A Shakespeare tragedy filled with death and madness isn’t supposed to be funny, is it? Think again. Even in a dark drama like “Hamlet,” the Bard’s sharp wit keeps poking at us. The jokes really are there, if the actors are allowed to deliver them. Director Michael Halberstam brings a playful touch to his interpretation […]
This drama first won attention three years ago as a vehicle for Jane Fonda, who returned to Broadway after decades offstage. But Nick Bowling’s production for TimeLine Theatre Company (hosted at the larger Stage 773 venue, rather than TimeLine’s home space on Wellington Avenue in Chicago) proves that star power isn’t needed in this Moises Kaufman’s […]
“Dreamgirls,” the glitzy, loose fictionalization of the Supremes becoming stars through the 1960s and 70s, premiered August 22 on the cusp of Leo and Virgo. And the Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre faithful rose to their feet. Opening night certainly enjoyed its share of star-quality moments. The vocal chops of Raena White as the top-then-toppled Dreamette, Effie, […]
Historically, great opera divas did one thing well — sing. They struggled to juggle international success with other life opportunities. Renée Fleming has smashed this mold. She is not only the world’s greatest soprano, Fleming is also a savvy entrepreneur, author, cross-over rock singer and creative consultant for the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Fleming’s most […]
September’s always one of the busiest months for theatergoing, as many stage companies come back from summer break. This year’s fall season is front-loaded with highly anticipated shows by some of the Chicago area’s most celebrated directors. Sweet Bird of Youth September 15 – October 28 | Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago | […]
Don Quixote takes up arms against a swelling tide of cruelty and mendacity in “Man of La Mancha,” now receiving a soulful revival under director/choreographer Rudy Hogenmiller. And though the politics of Miguel De Cervantes’ Spanish Inquisition-era novel seem far removed from the existing social landscape, his poetic tug-of-war between the dreamers and the pragmatists, […]
With the title, “Thinking with Your Head…Men Exposed,” it would be easy to dismiss the Metropolis’ original comedy as just another “Hangover” knock-off. But that would be a big mistake. This all-male cast will have you feeling just as good the morning after as you do at final curtain. Written by Metropolis resident writer, Scott […]
For an edgier entertainment experience right here in the ‘burbs, get out of your Batcave…
Ladies, leave the men at home. “Girls Night: The Musical” is in fact a girls night destination. Now playing at The Club (a basment venue located at Chicago’s Division and State), the crowd is nearly all women—bachelorettes and birthday girls, moms looking for a little fun, and even a grandma or two. The show is […]
A funny thing happens in the stage adaptation of the Alfred Hitchcock thriller that introduced the man-on-the-run genre to Hollywood.
