Shakespeare explored the dream realm as it pranks the real world in his perennial favorite, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Chicago Shakespeare Director Gary Griffin updates the story’s era to the 1920s and lumps in Sigmund Freud’s dream analysis for good measure. For those who never read it high school, here’s the plot: In the real […]
“Oohrah!” is how U.S. Marines often greet one another. That rallying cry is also the title of a play by Bekah Brunstetter about an American soldier returning home to his family in North Carolina after four tours of duty in the Persian Gulf. He’s an Army guy, not a Marine, but a young man wearing […]
As a blaze during a night chill, the Joffrey Ballet’s “Winter Fire” illuminates the Auditorium Theatre. It revealed a company of dancers rich in the heritage of classical ballet, but pushing the boundaries of their bodies and the art form. This powerful program delivers three ballets, including the U.S. premiere of “Infra” by Wayne McGregor, […]
“The Houdini Box” exemplifies Chicago Children’s Theatre’s passion for introducing young patrons to the performing arts. With its interactive playbills, gorgeous sets and a production melding acting, singing and puppetry, the show is, indeed, a good first taste of live performance. The world premiere musical, based on the book by children’s author and illustrator Brian […]
After barely surviving a bombing in Iraq, photojournalist Sarah Goodwin is faced with a decision. Does she settle into a “normal” life in New York or heal up for her next life-threatening assignment? For most people, this might seem like an easy choice, but not for Goodwin. Her struggle is at the heart of “Time […]
“South Pacific” is a real treat—especially in this national tour rendition, based on the 2008 Tony Award-winning production at Lincoln Center. Strong cast members with wonderful voices tell the romantic story of two couples on a tropical island during World War II and the challenges that wartime brings them. Baritone Marcelo Guzzo, who has performed […]
The Mississippi riverboat named the Cotton Blossom has docked on the stage of the Civic Opera House. “Show Boat,” the wonderful, ground-breaking 1927 American musical by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II, deserves a first-class presentation, and Lyric has given it just that with this lavish production, conducted by John DeMain. All the characters, under […]
Magic of leprechauns, a greener-than-usual Chicago River and society’s tacit approval of late winter’s annual revelry dedicated to all things Irish serve as perfect backdrops for terrific March offerings in Chicagoland’s theater scene. Broadway in Chicago’s “Riverdance” March 13-18 Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph, Chicago 800-775-2000 How appropriate that St. Patrick’s Day week brings the […]
Familiarity can breed discontent. And that what’s troubling Sam and Rose Abrams in “Sirens,” now in its Midwest premiere at Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest. They’re looking for a cruise vacation to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. Songwriter Sam has also been looking to recapture the passion of his youth and write another hit song, […]
Amir Kapoor, the character at the heart of “Disgraced,” is not a stereotypical Muslim American. For one thing, he isn’t even really a Muslim. Although he was raised in the faith, he denounces it now. Does that shield him from the suspicion that so many Muslims face in today’s America? Of course not. Portrayed by […]
