Monthly Archives: May 2016
The Raisin That Doesn’t Quite Ripen
The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window – Goodman Theatre
Lorraine Hansberry, a native Chicagoan, and the first black playwright to have one of her plays produced on Broadway,
Read MoreHonoring the Bard’s History Plays
Tug of War: Foreign Fire – Chicago Shakespeare Theatre
Artistic director Barbara Gaines deserves so much respect and admiration for this, her ambitious, creative and carefully
Read MoreBuffoonery in Brighton
One Man, Two Guvnors – Court Theatre
Perched on the edge of Brighton Pier, down along the southern coast of England, a dozen bizarre characters unite for a
Read MoreHot Boys and Hilarity in Hell’s Kitchen
The Boys Upstairs – Pride Films and Plays
Josh and Seth are best friends and roommates, living in one of Midtown Manhattan’s trendy brownstones. They’re
Read MoreRaging Against the Dying of the Light
Chewing on Beckett – Artemisia
Somewhere in a Dystopian wasteland, that reminds us of the settings from Samuel Beckett’s “Endgame” and
Read MoreKevin Nealon at City Winery
The City Winery opened in 2012 at 120 West Randolph, conveniently located in the Fulton Market District of the West Loop. This was actually my first trip to this venue and I can honestly say I cannot wait to go back. It just happened to be one of those beautiful Chicago Sundays, a great day to do anything in the city. The first thing I noticed was the exquisite outdoor patio, a perfect day for dining al fresco. As I entered inside I was so impressed with the space. 3300 Sq Ft. with something for everyone. An open airy space that is home to good wine (having won awards for outstanding world wide wine lists). In addition the shows, menu and ambiance gives one many reasons to frequent this venue.
On this particular evening I was there to catch the 5pm Kevin Nealon show. And while the show did not begin until 5:30 (Adam Burke opened the show with about 15 minutes of some fun material), it did not matter much to anyone there. Everyone just seemed to be having a great time enjoying all the city winery has to offer.
Kevin Nealon best known for his years on SNL and the nextfilx series Weeds came out on stage looking quite dapper in his suit. His opening line was “it’s me, this is what I look like, I am taller then you thought.” He was likeable from the very beginning in a boyish charming way. After about five minutes on the stage he shouted backstage “how am I doing on time?” Then I was hooked. And the show only got better from there. He shared stories about Jack Nicholson, how he got his start on Saturday Night Live (through his friend Dana Carvey) and a bit about his personal life and his 9 year old son. He bantered with the audience using his subliminal man (from SNL) and gave us a bit of Hans and Franz complete with more stories about Arnold Schwarzenegger.
What makes this comedian different from many I have seen is his unique brand of comedy. His humor while dry is also clean and refreshing. Towards the end of the show it was clear the audience did not want him to leave. So back he came several times looking quite appreciative. And in a final gesture of goodwill as he departed for the last time, he left us with his middle finger pointing up. And just like that the show ended. It was the perfect night of comedy, mixed with great food and wine and the perfect ambiance.
This is now one of my new favorite venues and I am looking forward to seeing some live music in this space. For anyone who has not been to City Winery do yourself a favor. Check out the upcoming schedule, grab a date or a group of friends and you will certainly be in for a spectacular evening. I know I will be back as often as I can.
A Photograph Comes to Life
Chimerica – Timeline Theatre
A haunting image witnessed during the final moments of this stunning production will remain with audiences long
Read MoreLesbian Lit Meets Pulpy Potboiler
The Secretaries – About Face Theatre
It’s the early 1990’s and a new dream job calls Patty Johnson to Big Bone, Oregon at the Cooney Lumber Mill. Armed
Read MoreWhat Eyes See and Ears Hear
Death and Harry Houdini – House Theatre
Erik Weisz was an Hungarian-born Jewish boy from Appleton, Wisconsin, who eventually evolved into the world
Read MoreFascinating Rhythms
Nice Work If You Can Get It – Theatre at the Center
In 2001 Joe DiPietro wrote a script that incorporated several songs by George and Ira Gershwin into his story. He
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