“Ethan Frome,” a story about poverty and hardship, probably isn’t your first choice for a fun evening out—but it’s worth a trip downtown anyway. Superbly acted amid evocative sets, this play isn’t three-hour melodrama, but a piercing one-and-a-half-hour, no-intermission engagement. If you need a refresher on Edith Wharton’s classic tale, adapted by Evanston native Laura […]
“Heddatron” is an imaginative romp that programs literature to interface with robots. Throw in a media cover-up, reality television and a school book report, and the output is laughable! With so much going on, this 1-and-a-half-hour, no-intermission show is a triple play well worth seeing. Using documentary-style film footage, the play chronicles the recent robot-led […]
Subscription packages to local theaters and music venues are a great deal The best gifts are the ones that keep on giving. For Evanston residents and newlyweds Marc and Emily Zarefsky, it was season tickets to the Marriott Theater in Lincolnshire. Gifted to the couple by Marc’s parents, who themselves have been season ticket holders […]
This nerve-jangling, otherworldly world premiere travels deep into the emotional desperation of people who exist on society’s fringes. Illinois playwright Brett Neveu gets into the rhythmic thinking of those who survive by conning others. Aged street hustler Eddie Sisson (played with emotional vibrancy by esteemed Steppenwolf Theatre veteran Francis Guinan) has one last shot […]
“Sex with Strangers,” a play about a 30-something woman dating a 24-year-old guy, is a libidinous, funny exploration of the Internet generation.
How could a play simply titled “Race” not be edgy, risk-taking and a bit outrageous? Well, this David Mamet piece, which debuted on Broadway in 2009, certainly lives up to the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright’s illustrious and controversial reputation. The show, which runs a brief one hour and 50 minutes, including intermission, is a tour-de-force of […]
“The Nutcracker” is a perennial holiday favorite and Chicago enjoys a first class production by the Joffrey Ballet every December. The company’s 2010 production opened at the Auditorium Theatre Friday, Dec. 10 and it is like a snowflake, sparkling and suffused with light. Mischievous Fritz, danced by Ricardo Santos, and mysterious Dr. Drosselmeyer, danced by […]
The holidays are a fantastic time to catch a show in Chicago. Theater choices in Chicago and on the North Shore are plentiful—and varied. Whatever the reason— a holiday outing, date night, or family get-together—there’s plenty to choose from. Need a few quick ideas? Check out some of these reviews for an entertaining day or […]
Beautiful voices, evocative sets, unorthodox costumes and flawless orchestral accompaniment. The Lyric Opera of Chicago’s new production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta “The Mikado,” conducted by music director Sir Andrew Davis, has all the ingredients for a terrific night at the theater. It does, however, require staying power, as it is three hours long. G&S […]
Be prepared to be surprised at Writers’ Theatre presentation of Graham Greene’s 1969 novel, “Travels With My Aunt‚” on its little stage at the back of Books on Vernon in Glencoe. The show is bold and imaginative and even has an unexpected, touching denouement. Four men, identical in Magritte-like bowlers, pinstripe suits, vests and matching […]
