Musical adaptations of movies don’t have to be “all or nothing” propositions.” But “Big Fish” deserves to be just a little bit … bigger. Chicago-area theater-lovers again have the opportunity to see great entertainment before it hits the stage on Broadway, and this latest world premiere does not disappoint. The book by John August and […]
“The Elephant & the Whale” is making a splash at the Ruth Page Center for Performing Arts. The family-friendly performance is produced by the Chicago Children’s Theatre in association with Redmoon Theater. Created by Frank Maugeri, whose past credits include co-creating “The Astronaut’s Birthday” at the MCA, “The Elephant and the Whale” is an innovative, […]
Lifeline Theatre’s new production, “The Emperor’s New Threads: A Fashion Statement” is a fun outing for the whole family. The story, based on the folktale by Hans Christian Anderson, has a decidedly 60s flair with colorful costumes, toe-tapping songs and fun dance routines. The play was adapted for stage by ensemble member Frances Limoncelli, who […]
Some shows simply demand attention. When “Les Miserables,” “Wicked,” “Miss Saigon,” or “Memphis,” come through town, those thirsty for water cooler bragging rights don’t think twice about plunking down their credit cards for tickets. The current touring company of last season’s Tony nominee, “Catch Me if You Can,” fails to achieve such can’t-miss status. But […]
This month, our fair city is home to multiple world premieres—making us the center of the universe in the theater world.
Ah, the Irish! Full of wit and humor, but somehow, sad at heart. Those qualities infused Northlight Theatre’s funny, poignant two-man show, “Stones in His Pockets.” The stars, David Ivers and Brian Vaughn, portray two Irish fellows in their 30s, Jake and Charlie. Jake is just back from a few fruitless years in New […]
The last time Robert Falls directed a Shakespeare play at the Goodman, where he serves as artistic director, he transplanted “King Lear” into a landscape that resembled war-torn Yugoslavia. It was a shocking, riveting, gut-wrenching and epic experience. Now, Falls is taking a similarly transformative approach to another Shakespeare work, “Measure for Measure.” Although […]
The “Jekyll & Hyde” musical revival’s pre-Broadway express derailed at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace March 14, replete with theatrical carnage demanding its patrons look away. Put the debacle squarely at the feet of the show’s producers, undaunted by the musical’s original 1,543-performance run from 1997- 2001 that still managed to lose more than $1.5 million and […]
Vengence. Revenge. Don’t get mad, get even. The desire to exact retribution is so universal that Scripture is on record warning us against it.
“Completeness” is about young people falling in and out of love.
