A physician once argued that three-fourths of women had ailments that could be cured by the vibrator. The doctor was quoted in “The Technology of Orgasm” by Rachel Maines. Acclaimed playwright and Wilmette native Sarah Ruhl says that this book was her inspiration for “In The Next Room (or the vibrator play).” Directed by Sandy […]
Poor Hoffmann is unlucky in love, but his woeful tales give the world magnificent music. Lyric Opera of Chicago opened its 57th season and the Civic Opera House rang out with “The Tales of Hoffmann,” packed with Jacques Offenbach’s familiar melodies, one more glorious than the next. The drunken protagonist is foiled by a succession […]
Believe it—“Sluts” are coming to Wilmette. (Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in Oct. 2011. “Co-Ed Prison Sluts” is making a return appearance Saturday, November 17 at 9 p.m.) Wilmette Theatre’s alternative-to-movies programming, which features monthly comedy nights, Rocky Horror, burlesque and more, is expanding to bring two of Chicago-based Annoyance Theatre’s shows to Wilmette […]
It’s difficult, if not impossible, to imagine a better staging of this ‘70s review. And it’s nearby, at Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre at the No Exit Cafe in Rogers Park. Three young, fabulous and unmic-ed musical talents, Teddy Boone, Stephanie Herman and Hillary Patingre, work through the coming-of-age, romantic material like veterans. And while their […]
“I am here to stop your heart, do you understand?!” Mark Rothko thunders. “To make you think. I am not here to paint pretty pictures.” Goodman Theatre’s season opener, “Red,” a Tony Award winner by playwright John Logan, is full of these great, dramatic lines that cut to the heart of why an artist creates. […]
“The Real Thing” is a meaty play packed with clever dialogue, passion and complex themes. Set in London, Tom Stoppard’s play follows a playwright whose livelihood starts crumble as the line blurs between his plays and his real life. Writers’ production of “The Real Thing” is as funny as it is poignant because of its […]
Lifeline Theatre’s “The Count of Monte Cristo” tells the story of a man falsely imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit.
If you give a cat a cupcake, he’ll take you on an adventure! That’s the theme of Emerald City Theatre’s delightful new production, “If You Give a Cat a Cupcake.” The play, based on the best-selling book by Laura Numeroff has been imaginatively adapted for the stage by writer and director Ernie Nolan. Joe Goldammer […]
When I first read that “Clybourne Park” deals with race, I expected the play to be heavy, or polemical. It’s not, though it is certainly thought-provoking. Playwright Bruce Norris’ characters’ deep uneasiness and their struggles with political correctness—which will make you squirm in your seat—are relieved with inappropriate jokes and foul language, and the audience’s […]
“The Pitmen Painters” by “Billy Elliot” writer Lee Hall tells the powerful story of a group of miners who become acclaimed painters. As their teacher and a wealthy arts patron try to pigeonhole them as “working-class painters,” the miners learn to stand up for themselves and their talent—raising big questions for the audience about class, […]
