Someone sets $1,000 on a stage and says, “How should we spend it?” What would you decide? Here’s your chance to find out. This year’s theme for Northwestern University’s theater program is poverty. With that in mind, veteran Sojurn Theatre director Michael Rohd was asked to bring his brand of theater programming—that of a dialogue […]
It’s hard to imagine a finer performance of “Oklahoma!” Lyric Opera of Chicago uses its world-class resources to give this production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway musical a perfect 70th anniversary presentation. It has solo voices that won’t quit, Lyric musicians in the pit and chorus members on the stage, a set that […]
Going to Marriott’s Theatre’s, “South Pacific,” to enjoy a timeless, classic love story amidst Rodgers and Hammerstein’s fabulous music is perfectly legitimate. But leaving with only the simple thought of shampooing an irksome someone out of one’s life is to do this production a gross injustice. The impeccable casting of Elizabeth Lanza as Ensign Nellie […]
Sometimes, it’s all about punctuation. To many, hinging a professional musical-theatrical production on the abilities of a bunch of children would be a huge question mark. Not to folks in Oakbrook Terrace. At least, not when they have director/choreographer extraordinaire Rachel Rockwell at the helm. Drury Lane’s current production of “Oliver!” doesn’t include an exclamation […]
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 […]
Clap if you believe in enchantment! Audiences are certainly enjoying “Enchanted April,” the final production of its 10th season. Keep in mind, for it to work you need to suspend disbelief when you take in this tale of two women who flee London rain and neglectful husbands for a month of sunshine and wisteria at […]
There’s no love/hate conundrum when it comes to the circus; everyone seems entrenched in one of two distinct tents. Tent One inhabitants count down the days until the Bulls and Blackhawks vacate the United Center to make room for the “Greatest Show on Earth.” Those in Tent Two see the circus as a sketchy entertainment […]
Scottish playwright David Grieg’s “Yellow Moon” is about many things, but more than anything else, it’s about the way we tell stories. The characters don’t have all that much dialogue—not the usual sort, anyway. Instead of talking to each other in conversations, they spend more time narrating and explaining and talking about each other. And […]
I think it’s going to be a few weeks before I don’t panic every time I forget where I put my keys. That’s the intensity that Lookingglass Theatre’s world premiere adaptation of Lisa Genova’s novel, “Still Alice” brings to the topic of early-onset dementia. It’s scary, it robs you of all the things you love, […]
“The Elephant & the Whale” is making a splash at the Ruth Page Center for Performing Arts. The family-friendly performance is produced by the Chicago Children’s Theatre in association with Redmoon Theater. Created by Frank Maugeri, whose past credits include co-creating “The Astronaut’s Birthday” at the MCA, “The Elephant and the Whale” is an innovative, […]
