Posted on August 29, 2010 by Scotty Zacher
The devil’s in the details: Anachronisms mar historical drama LiveWire Chicago Theatre presents Hideous Progeny By Emily Dendinger Directed by Jessica Hutchinson Storefront Theater, 66 E. Randolph St., Chicago (map) Through Sept. 26 | Tickets: $15–20 | more info Reviewed by Leah A. Zeldes When you’re creating a work of historical [...]
Filed under: 2010 Reviews, DCA Theatre, Leah A. Zeldes, LiveWire Chicago, Storefront Theatre | Tagged: Madeline Long, DCA Theatre, Storefront Theater, Patrick King, Eric Branson, Pat King, Dianna Driscoll, Anders Jacobson, Judy Radovsky, Tom McGrath, John Taflan, Jessica Hutchinson, Laura Kollar, LiveWire Chicago Theatre, Cory Conrad, Hilary Williams, Benno Nelson, Emily Dendinger, Hideous Progeny, George Gordon Byron, Frankenstin, Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin, Percy Byshe Shelley, The Year Without Summer, Beau Brummell, British Regency, Anne isabella Milbanke, Childe Harolds Pilgrimage, John William Polidori, Jane Claire Clairmont, Danielle O'Farrell, Mary Wollstonecraft, Luigi Galvani, Sarah Ramos, Maria DeFabo, Steve Brackett, Brittany Bugge | 1 Comment »
Posted on August 29, 2010 by Scotty Zacher
Hammed-up Stoppard fails to find the laughs Signal Ensemble Theatre presents The Real Inspector Hound By Tom Stoppard Directed by Ronan Marra Signal Ensemble Theatre, 1802 W. Berenice (map) Through Sept. 18 | Tickets: $15–20 | more info Reviewed by Leah A. Zeldes From the time the house opens on Signal [...]
Filed under: 2010 Reviews, Leah A. Zeldes, LiveWire Chicago, Tom Stoppard | Tagged: Signal Ensemble Theatre, Jon Steinhagen, Tom Stoppard, Colby Sellers, Anthony Ingram, Leah A. Zeldes, Stephanie Ehemann, Philip Winston, Johnny Knight, John Blick, Joseph Stearns, Ronan Marra, Elsa Hiltner, Mary O'Dowd, The Real Inspector Hound, Melania Lancy, Julie Ballard, Meredith Bell Alvarez, Katie Genualdi, Charles Schoenherr, Breadline Theatre Group | Leave a Comment »
Posted on August 17, 2010 by Scotty Zacher
Blago spoof still funny, if more painful The Second City presents Rod Blagojevich Superstar Book by Ed Furman, songs by T.J. Shanoff Directed by Matt Hovde Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell, Arlington Heights (map) Through Sept. 18 | Tickets: $28.50–$33.50 | more info Reviewed by Leah [...]
Filed under: 2010 Reviews, Leah A. Zeldes, Metropolis Arts Centre, Second City | Tagged: Second City Chicago, Lisa Madigan, Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, Ed Furman, T.J. Shanoff, Rod Blagojevich Superstar, Joey Bland, Lauren Dowden, Lori McClain, Patti Blagojevich, Roland Burris, Dick Mell, Patrick Fitzgerald, John Hildreth, Leah A. Zeldes, Jesus Christ Superstar, Metropolis Arts Centre, Matt Hoyde, George Ryan, Dunbar Dicks, Laured Dowden, Tony Rezko | Leave a Comment »
Posted on August 8, 2010 by Scotty Zacher
How long should a parent grieve? The Sweet Life presents Leaving Timmy Written by Paul Barile Directed by Zach Johnson-Dunlop Prop Thtr, 3502 N. Elston, Chicago (map) Through Aug. 15 | Tickets: $10–15 | info: 773-539-7838 Reviewed by Leah A. Zeldes If your husband told you he had seen — [...]
