The Brothers Grimm never imagined a story like this. Emerald City Theatre’s “Snow White as Performed by Professor TJ Barker’s Troupe of Theatricals” offers a unique twist on the well-known fairytale. Written and directed by the talented Ernie Nolan, the performance includes a play within a play that pays homage to vaudeville with its mix […]
American soprano Sondra Radvanovsky eclipses everyone on the stage in the Lyric Opera’s production of Giuseppe Verdi’s “Aida.” And it’s not just the cobalt blue gown she wears. The production, rich in melody and splendor, recently opened at the Civic Opera House. Her voice is so strong, her shading so stunning and her emotion so […]
A two-woman show with Chicago musical-theater favorites E. Faye Butler and Susie McMonagle should be a slam-dunk. And while this staging of the new show “Black Pearl Sings” at Skokie’s Northlight Theatre is worthwhile, its problem is that Black Pearl (Butler) doesn’t sing enough. And neither does her co-star. This is a play with several […]
In his long career, Tim Kazurinsky has gone from advertising copywriter to “SNL” comedian to Shakespeare actor. From 1981 to 1984, this smiling, friendly man, who is raising his family in Evanston, was on national television, performing on “Saturday Night Live” with Eddie Murphy, Joe Piscopo and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. And starting February 7, he’ll portray […]
It’s the middle of winter; a perfect time to sit back in a dark room and watch a good yarn. Head out to local theaters and warm up with some crackling good stories, and maybe even some songs. Northlight Theatre’s “Black Pearl Sings!” January 13-February 19 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie 847-673-6300 northlight.org Northlight favorite E. Faye […]
It’s a rare drama that can compete with a playoff football game in my sportcentric house. But “Mr. Rickey Calls A Meeting,” which just opened at Lookingglass Theatre, held its own against the Denver/San Francisco game last Saturday night. My husband turned off his blackberry and stayed tuned into the drama onstage—a sure sign of […]
Twyla Tharp’s last big dance theater hit, 2002’s “Movin’ Out,” used a song cycle by Billy Joel as the basis for a coming-of-age story. The story was set in the Vietnam War era. But in “Come Fly Away,” now in a not-to-be-missed touring production, the dances of innocence and experience unfold during one sultry evening […]
“In the Heights,” only playing through January 15 at the Oriental Theatre, is a wildly vibrant show that will win the heart of just about any theatergoer. Not only is the show acclaimed—it won 4 Tony Awards in 2008, including Best Musical, and the 2008 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album—but also it’s well […]
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The relatives are in town and you’re looking for something to do—check out these picks and reviews to find the right show for you!
