Monthly Archives: December 2023
I’m a Believer
Shrek: The Musical
Musical Theatre has come a long way since “Oklahoma” and “Showboat.” In this “greatest fairy tale never told,” we find the story of an ugly, green ogre, who loudly burps, passes gas and roars at strangers. But in addition to being entertaining, the musical promotes the important theme that, although everyone is unique with different talents and strengths, we all deserve to be loved and respected. Shrek is more-or-less content with his life as an outcast. He lives alone in a swamp where no one ever bothers him because they’re scared. Then one day, Lord Farquaad, the evil ruler of Duloc, banishes all the fairy tale folks from his kingdom, simply because they’re different. The only place they can go is the swamp that Shrek calls home. And suddenly a two-act adventure begins about being different in our society. The story might remind theatergoers of the political climate in America today.
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Everyone Needs a Rose in Their Lives
The Golden Girls Save Xmas: A Lost Episodes Parody
Chicagoland’s favorite funny female quartet from television’s “The Golden Girls,” returns once again this year to make Christmas especially merry and bright. Audiences familiar with Hell in a Handbag drag productions will know what to expect and, I promise you, theatergoers will not be disappointed. But any adult, liberal-minded newbies to this creative company’s annual, brand new “Lost Episode Parody” will soon be adding Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, Sophia and their friends to their list of must-see annual holiday productions. For me, Christmas simply wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit to the traditional Goodman, American Blues, Joffrey and Hell in a Handbag Christmas confections. And besides the typical tomfoolery of their comedies, this year David Cerda’s “Lost Episode” also offers a whole lot of heart.
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Home At Last!
It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!
American Blues Theater’s 22nd annual presentation of Frank Capra’s beloved Christmas classic is unique for a whole lot of reasons. But what makes this year’s production so special is that the popular and critically acclaimed theater company is finally home at last! ABT’s new, permanent venue is in Lincoln Square, at 5627 N Lincoln Avenue. In the past, the theater company has presented its professionally produced radio play production all over Chicago, including at the Theater on the Lake, Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, the Greenhouse Theater Center, Stage 773, the Chopin Theatre and, during the pandemic, virtually via Zoom. After much anticipation, this glorious, heartwarming story is finally at home in American Blues’ own space.
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Teeming With Twists and Turns
Dial M for Murder
Tony Wendice once achieved fame as a pro tennis champion. Then he tried his hand at writing, but when he failed in that endeavor he worked his way up to become the head of public relations for a London publishing firm. Yearning for a cushier life style, Wendice charmed and married lovely Margot, an heiress with a fortune. The two now live a very privileged life in one of London’s more fashionable neighborhoods. But while Tony is busy promoting the new novels of famous authors, Margot tries to occupy herself keeping house, shopping and volunteering at most of London’s major museums. But the young woman is bored with her life.
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Something To Shout About
Boop!
Boop-Oop-a-Doop! She’s here, at last, and it’s truly “Something to Shout About.” Betty Boop, that confident, strong-willed, yet sweetly sexy and likable young woman first appeared in black & white cartoons and short films, back in 1930. That was a very different time. Hoover was in the White House, the Stock Market had crashed, thousands were out of work and America was in the middle of the Great Depression. But tremendous change was in the air. The 30’s was an era of contrasts: it was simultaneously a decade of traditionalism and modern experimentation; sentimentality blossomed that was contrasted by a new toughness; and there was a longing for our simpler past against the country’s dreams for the future. This was the world of Betty Boop and her animated friends.
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A Christmas Tradition
The Nutcracker
What would the holidays be, especially in Chicago, without a visit to some of the spectacular entertainment events that have become a Christmas Tradition? Two of the must-see family productions during the holidays include the Goodman Theatre’s excellent “A Christmas Carol” and the Joffrey Ballet’s magnificent presentation of “The Nutcracker.” Performing once again at the opulent Lyric Opera House, this version of the iconic magical tale only gets greater and more grandiose with each production every year.
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Kindness and Kinship on Kinnan
Islander
A young girl named Eilidh (AY-lee) wanders the Scottish coastline. She spends most of her days alone on the beach, because Eilidh is the only child left on the tiny, fictional island of Kinnan. Almost everyone else, including her own Mum, has relocated to the “Big Land,” the Scottish mainland. Eilidh cares for her Gran, a feisty old woman who enjoys joking and pranking her granddaughter. The school, the hospital and almost everything on the island have closed. Phone service and wifi is spotty, at best. There’s only one radio station on the island where the gossip and local news is shared. But Eilidh is all alone, until she chances upon a whale calf that’s tragically washed up on the shore. While trying to find someone to help the baby, the whale sadly sings to her before expiring. It’s a song that speaks of Eilidh’s kindness and a kinship between these two lost souls.
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A Nutcracker Burlesque
The Buttcracker
No, this isn’t a misprint, and the Joffrey Ballet has nothing to do with this production. In the seventh edition of this popular adult entertainment, which has presented sold-out racy parodies of various holiday plays and musicals since its inception, returns with a saucy, sassy and sexy version of “The Nutcracker” ballet. This year the new production is being presented in the upstairs venue of the Greenhouse Theater, which includes a bar where theatergoers can purchase some liquid holiday cheer, both before the show and during the intermission. In fact, I recommend it.
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Ease On Down the Road
The Wiz
“Everybody Rejoice” because one of the finest, most contagious, high-spirited and heartwarming musicals of the past 48 years is heading back to Broadway. And fortunately for Chicago audiences, “The Wiz” has “Eased on Down the Road” to spend two glorious weeks in the Windy City before heading off to Iowa, Arizona and California. Right now, the show is scheduled to open in New York next March, but through December 10 theatergoers of all ages can delight in this exciting, hilarious and often surprising marvel of a musical that updates the tale of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz for the 21st century. It’s quite simply a glorious and exciting evening of theatre!
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