Filed under: 2010 Reviews, Leah A. Zeldes, Prop Thtr, Sweet Life | Tagged: Prop Thtr, Leah A. Zeldes, Paul Barile, Whitney Kraus, Chicago theatre review, The Sweet Life, Leaving Timmy, Zach Johnson-Dunlop, Andrea Lucius, Ben Campana, Nolan Oakes, Ikka Bikka Soda Cracker, Julie Ostrow, Lerner Newspapers | Leave a Comment »
Posted on July 23, 2010 by Scotty Zacher
‘The Philadelphia Story’ haunted by ghosts of movies past Circle Theatre presents The Philadelphia Story Written by Philip Barry Directed by Jim Schneider at Circle Theatre, 7300 Madison, Forest Park (map) Through Sept. 5 | Tickets: $20–$24 | more info Reviewed by Leah A. Zeldes Any production of The Philadelphia Story [...]
Filed under: 2010 Reviews, Circle Theatre, Leah A. Zeldes | Tagged: Arlene Page, Bob Knuth, Cary Grant, Chelsea Lynn, Circle Theatre, Doug Pawlik, Elizabeth Wislar, Gregory Payne, High Society the Musical, Hope Montgomery Scott, James Stewart, Jhenai Mootz, Jim Schneider, Josh Hambrock, Katelyn Smith, Kathryn Hepburn, Kevin Anderson, Laura McClain, Leah A. Zeldes, Luke Renn, Mary Pavia, Peter Esposito, Peter J. Storms, Philadelphia Story Circle Theater review, Philip Barry, Rebecca Miles Steiner, Thomas R. Schutt, Tom Viskocil | Leave a Comment »
Posted on July 22, 2010 by Scotty Zacher
Chicago sees a lot of very good acting. Yet every once in a while an actor really socks you in the eyes with the difference between good and great. That’s Kevin Anderson in a Joel Drake Johnson’s quirky dark comedy, A Guide for the Perplexed, now in world premiere at Victory Gardens.
Filed under: 2010 Reviews, Biograph Theatre, Leah A. Zeldes, Victory Gardens | Tagged: Andre Pluess, Joel Drake Johnson, Francis Guinan, Carol J. Blanchard, Grant Sabin, Leah A. Zeldes, Kevin Anderson, Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, Chicago theater review, A Guide for the Perplexed, Cynthia Baker, Meg Thalken, Bubba Weiler, Sandy Shiner, Jeffrey Bauer, Todd Hensley, Tina M. Jack, Moses Maimonides, Rambam | Leave a Comment »
Posted on July 18, 2010 by Scotty Zacher
Fat is the new black Jedlicka Performing Arts Center presents Hairspray Bood by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan Music/Lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman Directed by Dante Joseph Orfei Jedlicka Performing Arts Center, Cicero (map) Through July 31 | Tickets: $10-$17 | more info reviewed by Leah A. Zeldes In [...]
Filed under: 2010 Reviews, Jedlicka Performing Arts Center, Leah A. Zeldes | Tagged: (Aisha) Nikki Greenlee, Adam Gustafson, Alex Newkirk, Amanda Nianick, Ben Scholz, Carlotta Mayen, Cody Siragusa, Dawn Pryor, Divine, Gabby McConnell, Hairspray Chicago theater review, Hairspray the Musical, Jedlicka Performing Arts Center, Leah A. Zeldes, Little Shop of Horrors, Marc Shaiman, Mark O'Donnell, Michael Kott, Mike Brooks, Nancy Kolton, Nikki Greenlee, Randy Newman, Ryan Hunt, Sandy Lind, Scott Whittman, Thomas Meehan, TJ Crawford, Vincent Soto | 2 Comments »
Posted on July 16, 2010 by Scotty Zacher
Beatings on the beach more fun than you’d think Bruised Orange Theater Company presents Daddy Long Legs By Clint Sheffer Directed by John Morrison Leone Beach Park, 1222 W. Touhy (map) Through Aug. 1 | Tickets: $15 or pay what you can | more info Reviewed by Leah A. Zeldes On [...]
