Lifeline’s “3 Little Pigs” is a Hit

Looking for a way to chase the winter blues? Look no further than Lifeline Theatre’s new musical production, “The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!” This musical, based on the popular book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, turns the classic story on its head. Audiences will “squeal” with delight as they hear both […]

You're Sure to Love Northlight's "Tom Jones"

Tom Jones is no Don Juan. The ladies are the ones chasing this good looking, friendly lad. But when led into temptation, Tom strays and eventually finds himself tangled in more than the sheets. The comedy “Tom Jones” has opened at Northlight Theatre in Skokie. It is a thoroughly entertaining production, with William Brown skillfully […]

"Luna Gale" at Goodman a Strong, Emotional Drama

The title character of “Luna Gale” is never visible. In the few moments when she is onstage during thisGoodman Theatre production, Luna is quietly hidden away inside a baby carriage. And yet, as invisible as she may seem to the audience, the infant named Luna Gale is the force driving most of the adult characters […]

Marriott’s “Cabaret” Seduces and Challenges

Perhaps it’s pure coincidence that February 14 is right in the middle of Marriott Theatre’s run of the classic John Kander/Fred Ebb musical “Cabaret.” Or maybe it’s pure genius. Because this story of 1929 Berlin, chronicling the city’s hedonistic cabaret scene as a feel-great smokescreen for the Nazi party’s clandestine rise to power, is not […]

Falling for Theatre and Winning it Over as Well

A winning combination: That’s what Goodman Theatre artistic director Robert Falls and actor Brian Dennehy have been for a quarter of a century. Together they have created hit productions of plays by Eugene O’Neill and Arthur Miller, which they took to Broadway and for which they both received Tony Awards. Lucky for us, the two […]

“Holidays in the Heights” Delivers Needed Laughs

The holidays are magic. But as The Second City’s “Holidays in the Heights”opening musical number reminds us, there is plenty that isn’t quite so magical about the season. The cast then spends two hours making us laugh at all the craziness that occurs during “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Husbands find themselves at […]

Chicago Shakes Makes "Merry"

It’s not a holiday show, per se, but the spirit of the season pervades Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s (CST) take on Wiliam Shakespeare’s great comedy,“The Merry Wives of Windsor.” It’s a farcical romp, but ultimately, it is also a story of forgiveness and understanding, set against a winter backdrop. Directed by CST Artistic Director Barbara Gaines, […]

Steppenwolf's "Tribes" a Rewarding Experience

The tribe at the center of “Tribes” is an argumentative English family, a bunch of Brits who are prone to shouting matches and cruel taunts. Except, that is, for Billy, one of three adult children in this combative clan. Billy has been deaf since birth, and the rest of the family often ignores him as […]

“Schooner” Puts Mercury on Christmas List, 2014 Radar

This time of year, it’s all about two things: lists and radar. Make those lists, check them twice, click here to see how Santa handles wind and snow and ice. It’s a familiar drill, and it’s made a whole lot more enjoyable with a seasonal trip to Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. Director L. Walter Stearns and […]