Chicago Theatre Review
A Weekend in the Woods
The Targeted
Bringing their impressive 33rd season to a fine finale, A Red Orchid Theatre presents a powerful world premiere drama. It’s a story with so many locations that the company chose to present the production at the larger Chopin Theatre, rather than in their own intimate space on Wells Street. Scenic designer Lauren M. Nichols rises to the occasion by creating a large, practical stage set featuring an outdoor amphitheater with bench seats for the cast that brings the audience right into the play. She’s also created the interior of two cabins, complete with bunkbeds, as well as a cafeteria where guests gather for meals, craft sessions, discussions and lectures. It’s all part of a weekend in the woods with THE TARGETED.
Read MoreThe St. Olaf Way
The Golden Girls: The Cheese Pyramid
Since I’ve been such a fan for so long, it’s hard to believe that Hell in a Handbag Productions has been entertaining Chicago audiences now for a quarter of a century of fun! David Cerda’a delightful company of actors, often appearing in drag, have presented a number of original entertainments, most of them parodies of movies, plays and TV shows that are familiar to many theatergoers. One of Handbag’s most popular tropes is THE GOLDEN GIRLS: THE LOST EPISODES. This gives Artistic Director, playwright and actor, David Cerda, a wide range of possible plot lines and an endless supply of comic characters and situations to explore.
Read MoreKicking and Screaming
An Enemy of the People
Imagine attending a classic play by one of drama’s most respected and brilliant international playwrights, and finding that the production is as surprisingly au courant as today’s headlines. But that’s the sign of a genius, and from another century, who’s written a great play that’s stood the test of time. And TimeLine Theatre’s brand new version of AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE, adapted by Amy Herzog (MARY JANE, 4000 MILES, BELLEVILLE), is so timely that many theatergoers will think that it must’ve been written yesterday. And this extraordinary TimeLine Theatre production effectively drags Henrik Ibsen’s Victorian Era social drama kicking and screaming into the twenty-first century.
Read MoreDo You Hear the People Sing?
Les Miserables
Once again making a welcome return to Chicago, longtime fans of LES MISERABLES, as well as brand new audiences, will have another opportunity to enjoy this refreshed, updated production, but only for the next two weeks. Billed as “the final tour,” the production is based upon the most recent Broadway revival. Co-directors Laurence Connor and James Powell have beautifully guided and creatively restaged this new National Tour version. The production features a beautifully reimagined scenic design by Matt Kinley. Inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, the show’s stunning, towering sets, with projections by Finn Ross and Fifty-Nine Productions, sometimes feel almost cinematic. Gorgeously enhanced by Paul Constable’s luminous lighting and a phenomenal surround-sound design, courtesy of Mick Potter, makes this production dazzling to all the senses.
Read MoreBack in Baby’s Arms
Always…Patsy Cline
She steps onto the stage and the magic begins. Now you and I both know that we aren’t about to enjoy the real Patsy Cline in this heartfelt musical, but you’d be hard-pressed to tell the difference. Dressed in one of the country/western singer’s signature cowgirl costumes, lovingly hand-sewn by her mama, Patsy is radiant, all in red. A warm welcome, like a tsunami of applause and cheering, emanates from the audience. It floods the stage as the beautiful, mega talented Chicago actress, Liz Chidester captures our hearts. Patsy Cline sings and welcomes everyone, intoning “Come On In (And Make Yourself at Home).” And for a cool two hours of pure joy and entertainment, we’re back in the late 1950’s-early 60’s, snuggling comfortably and “Back in Baby’s Arms” once more.
Read MoreUnsung Moments of Everyday Life
Do Something Pretty
Melissa Ross is a gifted young playwright who really appreciates those quiet, unsung moments of everyday life. She certainly knows how to focus on and celebrate them. Most writers ignore or shy away from such commonplace incidents, but Ms. Ross employs them to her advantage. In THINNER THAN WATER, the playwright boldly looked at a family of siblings, all with their own individual problems, as they dealt with the death of their father. In A LIFE EXTRA ORDINARY, Ms. Ross took a sweeping look at both the good and the bad moments of Annabel’s life, narrated by the young woman from her grave.
Read MoreThe Devil’s in the Details
Covenant
A term frequently used in a religious context, someone who makes a contract, a solemn commitment or an agreement with another individual is entering into a covenant. It recalls the promises made by Noah, Abraham or David with God. But in COVENANT, a one-act horror-thriller, a rumor persists that a local young man once made such an unbinding contract with Satan. And, let me tell you, in Chicago playwright York Walker’s frightening new Southern Gothic, the devil is in the details.
Read MoreFeeling the Itch
The Hula Hoopin’ Queen
“Today is the day I’m going to beat Jamara Johnson at hooping. Then I’ll be THE HULA HOOPIN’ QUEEN of 139th Street!” Young Kameeka is bound and determined to prove to her friend, Jamara, that she’s no longer holds the title of champion hula hooper. Kameeka is finally going to win the crown today. Then suddenly Kameeka feels the itch, the Hula Hoopin’ itch. Her fingers start snappin,’ her feet start tappin’ and her hips start swingin.’ But Kameeka’s challenge to her hoopin’ friend, Jamara, will just have to wait. Today’s Miss Adeline’s 80th birthday and Kameeka’s planned a special party for the lovable woman who’s been like a grandmother to both her mother and her for many years. But today is also the day Kameeka has planned to win the title of THE HULA HOOPIN’ QUEEN.
Read MoreFanciful Adventures in Space, Friendship, and the Most Unlikely of True Loves
moonwatchers
Taking the tradition of tall tales into science fiction, moonwatchers is a light-hearted romp about opposites in friendship and star-crossed soulmates. The whimsical story written by Nigel Berkely and Corey Farrell, as Directed by Nealie Tinlin, and presented by Lazy Susan Theatre Co. is a high-energy evening of escapism that will lift your spirits. And how better to celebrate the historic Artemis II mission to the far side of the moon than taking in this far out adventure.
Read MoreYou’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught
South Pacific
Spring has finally blossomed in Chicagoland. And with the bounty of beautiful flowers comes an abundance of new shows, both original, Broadway-bound hopefuls and timeless classics of the musical theatre. Paramount’s latest offering is a polished, beautifully directed, acted and, especially, sung production that harkens from Broadway’s Golden Era. This fine presentation is visually stunning and very entertaining, but a few tiny hitches keep this production of SOUTH PACFIC from totally being “Some Enchanted Evening.”
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