Filed under: 2010 Reviews, Bruised Orange Theater, Leah A. Zeldes | Tagged: Northlight Theatre, St. Valentine's Day Massacre, Leah A. Zeldes, John Arthur Lewis, Daddy Long Legs, Brused Orange Theatre, Chicago review, Clint Sheffer, John Morrison, Leone Beach Park, Bobby Widdle, Mars Streznick, Jean Webster, Fred Astaire, John Caird, Wes Clark, Jon Morrison, Alison Connelly | Leave a Comment »
Posted on July 12, 2010 by Scotty Zacher
Sad puppet love, high art Blair Thomas & Co. presents Hard Headed Heart Created by Blair Thomas Victory Gardens, Richard Christiansen Theater 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago (map) Through Aug. 21 | Tickets: $25 | more info Reviewed by Leah A. Zeldes We long ago learned that puppets aren’t just [...]
Filed under: 2010 Reviews, Leah A. Zeldes, Richard Christiansen Theatre, Victory Gardens | Tagged: Victory Gardens Theater, Leah A. Zeldes, Blair Thomas, Federico García Lorca, Cab Calloway, Richard Christiansen Theater, Blair Thomas and Company, Hard Headed Heart Chicago review, cantastoria, Punch and Judy, Betty Boop cartoon, mellophone, Jesse Mooney-Bullock, Wallace Stevens, Ben Johnston String Quartet | Leave a Comment »
Posted on July 1, 2010 by Scotty Zacher
No justice for Sor Juana Goodman Theatre presents The Sins of Sor Juana By Karen Zacarías Directed by Henry Godinez Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn (map) Through July 25 | Tickets: $20–$71 | more info Reviewed by Leah A. Zeldes Although she is celebrated in Latin America and Spain as one [...]
Filed under: 2010 Reviews, Goodman Theatre, Leah A. Zeldes | Tagged: Amy J. Carle, Chicago theater review, Christina Nieves, Dion Mucciacito, Dudley Do-Right, Elly Lachman, Goodman Theatre, Henry Godinez, Ilana Faust, Isabel Quintero, Joe Minoso, Joseph Appelt, Joshua Horvath, Juana Ins de la Cruz, Karen Zacarias, Kevin Fugaro, Latino Theatre Festival, Laura Crotte, Leah A. Zeldes, Malaya Rivera Drew, Mina Hyun-Ok Hong, Ray Nardelli, Sins of Sor Juana Chicago Goodman review, The Sins of Sor Juana, Todd Rosenthal, Tony Plana | Leave a Comment »
Posted on June 16, 2010 by Scotty Zacher
Familiar story has power under the stars Oak Park Festival Theatre presents Of Mice and Men By John Steinbeck Directed by Belinda Bremner Austin Gardens Park, 157 N. Forest Ave., Oak Park (map) Through July 10 | Tickets: $10-$25; chair rental: $2 | more info Reviewed by Leah A. Zeldes One [...]
Filed under: 2010 Reviews, Leah A. Zeldes, Oak Park Festival | Tagged: Oak Park Festival Theatre, Kevin Theis, David Skvaria, Kyle Irwin, Ricky Lurie, robert W. Behr, John Steinbeck, Ron Butts, Belinda Bremner, Skyler Schrempp, Of Mice And Men, Of Mice and Men Oak Park review, Chicago theater review, Austin Gardens Park, William J. Norris, Adam Meredith, Emanueal Buckley, Stanton Davis, Ben Carr, Walter Briggs, Aimee Hanyzewski, Jill Norris, Tramon Crawford, Michael Lasswell | 1 Comment »
Posted on June 6, 2010 by Scotty Zacher
Delightful singers highlight of sensational ‘Yeomen’ Light Opera Works presents Yeomen of the Guard Words by W.S. Gilbert, music by Arthur Sullivan Directed and choreographed by Rudy Hogenmiller Music direction by Roger L. Bingaman Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson St., Evanston (map) Through June 13 | Tickets: $32–$98 (under 21, half-price) | [...]
Filed under: 2010 Reviews, Cahn Auditorium, Gilbert & Sullivan, Leah A. Zeldes, Light Opera Works | Tagged: Cahn Auditorium, Gilbert and Sullivan, Light Opera Works, George Andrew Wolff, Leah A. Zeldes, W.S. Gilbert, Arthur Sullivan, Rudy Hogenmiller, Alicia Berneche, Roger L. Bingaman, Yeomen of the Guard, Yeoman of the Guard Chicago review, Sahara Glasener-Boles, Yvonne Strumecki, Alex Honzen, Dennis Kelly, Colm Fitzmaurice, Michael Reckling | Leave a Comment »
Posted on May 20, 2010 by Scotty Zacher
Still in need of some ‘crisis’ management Metropolis Performing Arts Centre presents Mid-life! The Crisis Musical By Bob Walton and Jim Walton Directed by Robin M. Hughes at MPAC, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights (map) Through June 19 | Tickets: $35-$43 | more info Reviewed by Leah A. Zeldes Hot [...]
