In the best classes ever taken, learning is a byproduct of curiosity that leads to personal investment. Get ready to be schooled by Goodman Theatre’s “Pullman Porter Blues.” Cheryl West’s play, with a magnificent 12-number live blues soundtrack, simultaneously delivers insight, entertainment and education with local relevance. This quintessentially Chicago show with the most lavish sets […]
It’s safe to say that no one around today attended the world premiere performance of “The Rite of Spring” a century ago. The ballet Nijinsky choreographed to the music of Stravinsky for Diaghilev’s Ballet Russes was so raw and primitive it incited a riot in the Theatre des Champs-Elysees that also flowed out onto the […]
The regional premiere of 2010’s Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical “Next to Normal” demands its patrons come with expectations properly set. Don’t anticipate leaving the theater whistling a happy tune, because this is no Rodgers and Hammerstein. Expect haunting, disturbing, emotional brilliance. Presume impeccable talent worthy of one of the best professional companies in Chicagoland. Envisage […]
When Tony-nominee Josh Young intones, “…Oh what a show” in the opening minutes of “Evita,” he’s foreshadowing patrons’ next two hours. Broadway’s brand is well earned with this spectacular Broadway in Chicago touring production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s near-opera, at the Oriental Theatre through October 6. There’s neither a weak link in Director Michael Grandage’s […]
“In the Heights” is a musical all about the who… In an ethnic New York neighborhood filled up with the blues Now this rap just takes a minute, so hush and be still Then go out and buy some tickets ‘cause it’s really quite a thrill The show won several Tonys, so it’s definitely worth […]
Renowned playwright David Mamet says, “To find beauty in the sad, hope in the midst of loss and dignity in failure is great poetic art.” By Mamet’s definition, Northlight Theatre’s 2013-14 season opener, the understated dramatic comedy “4000 Miles,” may be poetry indeed. This year’s Pulitzer Prize for Drama committee thinks so, naming the Amy […]
The Chicago area’s theater season falls into place this month with an intriguing New York troupe visiting the North Shore and acclaimed dramas making their local premieres. The Old Man and the Old Moon September 3 to November 10 PigPen Theatre Co., which created this mythological adventure in New York, is coming to Glencoe to […]
Frog and Toad are great friends. The optimistic amphibian and his grumpy pal were created in the 1970s by Arnold Lobel in a series of I Can Read books.
The outward appearance of Dolly Parton costumes her philosophy, “I always just thought if you see somebody without a smile, give ’em yours.”
Those who humble themselves by bowing first deserve to be exalted by Chicago’s appreciative patrons of “Flashdance—The Musical.”
