Make Time to See This Summer “Beauty”
Any north suburban parent sending their kid to grade school this August not having seen Marriott Theatre’s “Sleeping Beauty” best be prepared for the inevitable tears accompanying that left-out feeling.
Beauty and the Beast Casts a Spell at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre
Enchantment is in the air with the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s new production of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.” The play, based on Disney’s Academy Award-winning animated film and Tony Award-winning stage musical is pure magic with delightful songs, clever costumes and plenty of razzle-dazzle. The performance is directed and choreographed by Rachel Rockwell (who also […]
Marriott Brings New, Loveable Hero to Town
To north suburban theater-goers tempted to pass on Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre’s unknown summer offering, “HERO the Musical,” a word of advice. Don’t. This world premiere by Marriott’s artistic director Aaron Thielen and Michael Mahler is an understated gem of a show. The simple story of a talented-while-tormented young Milwaukee illustrator, Hero Batowski, is well-written, exquisitely […]
The Shed: Professionals by Day, Musicians by Night
Jim Schiffman compares playing music to working out.
GBS Students, Purple Apple, to Play at Lollapalooza
Music fans meet Purple Apple.
“Dralion” a Delight
I never knew there were Cirque Du Soleil groupies. Me? I’m a newbie. Until Cirque’s current run here in Chicago, I had yet to attend a performance. But apparently, the people sitting next to me had, and their hoots and hollers have me thinking the current tour, “Dralion,” is one of their favorites. Running nearly […]
Goodman Theatre: "Crowns"
Regina Taylor’s “Crowns,” now running at the Goodman Theatre, is a story of salvation.
Lookingglass’ “Eastland” a Tragically Fine Tale
No one famous died when an excursion boat called the Eastland tipped over in the Chicago River on July 24, 1915. “Only dusty men with dusty books know or care who was lost,” a character sings near the sorrowful conclusion of Lookingglass Theatre’s new musical “Eastland.” By the end of Andrew White’s moving and finely […]
On-Stage Opps Fall into Place for Kids
As the curtain signifying the end of another fabulous North Shore summer closes, many others are set to rise for the area’s shining stage hopefuls who seek to become the next Megan Hilty or Matthew Morrison.
Light Opera Works: "Camelot"
If the review of a long-loved musical-theater standard begins with kudos for outstanding sound engineering and a fantastic pit orchestra, it probably doesn’t conclude with the words, “highly recommended.”
