Author: Colin Douglas
Someone’s Murdered Charles Haversham!
The Play That Goes Wrong – Broadway in Chicago
Anyone who’s ever performed in or worked on a play, or even sat in the audience of a production, knows that in theatre, from time to time, anything that CAN go wrong—WILL go wrong. Theatre is rife with unforeseen possibilities. Lines can be dropped, the set might create a problem, a prop may be misplaced, a light or sound cue could malfunction, a costume might rip, and so on. The three clever Brits who penned this hysterical farce know of what they write. They’ve incorporated into this mock murder melodrama every conceivable boo boo and blunder that’s ever challenged the cast of a play. The result is two hours of unstoppable mayhem and riotous laughter. Remember, as you’re watching this insanity, that just when you think it can’t get any funnier, another unbelievable incident is going to top what you’ve just witnessed.
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A Modern Twist on an Old Fairy Tale
Pretty Woman: The Musical – Broadway in Chicago
Garry Marshall had always envisioned his 1990 hit romantic comedy as a musical. He’d actually been writing the script for a theatrical version at the time of his death. Producer Paula Wagner promised Marshall that work would continue on his dream project, and she kept her word. Returning to Chicago, where the musical had its 2018 pre-Broadway tryout, the Windy City is fondly embracing the show that went on to play over 400 performances in NYC, as well as around the world. The musical also won several Broadway.com Audience awards a year later.
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Memories Are Made of This
8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70’s
All I can say is, “Everything is Beautiful” during this 80-minute blast from the past, now playing throughout most of January at Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre. The electrifying sounds of the 1970’s, filled with all those pleasantly pulsating rhythms and brilliant, tightly-blended harmonies, is currently filling this revered Evanston venue with unbridled joy. I defy anyone to remain serene and motionless while sitting through this marvelous production. Every audience member will be bopping their heads, snapping their fingers, tapping their feet, clapping their hands and singing along throughout this enchanting musical revue.
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You Can Chris-My-Ass-Miss!
Q Brothers Christmas Carol – Chicago Shakespeare Theatre
Yay, hooray! It’s back once again at Chicago Shakespeare’s Yard Theater. This dynamic, mega-popular, high spirited and endlessly creative retelling of the Charles Dickens classic makes for an animated reopening of the venue and a welcome to the holiday season. This zippy one-act, written by the Q Brothers Collective, displays so much creativity and sheer energy, coupled with its finesse and fleetness of presentation, presents a constant source of abundant entertainment. The cleverness of the script and songs, makes for a joyful evening at the theatre. While the show might be aimed at younger theatergoers, savvy audiences of all ages will delight in the imaginative retelling of a familiar story.
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A Live Musical Radio Play
Miracle on 34th Street – BrightSide Theatre
Last holiday season, Artistic Director Jeffrey Cass and Executive Director Julie Ann Kornak, much like every other venue, were simply trying keep BrightSide Theatre afloat during the pandemic shutdown. This year it’s a different story. Although we’re still dealing with Covid-19, it’s become a little more under control. The virus, however, has made health and safety demands on most restaurants and entertainment venues. BrightSide is one of hundreds of theatres that demand proof of vaccination from their patrons and insist upon their wearing masks throughout the evening. But the best news is that BrightSide Theatre is back again. And with its return, the company has resurrected a very popular classic holiday story for the reopening of its doors. The story, set to original music, asks the question, Is there really a Santa Claus?
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Fun Facts Amid Fearlessness
When Harry Met Rehab – Greenhouse Theatre
An affable, long-time Chicago sports radio personality attends a meeting with his lawyer, only to discover it’s actually an intervention. He’s told, in no uncertain terms, that if he doesn’t enter a rehabilitation center to cure his uncontrolled drinking, he’s going to lose his job…and maybe more. Hiding behind jokes, lies and denial, Harry tries to beat the disease and come out on top. Based upon real-life events shared by Windy City on-air sports celebrity Harry Teinowitz, this world premiere 90-minute one-act drama, written by Teinowitz and Spike Manton, is a roller coaster ride of emotions. While there are many sobering moments of deep sadness and sincere sentiment, the play is tempered with lots of laughter and lighter moments. Hope, determination and the strength they draw from each other help guide the way for the individuals of this rehab facility.
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Santa, Won’t You Come?
Christmas Dearest – Hell in a Handbag
Just when you think you’ve experienced every possible version of A Christmas Carol, David Cerda, that talented theatrical actor, singer, dancer, playwright, composer and lyricist, comes up with a new riff on the story. In this campy treatment of the Dickens classic, Scrooge is 1930’s movie queen, Joan Crawford. She’s filming a musical biopic of Jesus, in which she plays (what else?) the Virgin Mary. True to form, Joan’s not simply crabby and miserly; she’s working her cast and crew late on Christmas Eve and demands that everyone report to work early the following morning on Christmas Day.
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Once Again, An Angel Gets His Wings
It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! – American Blues Theatre
After what feels like a very long break in live theatre and entertainment, the doors have flung back open and vaccinated, properly masked audiences are flocking to area stages. Now, in the midst of a festive holiday season, Chicago is offering all kinds of terrific productions for families to enjoy. Some are exciting, brand new plays; but a few productions are old favorites that we look forward to, year after year.
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Beneath Every Hat We’re All the Same
Mr. Dickens’ Hat – Northlight Theatre
That unrivaled bastion of art in Skokie, the excellent Northlight Theatre has offered some exquisite holiday productions in the past. Before the pandemic shut down the theatre, they commissioned and produced two delectable, crowd-pleasing Christmas-themed comedies. Both plays were an absolute delight and featured Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy and host of Jane Austin’s best-loved characters from Pride and Prejudice.
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A Walk Down Memory Lane
Holiday Inn – Drury Lane Theatre
Now that the holiday season is upon us, and theatres are cautiously reopening after the pandemic hiatus, it’s once again that time of year when festive entertainments bloom like poinsettias all over Chicagoland. Drury Lane is proudly presenting the theatrical equivalent of a soft, warm blanket or a delicious bowl of comfort food. As we try to shine a light through the Covid-19 murkiness and rekindle our old traditions and fond memories of holidays past, an evening spent snuggling into this Irving Berlin songfest offers a nostalgic trip back to a kinder, gentler time.
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