I’ve heard “Amazing Grace” countless times, and not once have I thought, “This is definitely heading to Broadway.” However, the story behind the song feels like it belongs on stage in Chicago and, eventually, New York. One major reason for the success of Broadway in Chicago’s “Amazing Grace” is Josh Young, who received a 2014 […]
“Sweeney Todd” opens this weekend at Porchlight Music Theatre, which is celebrating 20 years in Chicago. As this theater opens its anniversary season, it’s only fitting that Rebecca Finnegan stars as Nellie Lovett—she won a Jeff Award in 2005 for the same role with the same theater. Taking on the title character isDavid Girolmo, also a […]
Don’t assume theater groups will be around forever. Many fine ensembles and companies have folded over the years, for one reason or another. And now, the future of Evanston’s Next Theatre is uncertain. All the more reason to turn out for Next’s current season. Don’t take your favorite local theaters for granted. They need your […]
America’s original jazz dance company returns to its roots with new full-company work. A 12-year-old Ray Leeper took a deep breath, let his nerves settle, and accepted the hand that eventually ushered him onto the dance floor more than 20 years ago. The now award-winning choreographer (“So You Think You Can Dance,” “America’s Got Talent”) […]
Ghosts and devils often mingle with living human beings in Irish playwright Conor McPherson’s dramas. If there are any supernatural elements in his latest play—which is debatable—they aren’t quite so obvious. But the play is called “The Night Alive,” a title that hints at hidden forces in the darkness. The Chicago premiere of “The Night […]
Voices make the opera, and “Don Giovanni,” Lyric Opera of Chicago’s opening production of its 60th season, had stellar vocal artists to spare. The title role in this Mozart masterpiece is sung by Polish baritone Mariusz Kwiecien, not only a powerful singer, but a formidable embodiment of the aristocrat whose womanizing ways lead to his […]
The Goodman Theatre in Chicago celebrates its 90th anniversary this season. It is another milestone for the longest active nonprofit theater in Chicago, and its two stages will be filled with works by established playwrights and some promising comedies by bright new names. Robert Falls, who has been the theater’s artistic director since 1986, reflects […]
September is the start of a new season, and Chicago theaters are aiming to make a big impression. Isaac’s Eye Through December 7 While Writers Theatre builds a new Tudor Court venue designed by star architect Jeanne Gang, it will stage two shows this season in its 50-seat space at Books on Vernon—plus a site-specific […]
Running at Goodman Theatre through October 12, “The World of Extreme Happiness” is a thought-provoking production. Based on a play by Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig, “Happiness” explores China’s cultural and economic transformation from a rural-based society to a rapidly urbanized country. Goodman’s lively, funny and ever poignant production is directed by Eric Ting and captivates its […]
Jessie Mueller has had a good year. This past June, the 2001 ETHS grad scored the 2014 Tony Award for “Best Lead Actress in a Musical” for her brilliant performance as Carole King in “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.” Actually, it was more of a transformation than a performance, as Mueller’s complete lack of artifice […]
