They are “Puttin’ on the Ritz” at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago, and Frankenstein’s monster never looked better. The national tour of the Mel Brooks musical “Young Frankenstein” is hanging out in that gloomy castle in Transylvania Heights through Dec. 13, and all the old familiar pals from Brooks’s 1974 film comedy are there […]
Summer is just around the corner, and Chicago-area theaters are pulling out all the stops with their big spring shows. The themes on display include French comedy, Chicago history, a neighborhood tavern and Hollywood’s treatment of black actors. Stella & Lou May 3–June 9 Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie 847-673-6300 Four-time Emmy winner Rhea […]
Some shows simply demand attention. When “Les Miserables,” “Wicked,” “Miss Saigon,” or “Memphis,” come through town, those thirsty for water cooler bragging rights don’t think twice about plunking down their credit cards for tickets. The current touring company of last season’s Tony nominee, “Catch Me if You Can,” fails to achieve such can’t-miss status. But […]
The “Jekyll & Hyde” musical revival’s pre-Broadway express derailed at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace March 14, replete with theatrical carnage demanding its patrons look away. Put the debacle squarely at the feet of the show’s producers, undaunted by the musical’s original 1,543-performance run from 1997- 2001 that still managed to lose more than $1.5 million and […]
The biggest question for Broadway in Chicago following its triumphant opening of the five-time Tony-awarded play, “War Horse,” is: why only three weeks? The moniker “theatrical magic,” bestowed by the New York Times on 2011 Tony’s Best Play is perfect. If this production at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre doesn’t satisfy critics who clamor for “fresh” […]
For many, the holidays are synonymous with the theater—whether it’s a holiday date night out on the town or a traditional family trip to the city. Make this year special—from the traditional to funky, the choice is yours. Bah Humbug! Through December 22 Piccolo Theatre, 600 Main St., Evanston 847-424-0089 Looking for a slightly more […]
“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 […]
There are simply not enough accolades to bestow upon “Memphis.” The 2010 Tony Award-winning Best Musical is running at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace through December 4. But a single word of advice to musical-theater lovers suffices: Go. It’s obvious in the show’s first 3 minutes that the audience is in for a special treat. Clear storytelling, […]
There is something about attending a Broadway musical … The buzz of the crowd as they make their way into the luxe red velvet and gold gilded playhouse, the thrill of hearing the pit orchestra honk and whistle out notes of what’s to come. The anticipation is heightened when the production is the classic “West […]
Cirque Eloize iD is in Chicago at the Cadillac Palace Theatre for a limited run through May 8. The show is Cirque du Soleil meets “In the Heights”; a grittier, more urban version of the well-known, dreamy shows filled with acrobats and trapeze artists. The show opens in a cityscape filled with blaring horns and […]
