Author: Colin Douglas
You Won’t Be An Orphan For Long
Annie
Following three years of a pandemic shutdown in theatres all across American, Broadway in Chicago welcomes back this true family classic. Looking around the packed opening night audience, I had the distinct feeling that for many children and even some adults, this was their first time seeing “Annie.” Some of them may have listened to the Original Broadway Cast Album, or probably watched one of several film or television adaptations of the show. But there’s nothing quite like experiencing the most optimistic, rags-to-riches story performed live in an opulent theatre, like the Cadillac Palace.
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Fan the Fire
Reasons: A Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire
It’s early Spring and a time for rejoicing! Black Ensemble Theater is back once again, after Covid stifled the continuous production of their heavenly, highly entertaining musicals. One type of show that Jackie Taylor’s wonderful company is particularly known for and does best are biographical musical revues, like this one. Created and directed by multitalented Producing Manager Director Daryl D. Brooks, BET is currently presenting this entertaining and enlightening true story about one of the best-known African-American rock groups to have its start in Chicago. “Reasons: A Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire” is a flashy, fireworks of a production that’s filled with love and a legacy of popular songs that’ll take audiences back the more gentle time of their youth.
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No Such Thing As Hell?
The Christians
Today, do most people believe they’ll go to heaven as their reward for being good? Are they frightened of being sent to hell if they’ve been bad during their lives? What happens when the minister of an enormous and financially solvent megachurch suddenly declares in his Sunday message that there’s no such thing as hell? This is a controversial play comprised of all kinds of questions, but there are no answers are offered.
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Six Characters in Search of Happiness
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
If there’s one sure thing in this world, it’s that the Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre really knows how to cast, direct and produce excellent, energetic and exciting productions for young audiences. While this isn’t the first time the Theatre has presented this 60-minute version of Clark Gesner’s delightfully infectious musical, it’s got to be one of their very best.
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Piddle, Twiddle, and Resolve
1776
Putting a new spin on an old classic is an admirable challenge for a director. This 2022 Broadway revival production, helmed by co-directors Jeffrey L. Page and Diane Paulus, with Page credited for the choreography, certainly gives this musical a fresh, contemporary look and sound. While basically staying true to the original, the production offers all kinds of novel changes and additions. The show opens with the entire cast slipping off their streetwear and into black buckle shoes (which line the front of the stage), rolling up the legs of their black trousers and white knee socks and finally adding Emilio Sosa’s colorful frock coats. But this is just the beginning of the two directors’ many modern touches, not the least of which is its inclusive casting.
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How Opposites Attract
Heisenberg: The Uncertainty Principle
Prolific British playwright Simon Stephens has written a number of excellent adaptations of other writers’ works, as well as several original plays. Often these works have perplexing and tantalizing titles. Stephen’s excellent, award-winning dramatic adaptation of Mark Haddon’s novel, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time,” is one such interesting title. In Griffin Theatre’s latest production we have a one-act play, curiously named for German theoretical physicist Werner Heisenberg. It’s a two-character drama, with some comic moments, that’s about how opposites attract.
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Falling Slowly
Once
As I was leaving last night’s press opening I kept thinking of how fortunate Chicagoans are that we have such an abundance of excellent theatres available to us. And the remarkable thing is they all seem to be presenting so many outstanding productions at this time. Chicago theatergoers are going to have a challenging time either choosing which shows to attend or trying to get to all of them before they close.
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A Higher Ground
Signed, Sealed, Delivered: A Stevie Wonder Experience
One afternoon, as a little boy growing up in Detroit, Michigan, my Grandpa and I were watching “American Bandstand” together. Suddenly I became aware of a young, new, extraordinarily talented young African-American kid who was unbelievable. His name was Little Stevie Wonder. He was around my age, lived somewhere near me, and was on national television singing “Fingertips, Parts 1 & 2,” and accompanying himself on his harmonica. All the while a studio full of joyful teenagers were dancing to his infectious music with wild abandon. But, in addition to being an astounding talent, Stevie Wonder also happened to be blind. I was completely in awe of this gifted young man, and never forgot him. From that moment I became a lifelong fan of Stevie Wonder.
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A Beautiful Dream of Life
Ride the Cyclone
Being original has a lot going for it in the 21st century, since everything old, as they say, is new again. Nowadays a brand-new show that’s not a jukebox musical, a biographical retrospective about a famous singer featuring his entire songbook, or a musicalized retelling of a novel, movie or even another play, is a real cause for celebration. This wonderful 90-minute musical, that’s actually been around for 15 years, is as unique as it is both funny and heartbreaking. And, unless a theatergoer has seen this show in its American premiere at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, or more recently at Washington D.C.’s Arena Stage, it may be a new musical adventure for them.
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The King of Comedy
The Odd Couple
BrightSide Theatre continues their 11th season (or is it actually their 10th Season Again! due to the pandemic shutdown?) with an iconic comedy by popular playwright Neil Simon. The prolific scribe, who’s often been called The King of Comedy, is known for such hits as “Come Blow Your Horn,” “Barefoot in the Park,” “Brighton Beach Memoirs,” “Plaza Suite” and, from previous BrightSide seasons, “Promises, Promises,” “The Dinner Party” and “Rumors.” Set in New York City during a hot summer in the early 1960’s, “The Odd Couple” is a hilarious story about friends and the strength and imperfections of longtime friendships.
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