Drury Lane Theatre: “Boeing Boeing”
Who knew that before Craigslist, a playboy’s best tool was the OAG?
Marriott Theatre: “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change”
During its 5,000-plus performance run from 1996 to 2008, a reviewer called it, “Seinfeld set to music.”
Chicago’s Oriental Theatre: “West Side Story”
With report cards on the way, the non-Equity touring company of “West Side Story” made its way through a C- opening night performance in Chicago.
Men We Love: Ben Harper
Not even a towering April storm front could stop two-time Grammy winner Ben Harper from coming to town. As a board member and long-time supporter of LIFT, a nonprofit organization that helps community members achieve economic stability, Harper was going to do whatever it took to make their annual benefit concert in Lincoln Park. Fresh […]
Second City and Lyric Opera: A Marriage Made for the Stage
The more you know about opera, the more you’ll enjoy “The Second City Guide to the Opera,” now running at the Civic Opera House, through June 30. The show, presented by Lyric Unlimited, is so clever that even a passing acquaintance with the art form will have you laughing until it hurts. Four men and […]
Jewel on Creating Your Own Happiness
Jewel headlines Ravinia this weekend, but she is no stranger to making news. The singer-songwriter, born Jewel Kilcher, married rodeo cowboy Ty Murray five years ago and gave birth to their son in 2011. She has sold more than 27 million albums, earned four Grammy nominations, and she’s the star of the new Lifetime TV movie […]
It’s No Lie: Writers’ “The Liar” is Must See Theater
After a spate of very fine, but intensely serious plays, I needed a rollicking night of theatrical fun.
NU Theatre: How Would You Spend a $1,000?
Someone sets $1,000 on a stage and says, “How should we spend it?” What would you decide? Here’s your chance to find out. This year’s theme for Northwestern University’s theater program is poverty. With that in mind, veteran Sojurn Theatre director Michael Rohd was asked to bring his brand of theater programming—that of a dialogue […]
Lyric's 'Oklahoma!' is more than OK
It’s hard to imagine a finer performance of “Oklahoma!” Lyric Opera of Chicago uses its world-class resources to give this production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway musical a perfect 70th anniversary presentation. It has solo voices that won’t quit, Lyric musicians in the pit and chorus members on the stage, a set that […]
Marriott Theatre: “South Pacific”
Going to Marriott’s Theatre’s, “South Pacific,” to enjoy a timeless, classic love story amidst Rodgers and Hammerstein’s fabulous music is perfectly legitimate. But leaving with only the simple thought of shampooing an irksome someone out of one’s life is to do this production a gross injustice. The impeccable casting of Elizabeth Lanza as Ensign Nellie […]