Filed under: 2010 Reviews, Leah A. Zeldes, Metropolis Arts Centre, Musical Revue | Tagged: Chicago the Musical, Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, Nick Heggestad, Leah A. Zeldes, Lisa Savagnago, Nancy Kolton, Adam Veness, David Belew, Cathy Tantillo, Mid-life! The Crisis Musical, Mid-life Crisis Musical review, Midlife Crisis Musical Chicago review, Dennis Brown, Kate Brown, David Elliott, Scott Emerick, Liz Haley, Katie Miller, Mark Anderson, Robin M. Hughes, Micky York, Christie Kerr, Carly Hengels, Mike Wagner, Michael Gehmlich, Bill Franz, Joe Mohamed | Leave a Comment »
Posted on May 15, 2010 by Scotty Zacher
‘Wicked’ isn’t the only dark Oz Lifeline Theatre presents Neverwhere Adapted by Robert Kauzlaric from the novel by Neil Gaiman Directed by Paul S. Holmquist Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood (map) Through June 20 | Tickets: $30 | more info Reviewed by Leah A. Zeldes Alice fell through the rabbit hole. [...]
Filed under: 2010 Reviews, Adaptation, Leah A. Zeldes, Lifeline Theatre | Tagged: Wicked the Musical, Lifeline Theatre, Elise Kauzlaric, Robert Kauzlaric, Mikhail Fiksel, Sean Sinitski, Gregory Maguire, Maren Robinson, Patrick Blashill, Alan Donahue, Kevin D. Gawley, Phil Timberlake, Elizabeth Powell Wislar, Katie McLean, Kimberly G. Morris, Ian Novak, Paul S. Holmquist, Cortney Hurley, Dan Granata, Jordan Kardasz, Chris Hainsworth, Ian Zywica, Christopher M. Walsh, Matt Kahler, Leah A. Zeldes, Mike Ooi, Mallory Nees, Sara Gorsky, R&D Choreography, Eva Brenneman, Kyra Morris, Neverwhere, Neil Gaiman Neverwhere, Neverwhere review, Neverwhere Lifeline Theatre review, Neil Gaiman, Jessica Wright, Adam Hubbell, Charlie Alves, Erica Foster | Leave a Comment »
Posted on May 11, 2010 by Scotty Zacher
Friggin’ hilarious The Second City e.t.c. presents The Absolute Best Friggin’ Time of Your Life Directed by Bill Bungeroth Musical direction by Jesse Case The Second City e.t.c., Piper’s Alley, 1608 N. Wells (map) Open run | Tickets: $22–$27 | more info Reviewed by Leah A. Zeldes Second City e.t.c.’s new revue, [...]
Filed under: 2010 Reviews, Leah A. Zeldes, Piper's Alley, Second City e.t.c., Video | Tagged: Best Friggin' Time of Your Life review, Beth Melewski, Bil Bungeroth, Brendan Jennings, Christina Anthony, Jesse Case, Leah A. Zeldes, Mary Sohn, Piper's Alley, Second City Best Friggin' review, Second City e.t.c., The Absolute Best Friggin' Time of Your File, Tim Baltz, Tom Flanigan | 1 Comment »
Posted on May 9, 2010 by Scotty Zacher
Fun with spelling Noble Fool Theatricals presents The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Conceived by Rebecca Feldman book by Rachel Sheinkin and music/lyrics by William Finn Directed by Kevin Bellie, music direction by Peter Storms Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles (map) Through June 13 | [...]
