Brenda Didier knows a thing or two about drawing an audience in through dance. The Libertyville resident has won multiple Jeff Awardsfor her work throughout Chicagoland, and she owns the Lincolnshire Academy of Dance. Brenda is currently working with Porchlight Music Theatre, where she is an advisory board member and artistic associate, on “How to […]
From the very first moment of “The White Snake,” it’s clear that we’re in Mary Zimmerman Land—a magical and beguiling world that’s familiar from previous plays by this renowned Evanston director. “The White Snake” at Goodman Theatre is classic Zimmerman: an ancient story brought to life on the stage with a light, playful touch. As […]
A little-known fun fact: I was an exercise instructor for 10 years back in the early ‘80s at a popular Gold Coast studio called The Workout Ltd. Picture me in full Jane Fonda gear, down to the leg warmers, belted leotard, headband, and full-footed tights. We worked you ‘til you dropped; the sign of a […]
A musical-theater masterpiece celebrating the 30th anniversary of Chicagoland’s most elegant venue, led by a top-five area director with a multi-talented cast.
Not sure if you can endure another round of Raffi-like sing-a-longs with your tot? It’s not quite time to try Ravinia? Check out SPACE’s family-friendly programming! In fact, tickets go on sale April 10 at 11 a.m. for a special, great-for-young-ones, sit-on-the-floor experience with a “big kid” act, Five For Fighting (“100 Years,” “Superman”). Here’s […]
Kevin McCollum has come full circle. “Chicago was a great town for me,” McCollum says. “I drove down to see my first Broadway show—the touring company of A Chorus Line—when it came through town in 1977, and now here I am, bringing my own shows here!” He’s being modest. If you don’t already know, Kevin […]
A musical-theater masterpiece celebrating the 30th anniversary of Chicagoland’s most elegant venue, led by a top-five area director with a multi-talented cast. That is Drury Lane Theatre’s “Les Misérables.” For those whose introduction to “Les Mis” came via the much-hyped 2012 motion picture, Director Rachel Rockwell’s stunning, classical stage presentation is a reminder that musicals […]
Charles Darwin shocked the world with his theory of evolution 155 years ago, and people are still arguing about it. These impassioned discussions began right inside Darwin’s home, a story that playwright Sara Gmitterimagines in her new drama. Making its world premiere at Lookingglass Theatre, “In the Garden: A Darwinian Love Story” is half romance, […]
To focus on a single sense in Lyric Opera of Chicago’s second annual Broadway dalliance is a gross injustice to its breathtaking production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music.” It’s akin to crediting Michael Jordan’s basketball accomplishments to just the shoes. This not-to-be missed staging of arguably the most well-known musical in the […]
The Marriott Theatre‘s production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical “Cats,” based on T.S. Eliot’s collection of poems, “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,” opened April 2. The following review is presented in the style of one of these poems, “The Naming of Cats.” The reviewing of “Cats” is a difficult matter, It isn’t just one of […]
