A Much-Loved Musical Classic

Les Miserables

It’s said that Alain Boublil became inspired to adapt Victor Hugo’s sweeping 1862 novel of injustice, forgiveness and survival to the musical stage while watching a production of “Oliver.” The character of the Artful Dodger reminded him of young Gavroche at the barricade. From there this much-loved Musical Classic, with a gorgeous, lush score by Claude-Michel Schonberg, became a concept album followed by the French theatrical premiere in Paris in 1980, and then a brilliant 1985 English production in London’s West End. 

The Power of Friendship

Lord of the Rings—A Musical Tale

As this sprawling saga begins to unfold, the audience is warmly welcomed into the realm of Middle-earth by a joyous ensemble of characters. Theatergoers are invited to join the community of Hobbits gathered to celebrate the eleventy-first birthday of the Shire’s patriarch, Bilbo Baggins. Without further ado, Bilbo announces at his party that he’s about to leave the Shire on a journey of personal reflection. However, Bilbo has decided to bequeath to his favorite young nephew, Frodo Baggins, his house, all his possessions and, most especially, a mysterious golden ring. From the beginning, the audience, even those unfamiliar with the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, will sense that there’s something magical and ominous about the ring. As Frodo accepts the One Ring, his odyssey commences in which he will learn the enduring power of friendship and how love can conquer evil. 

Memories Are Made of This

Million Dollar Quartet

Who could guess that an historical moment in early rock/country music history would eventually become a popular, highly-acclaimed jukebox musical? On a cold afternoon in Memphis, Tennessee, back in December of 1956, four of the top names in American music happened to stop by Sun Studio. They included Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and a new kid on the block named Jerry Lee Lewis. Sam Phillips, who singlehandedly  turned a deserted auto repair shop into a successful recording studio, had a role in launching the careers of all four of these musical giants. That day, Phillips goaded his Fab Four into singing some of their greatest hits as he recorded the session for posterity. He dubbed this gathering of stellar musical talent his “Million Dollar Quartet.” The rest is musical theatrical history proving that “Memories Are Made of This.”

Everyone’s Got Their Own Thing

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Poor Pigeon. The little bird wants it all and is obsessed with so many interests, goals and ambitions. His latest passion is inspired by the new bus stop sign that was just erected on the street corner. Then, suddenly, when the August Rush Express bus shows up, Pigeon is even more inspired to become a bus driver. Without any hesitation Pigeon falls in love with this shiny, new public transportation vehicle. And in spite of everyone telling him he can’t, from the hip, street smart Bus Driver to the urban passengers hoping to get to their destinations on time, Pigeon is determined to fulfill his ambition. Then the Bus Driver inspires Pigeon to look at all the things he CAN do, reassuring him that “Everyone’s got their own thing.”

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Any new production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, John Cameron Mitchell’s iconic exploration of gender and identity, has a steep hill to climb for me. I saw the phenomenal movie adaptation in college, the perfect time to have your mind blown by new ideas, and every production I’ve seen since, both local and national productions has been incredible. It’s a show that casts a long shadow in theater and the queer community, so anything less than an amazing production, at least for me, is going to feel like a let down. Happily, Haven Chicago’s new production delivers the goods.

A Love Song in Three Movements

The Last Wide Open

A familiar Polish phrase, “Jakos to bedzie,” simply translates to doing something that’s out of the ordinary or taking a chance. It means getting out of your comfort zone, rolling the dice, perhaps even leaving your homeland and moving abroad in search of a better life. And that’s exactly what Mikolaj did. He left his native Krakow and traveled to America for a better life. Here in Chicago he landed a job as a dishwasher at Jana’s, a tiny Polish restaurant and bar. But in this love story, told in three movements, we’re reminded of the optimistic viewpoint that, sooner or later, the universe conspires to eventually bring all of us together.

A Standing Ovation Well-Deserved

2 Pianos 4 Hands

Every show I attend nowadays, regardless of the quality, makes the audience feel obligated to reward it with a standing ovation. For that reason, I’m personally reluctant to surrender to peer pressure and jump to my feet at the end of every musical or play. But I promise you, the play currently onstage at Northlight Theatre, is such a brilliantly-written and performed production that this is that rare exception. On opening night, everybody rose to their feet, even before the curtain call began, cheering and clapping with respect and adoration. This is one show that I truly guarantee deserves a standing ovation.

A Bacchanalian Ballet

SAVOR After Hours

The ancient Roman god Bacchus (also known as Dionysus in Greece) was no teetotaler. He really loved his wine, and wild festivals were held all over the Empire in his honor. This Roman version of sex, drugs and rock-and-roll was a series of crazed parties of drunken revelry, ecstatic sexual experimentation and great music. SAVOR AFTER HOURS is a slightly more sophisticated, 21st century version of these festivals. The delicious 85-minute entertainment, currently playing at the Broadway Playhouse, is partly a celebration of wine and partly a celebration of dance. It’s a very adult show, a sensuous and beautiful Bacchanalian Ballet or Burlesque. It’s a show that’ll inspire audiences to belly up to the bar afterwards for a glass of Chardonnay, Champagne or Cabernet.