Theater Guide: Holiday Curtain Call

It wouldn’t be the holiday season without Scrooge, George Bailey and the Sugar Plum Fairies appearing on local stages. But November and December also bring other theatrical gifts, including some promising comedies and dramas that have nothing to do with Santa Claus. “You Can’t Take It With You“ Nov. 6 – Dec. 13 A huge […]

Griffin Theatre's "Titanic": Their Ship Has Come In

My immediate concern upon entering the Theater Witblack box to see the Griffin Theatre production of the Tony Award-winning musical “Titanic” (music and lyrics by Maury Yeston, book by Peter Stone): how will they pull off this huge show on a stage roughly the size of a first-class stateroom? The answer is, very cleverly. Director […]

Holiday Theater Guide

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 […]

Theater Wit: "The Santaland Diaries"

The biggest problem with any stage production of “The Santaland Diaries” is that it doesn’t star David Sedaris, the witty writer and public-radio raconteur who made the story famous in the first place. Theater Wit confronts that issue head-on with its new production. Almost as soon as actor Mitchell Fain steps out onto the stage, […]

Warm Up With Crackling Yarns

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 […]

Stage Rites

Chicago theaters take on tradition this December. December is not just any month. The last month of the year is designated for gathering with friends and family to partake in age-old traditions, such as attending midnight mass, lighting the menorah and making the trek to your great Aunt’s annual cookie exchange. From Sedaris to Irving […]

“A Walk in the Woods” Captivates—Even As It Tackles Diplomacy

In Lee Blessing’s Pulitzer Prize-nominated play, the characters struggle with a conflict that may end life as we know it, and still maintain their humanity. The early ‘80s nuclear arms race brought civilization to the brink of annihilation; the Soviet and American stockpiles alone were enough to destroy the world several times over. This makes […]