“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 […]
My love of Green Day peaked in middle school, and I probably would have loved “American Idiot” in my angsty, grungy tween and teen years. It’s really more of a rock concert than a musical. But, I’m not in middle school anymore, so I longed for the usual anchors of a theatrical show—a plot, character […]
Prospero conjures the story of his revenge over a magical dinner table in “The Feast: an intimate Tempest,” a reimagining of Shakespeare’s play. The piece, co-created and co-directed by Jessica Thebus and Frank Maugeri, is an original commission and artistic collaboration between Chicago Shakespeare Theater and Redmoon, performed in the Upstairs Theater at Chicago Shakes. […]
With the White Sox, Cubs and Bears rebuilding, their general managers look to identify burgeoning youth capable of next-level stardom. Kenny Williams, Jed Hoyer and Phil Emery ought to be discussing talent evaluation strategy with Drury Lane Theatre’s executive team. And they’d best be taking notes. For its second consecutive show, the Oakbrook regional theater […]
