Chicago Theatre Review

Monthly Archives: June 2016

A Satire of Horror

June 15, 2016 Comments Off on A Satire of Horror

Bat Boy: The Musical – Griffin Theatre

 

Scott Weinstein’s magnificent, heart-pounding production of this 2001 Lucille Lortel Award-winning Off-Broadway

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All There in Black and White

June 13, 2016 Comments Off on All There in Black and White

Thaddeus and Slocum: A Vaudeville Adventure – Lookingglass Theatre

 

It’s 1908. Presidential candidate William Howard Taft defeated William Jennings Bryan, the Garfield Park

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Not Ready for Prime Time

June 13, 2016 Comments Off on Not Ready for Prime Time

TAPPED: a Treasonous Musical Comedy – Forth Story Productions

 

Molly Todd Madison writes in the program’s Director’s Notes that due to the turbulent climate of this year’s political

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Spiraling Out of Control

June 12, 2016 Comments Off on Spiraling Out of Control

Spinning – Irish Theatre of Chicago

 

In a small coastal Irish village, a man stands on a pier at the ocean’s edge, waves splashing and winds blowing. Conor

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Heavenly Fun

June 11, 2016 Comments Off on Heavenly Fun

The Divine Sister – Hell in a Handbag

 

Charles Busch, actor, female impersonator, screenwriter and playwright, is a name synonymous with camp. He’s

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Love Without Boundaries

June 11, 2016 Comments Off on Love Without Boundaries

World Builders – First Floor Theatre

 

In Johnna Adams’ intelligent, intoxicating, 90-minute drama language and imagination are the stars. Directed by

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The Way We Were

June 10, 2016 Comments Off on The Way We Were

Soups, Stews and Casseroles: 1976 – Goodman Theatre

 

Some of the mess this country has found itself in today stems back to a time when the authority of the union was first

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Ravinia Season starts with a Big Bang

June 10, 2016 Comments Off on Ravinia Season starts with a Big Bang
Photo by Terry Giardina

Photo by Terry Giardina

What are some of the best things about summer in Chicago?  Beaches, fests, Bike rides, the lakefront just to name a few. But for me and many others the greatest thing about summer is Ravinia.  And as far back as I can remember I have always equated Ravinia with the start of the summer (perhaps some people think memorial day). What better way to spend a beautiful summer evening then hanging out with good friends, good wine,  listening to some of the best live music to kick off Ravinia 2016.

Billed as the “Last Summer on Earth”  Tour, this triple header, four hour concert was quite a musical masterpiece. The triple header being Howard Jones, OMD and Bare Naked Ladies. As I looked around at the crowd ( many in my age group) I felt transformed back to my 20’s dancing the night away to the music of Howard Jones and OMD. And might I mention watching Andy McCluskey work the stage was quite impressive. “If you Leave” brought us all back to that John Hughes “Pretty in Pink” soundtrack, a classic movie which really defined the 1980’s.

Photo by Terry Giardina

Photo by Terry Giardina

And then BNL took the stage. A Canadian band who came onto the music scene in the late 1980’s. Besides some great songs (Brian Wilson, If I had a Million Dollars) it is their whimsical, humorous bantering that made audiences take note of this very talented group. They treated us to a song about a restaurant they had eaten at (loved the food, not so much the décor). They also sang about the many different food items being eaten on the lawn. Their ability to improvise is just one of the things that sets them apart from many other groups.

Now I have always been a fan of BNL. There is no mistaken those voices whenever you hear one of their songs. They gained even more popularity doing the theme song from “The Big Bang Theory”. Before treating us to the scientific way the world began we were given an alternative version, “God did.” Just a little more humor from these guys who looked like they were having as much fun as their audience. At one point Howard Jones joined them to do “No one is to Blame.”

Photo by Terry Giardina

Photo by Terry Giardina

Sitting in front of me were a father and his teenage daughter. They kept pulling up photos of all three groups from their very early days. This was a reminder to myself how lucky my generation was to have this music. How fortunate we are to still have these groups performing and transporting us back to a time when life seemed easier. Music is one of the things that unites people and even for a short time makes us forget our troubles.

Oh and did I mention how lucky we are to have Ravinia and all it has to offer. A great beginning to what can only be an amazing summer  in one of the greatest outdoor venues.

 

For complete schedule visit www.ravinia.org

 


My Favorite Things

June 9, 2016 Comments Off on My Favorite Things

The Sound of Music – Broadway in Chicago

 

Rodgers & Hammerstein beloved musical about the von Trapp Family once again graces the Chicago stage. It is

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A Musical Suspended in Time

June 9, 2016 Comments Off on A Musical Suspended in Time

Xanadu – American Theatre Company

 

Some movies almost beg to be satirized, as does this 1980 cult favorite that starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene

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