Monthly Archives: September 2024
Whimsy, Wit, Romance and Political Parody
Iolanthe
Oh, joy; oh, rapture! “Loudly let the trumpet bray!” This very, very popular Victorian fantasy operetta, the fourth consecutive hit by the theatrical writing team of W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, has magically appeared in a polished and professional production in Evanston. I advise you to spread your wings and fly as fast as possible to see this enchanting entertainment.
Read More
Magic, Illusions and Wizardry
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Audiences haven’t eagerly anticipated a production arriving in Chicago since HAMILTON. This spectacular theatrical production will be a real treat for both fans of J.K. Rowling’s incredibly well-written and enchanting seven-book series about the “The Boy Who Lived,” as well as lovers of the series of wonderfully captivating film versions of the books. In this play with music, Harry Potter enthusiasts will find many of their favorite, familiar characters superbly brought to life, as well as a few new personalities created just for this story. The almost three hour production is fast-paced and whisks onward to its heartwarming conclusion. The show’s filled with great acting, creative choreography, unbelievable magic, illusions and wizardry.
Read More
Farm Aid 2024
Against the backdrop of the beautiful Adirondack mountains in upstate New York the 39th Farm Aid took place at the Saratoga Springs Performing Arts Center (affectionately known at the SPAC). The last time the event was held there was in 2013.
21,000 people attended the event enjoying a day of music and celebration all for a good cause.
Read More
Freedom of Thought
Inherit the Wind
Almost 100 years ago the famous Scopes “Monkey” Trial took place in rural Tennessee. The courtroom case charged John Scopes, a high school teacher, with the crime of violating a state law that prohibited the teaching of Darwin’s theory of evolution in the classroom. The publicity of the Scopes Trial was overwhelming. The event attracted so much national publicity, that it prompted dozens of reporters from all over the country to descend upon tiny Dayton, Tennessee. Then the Trial was broadcast on radio, which was a new invention in 1925. Chicago’s WGN transmitted the proceedings making it the first time the media had turned a trial into a national event. Suddenly history was being made.
Read More
Sardines and Slamming Doors
Noises Off
Mrs. Clackett, the elderly housekeeper, reels off her lines in a concocted Cockney accent, and then begins her exit, all the while balancing a telephone, a newspaper and the ubiquitous plate of sardines. Suddenly she stops, turns to the audience and asks, “I take the sardines? No, I leave the sardines. No, I take the sardines…” Audiences who aren’t already familiar with British playwright Michael Frayn’s laugh-a-minute farce begin to wonder if the actress (played by the magnificent Ora Jones, portraying English actress Dotty Otley who’s playing Mrs. Clackett) seems to have lost her way. And indeed she has, but that’s just one of the gimmicks behind this play-within-a-play.
Read More
Nothing Gold Can Stay
The Outsiders
A literary classic can be difficult to adapt from page to stage, but the late playwright, Christopher Sergel, spent most of his career translating popular novels into theatrical works of art. Known for his adaptations of such time-honored books as WINESBURG, OHIO, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD and THE OUTSIDERS, among many others, Sergel has gifted theater audiences by providing way to make a few select books come alive. Recently staged to great acclaim in Elgin, Illinois, Director Jonathan James has transferred his production to Chicago’s Athenaeum Theater, for a limited run.
Read More
A Stiff Upper Lip
The Cottage
Actress and Playwright Sandy Rustin, originally from nearby Glenview but currently living in New York City, is known for her plays and musicals. Recently she adapted the film “Mystic Pizza” into a stage musical; but, in my opinion, her greatest theatrical work is her hilarious stage adaptation of the cult film, “Clue.” Opening their 2024-25 season, Citadel has scored a win by becoming the first theatre in Illinois to present Sandy Rustin’s THE COTTAGE. The comedy was recently produced on Broadway, directed by “Seinfeld” comic actor, Jason Alexander, and featuring the star of “Will and Grace,” Eric McCormack.
Read More
Cry About It
Never Better
There are topics that were once considered taboo or simply inappropriate for the stage. But times have definitely changed. Subjects that might have shocked early 20th century audiences have become almost commonplace today. Seeing people being baked into pies, humorous Nazis in over-the-top production numbers, singing and dancing pussycats competing for an afterlife and young Mormons preaching Joseph Smith’s religion to Africans are examples of how musicals have come a long way. 21st century musicals are a far cry from shows about turning a Cockney flower girl into a princess, farmers challenging the cowhands in song and dance or teaching the Siamese King’s children.
Read More
Love and Literature
Light Switch
In this, only my second visit to the secret gem that is the intimate Open Space Arts theatre, I once again became impressed with the consistent high quality of this company. I’m not just talking about the talented casting of their shows, although that’s a big part of my admiration for this theatre. It’s also about the excellence of the scripts, the consistency of the direction and this company’s ability to present captivating productions in such a modest setting. The venue, which can become stuffy, is about the size of small studio apartment. Add to this a couple of annoying pillars that become challenging for both the actors and the audience. But the sparse scenic design for each production always works around these problems and provides just the right suggestion of locale to make each play work.
Read More
The Horrors of War
Henry V
In a limited, four-week run, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre has revived and reimagined one of the Bard’s most popular history dramas. The company’s sensational new, eloquent and rousing production is as stirring as ever. For theatre scholars, this is William Shakespeare’s final chapter in his tetralogy of historical dramas, which includes “RICHARD II and “HENRY IV,” Parts one and two. It’s also noteworthy in that this play was the company’s premier production on the rooftop of Lincoln Park’s Red Lion Pub, back in 1986. Naturally, time has brought changes to one of Chicago’s finest professional theatrical companies, but the Theatre’s ability to share the dramatic power of Shakespeare has only become stronger.
Read MoreRECOMMENDED SITES
