Desert and just a mite confusing.  But, as Glenview’s Oil Lamp Theater’s current stage production proves, those knee jerk perceptions turn out to be completely absurd.  Instead, its The Lifespan of…
Published in Theatre in Review
Tagged under
Read more...
Friday, 21 March 2025 12:36

Hive of Hilarity: Copley Theatre’s 'Spelling Bee' is a Buzzing Triumph!

Written by
(front, from left) Elizabeth Stenholt plays Olive Ostrovsky, Teddy Gales is William Barfee, Ann Delaney plays Logainne Schwartzandgrubennierein, (back, from left) Shelbi Voss is Marcy Park, Nic Dantes plays Chip Tolentino, and Ben Broughton is Leaf Coneybear in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, part of Paramount Theatre’s BOLD Series. Stephen Schellhardt directs.
I’m not holding back—Copley Theatre’s latest offering, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, is an absolute winner! I’ve seen this delightfully offbeat musical brought to life at various theaters, but Copley’s rendition? It’s absolutely “F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S.” This production earns its place at the very top, possibly stealing the crown altogether.…
Published in Theatre in Review
Tagged under
Read more...
Thursday, 20 March 2025 12:53

Invictus Theatre Presents Enchanting Production of The Winter’s Tale

Written by
Michael Stejskal is King Leontes in The Winter's Tale at Windy City Playhouse
Walking into Windy City Playhouse, audiences are immediately transported to somewhere new. Scenic Designer Kevin Rofls fills the space with trees, branches, and flowers – drawing the audience into the story as soon as they enter the space. Lighting Designer Trey Brazeal highlights the room in a mix of various…
Published in Theatre in Review
Tagged under
Read more...
Wednesday, 19 March 2025 01:06

Grand Opera that is Truly Grand: La Bohème at the Lyric

Written by
Ailyn Pérez as Mimi and Pene Pati as Rodolfo in Puccini’s “La Bohème” at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Going into “La Bohème” with little knowledge of Puccini’s masterpiece, I was just a naive theater-goer seeing it fresh at its opening Saturday night at Chicago’s Lyric. It is beautifully directed by Melanie Bacaling - striking massive two-story sets and colorful, ever varying crowd scenes. Especially intriguing to me are…
Published in Theatre in Review
Tagged under
Read more...
Sunday, 16 March 2025 12:35

Teatro La Plaza teams up with Chicago Latino Theatre Alliance for wonderful production of Hamlet at Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Jaime Cruz in Teatro La Plaza's Hamlet, in which a group of young performers with Down syndrome take the stage in a lively theatrical experience blending Shakespeare's text with personal anecdotes from their lives.
Ser o no ser   esa es la cuestión We are all familiar with Shakespeare’s iconic line: to be or not to be; famous enough that it doesn’t need the projected English supertitles to be recognized. This adaptation of the celebrated play is written and directed by Chela De Ferrari, in…
Published in Theatre in Review
Tagged under
Read more...
Sunday, 09 March 2025 01:05

Luck Be a Lady Tonight: A Rollicking Review of Music Theater Works’ 'Guys and Dolls'

Written by
(L to R) Adam Raso, Callan Reed, Andrew Freeland, David Geinosky and Peter Ruger in GUYS AND DOLLS, from Music Theater Works, now playing through March 30 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie.
Following a string of successful shows, Music Theater Works has once again hit the jackpot with their 2025 season opener, Guys and Dolls. This delightful production is currently wowing audiences at the North Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts. With infectious tunes and clever lyrics by…
Published in Theatre in Review
Tagged under
Read more...
Saturday, 01 March 2025 16:25

Citadel’s I and You Delivers a Dynamite Story that Closes with a Knockout

Written by
(l-r) Amia Korman and Jay Westbrook in 'I and You' at Citadel Theatre.
Prolific, and routinely recognized as being one of the most produced playwrights in the country, Lauren Gunderson’s range is as impressive as the quality and popularity of her work.  Inspiration for her plays often springs from things she loves, with history and science at the top of the list.  They…
Published in Theatre in Review
Tagged under
Read more...
Wednesday, 26 February 2025 12:28

Review: Titus Andronicus at Redtwist Theatre

(L to R) Madelyn Loehr (Bassianus), Caroline Kidwell (Lavinia), Anne Sheridan Smith (Titus), Philip C. Matthews (Lucius), Sabine Wan (Marcus) and Joshua Servantez (Saturninus) in TITUS ANDRONICUS from Redtwist Theatre, adaptation by Artistic Director of Development Dusty Brown, Caroline Kidwell and Jordan Gleaves is directed by Dusty Brown, now playing through March 30.
Do not bring the kids to TITUS ANDRONICUS; it has 14 killings, 9 of them on stage, 6 severed members, 1 rape (or 2 or 3, depending on how you count), 1 live burial, 1 case of insanity and 1 of cannibalism – an average of 5.2 atrocities per act.…
Published in Theatre in Review
Tagged under
Read more...
Page 3 of 121

 

 

         17 Years and counting!

Register

 

From Graphic Epic to Stage Triumph: Berlin at Court Theatre

 

 

 

 

 

At Broadway Playhouse March 25 – July 13, 2025!

 

 

     

Latest Articles

  • The Title Says it All in Conspirators Remarkable ‘Chicago Cop Macbeth’
    Written by
    It was a dark and stormy night as I motored to The Conspirators “Chicago Cop Macbeth,” with a fog of dust giving the streets an eerie feel. As the lights came up at the Otherworld Theater, the storm continued, the…
  • Hiplet Ballerinas: A Daring Dance Revolution at Auditorium Theatre
    Written by
    An electrifying evening of artistic fusion unfolded at the Auditorium Theatre as Hiplet Ballerinas, the professional company of the Chicago Multi-Cultural Dance Center, dazzled audiences once again with their breathtaking production, Dipped in Versatility. Created by Homer Hans Bryant, Hiplet…
  • HAMILTON returns to Chicago in 2026
    Written by
    Broadway In Chicago announced today that HAMILTON will return to Chicago for a multi-week engagement beginning March 4, 2026 through April 26, 2026, at the CIBC Theatre (18 W. Monroe). Group tickets for 10+ are available now by emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com or calling 312-977-1710. Current…
  • Blank Theatre’s SWEET CHARITY Charms with Talented Cast and Standout Choreography
    Written by
    We are inside the Pompeii Club. From everything Charity has told us, the club is the place to be, and as the scene unfolds, it’s certainly no surprise. Costume Designer Cindy Moon does not hold back. The ensemble is dressed…

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 info@buzzcenterstage.com. 

*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.