The last time Robert Falls directed a Shakespeare play at the Goodman, where he serves as artistic director, he transplanted “King Lear” into a landscape that resembled war-torn Yugoslavia. It was a shocking, riveting, gut-wrenching and epic experience. Now, Falls is taking a similarly transformative approach to another Shakespeare work, “Measure for Measure.” Although […]
Anyone who writes an honest tell-all memoir about their family will hurt some feelings. Most parents, siblings and spouses would rather not have their private moments revealed in a book. And what if the family has secrets involving crime, death and politics, and disagreements about what it all means? In that situation, a family […]
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 […]
The main characters in Tennessee Williams’ “Sweet Bird of Youth” call themselves — and each other — monsters. “When monster meets monster, one monster has to give way, and it will never be me!” proclaims the aging, drug- and sex-addled film actress Alexandra Del Lago. Her young lover, gigolo and traveling companion of the moment, […]
September’s always one of the busiest months for theatergoing, as many stage companies come back from summer break. This year’s fall season is front-loaded with highly anticipated shows by some of the Chicago area’s most celebrated directors. Sweet Bird of Youth September 15 – October 28 | Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago | […]
The British colonization of Africa was a protracted, complicated cruelty whose ramifications still affect Africans today. Western ways supplanted centuries-old native traditions, wiping away tribal life. “The Convert” examines the negative impact of European “progress.” In 1890s Rhodesia, Catholic priest Chilford (Leroy McClain) strives to assimilate into encroaching British culture. He acquiesces to housekeeper Mai […]
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 […]
The Goodman Theatre’s annual production of “A Christmas Carol” is a Chicago tradition that has filled families with holiday spirit for 34 years. If attending this show hasn’t made your yuletide to-do list yet, this year is a good time to start. “A Christmas Carol” tells Charles Dickens’ tale of the stingy, cold-hearted curmudgeon Ebenezer […]
“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. […]
Emotions run high this fall in Chicago area plays. An artist’s struggle, a playwright’s confusion, real estate woes, nostalgic clothing and a greedy pet all take center stage—you won’t want to miss these shows! Broadway in Chicago’s “Love, Loss & What I Wore” at Broadway Playhouse September 13-October 23 Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut […]