Filed under: 2010 Reviews, Leah A. Zeldes, Noble Fool Theatre, Pheasant Run Resort, William Finn | Tagged: Ian Paul Custer, Kevin Bellie, Kimberly G. Morris, Pheasant Run Resort, William Finn, Michael Weber, Jack Sweeney, Cara Rifkin, Noble Fool Theatricals, Leah A. Zeldes, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Putnam Spelling Bee review, Spelling Bee Noble Fool review, Spelling Bee Chicago review, Rebecca Feldman, Rachel Sheinkin, Peter Storms, Falsettos the Musical, Barrington Stage Company, Samantha Dubin, Chie Isobe, Erik Kaiko, Liza Jaine, Randolph Johnson | 1 Comment »
Posted on May 3, 2010 by Scotty Zacher
Architect Richard Kasemsarn with the plan of Theater Wit. (Photo by Dick Smith.) Theater Wit: Chicago’s newest performance space opens By Leah A. Zeldes "It’s jaw-droppingly different," says Jeremy Wechsler, artistic director of Theater Wit, about his troupe’s new home. After 16 months of a $1.3-million joists-out renovation, the one-time post office adjoining [...]
Filed under: Bohemian Theatre, Leah A. Zeldes, Physical Environs, Shattered Globe, Stage Left Theatre, Theater News, Theater Wit, Theatre Building Chicago | Tagged: Bailiwick Theatre, Shattered Globe Theatre, Stage Left Theatre, Theatre Building Chicago, Bohemian Theatre Ensemble, Theater Wit, Leah A. Zeldes, Jeremy Wechsler, Richard Kasemsarn, Theatrer Wit Spin, Lakeview Chicago, School of the Art Institute, Bolingbrook High School | 1 Comment »
Posted on May 3, 2010 by Scotty Zacher
Theater Wit opens new space on a dark note Theater Wit presents Spin By Penny Penniston Directed by Jeremy Wechsler Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. (map) Thru June 5 | Tickets: $25 (suggested donation) | more info Reviewed by Leah A. Zeldes "I know you’re watching." That phrase repeats over [...]
Filed under: 2010 Reviews, Leah A. Zeldes, Theater Wit | Tagged: Alan Alda, Alice Wedoff, Austin Talley, Coburn Goss, Jeremy Wechsler, Joe Foust, Lance Baker, Leah A. Zeldes, Lolita-like, Michael Kessler, Penny Penniston, Spin review, Spin Theater Wit Chicago review, Spin Theater Wit review, Theater Wit, Theater Wit Chicago Lakeview | 1 Comment »
Posted on April 25, 2010 by Scotty Zacher
No great truths revealed Will Act for Food presents Ten Unknowns By Jon Robin Baitz Directed by Scott Pasko, assisted by Sally LaRowe Athenaeum Theatre, Studio 1, 2936 N. Southport Ave. (map) Through May 29 | Tickets: $20; $15 with food donation | more info Reviewed by Leah A. Zeldes Jon [...]
Filed under: 2010 Reviews, Athenauem, Leah A. Zeldes, Will Act for Food | Tagged: Jon Robin Baitz, Lincoln Center, Dennis Newport, Leah A. Zeldes, Ben Veatch, Ten Unknowns, Ten Unknowns review, Ten Unknowns synopsis, Ten Unknowns Will Act for Food review, Will Act for Food, Ten Unknowns Chicago review, Scott Pasko, Sally LaRowe, Athanaeum Theatre, Neil Huff, Rachel Neuman | Leave a Comment »
Posted on April 20, 2010 by Scotty Zacher
Still earthbound in Highwood Attic Playhouse presents Heaven Can Wait By Harry Segall Directed by Catherine Davis; assisted by Lauren Friedman Attic Playhouse, 410 Sheridan Road, Highwood (map) Through May 30 | Tickets: $20 advance, $22 door | more info Reviewed by Leah A. Zeldes I recently wrote that there’s good [...]
Filed under: 2010 Reviews, Attic Playhouse, Leah A. Zeldes | Tagged: Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, Andrew J. Pond, Leah A. Zeldes, Catherine Davis, Heaven Can Wait, Heaven Can Wait Attic Playhouse review, Attic Playhouse, Attic Playhouse Highwood, Kimberley Hellem, Brendan Hutt, Evan Voboril, Harry Segall, Lauren Friedman, Ken Gayton | 1 Comment »
