Music As Memory

American Mariachi – Goodman Theatre

As is often the case, this warm and wonderful play by Jose Cruz Gonzalez has its roots in his own, true life experiences. Mariachi music was the soundtrack of this playwright’s life. After discovering that Mariachi was taught in the music department of Cal State, where Gonzalez was an instructor, he began to take lessons. This lively art form is a huge part of the Mexican culture and is heard played at every important moment in one’s life: baptisms, birthdays, quinceaneras, marriage ceremonies and even funerals. It’s been generally thought of as a male-dominated musical form, with the history and skill being handed down, from father to son. But that was all soon to change.

A Heavenly Musical

Forever Plaid – Drury Lane Theatre

Can you remember the last time you heard “Three Coins in a Fountain,” accompanied by an accordion, or the proud, Highland anthem, “Scotland the Brave,” or wallowed in the nostalgia of “Moments to Remember”? Well, unless you’ve found a radio station that plays the hit tunes from the 1950’s, it’s probably been a very long time, if ever! In Stuart Ross’ sweet tribute to the close-harmony male vocal groups of the Eisenhower years, we’re treated to a jukebox musical revue with a clever plot. For younger patrons, this Heavenly musical is a creative introduction to the hit songs of a more innocent, bygone era; but it’s a sweet trip down memory lane for every Baby Boomer in the audience.

The Songs of Kander and Ebb

The World Goes ‘Round – Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre

Lovely Allison Blackwell slowly walks onto the Marriott stage and immediately her eyes tear up. Most of the audience can empathize with her emotional response, as she surveys her surroundings. Christopher Rhoton’s imaginative scenic design presents a space that resembles an abandoned theatre, possibly the Marriott itself, as it might’ve looked the day the lights were turned off almost two years ago. That’s when the pandemic shut down every Chicagoland venue. A dusty act curtain lay across the stage; an old piano, some assorted chandeliers and few props and costumes are strewn here and there; and the ghost light, a promise of good things to come, shines brightly, frightening away bad spirits and welcoming the joyous energy of a new show.

Sex in the Leather Archives and Museum

The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 5 – Hell in a Handbag Theatre

While the pandemic, unfortunately, isn’t completely over, it’s at least being somewhat held at bay. Just observe everyone being required to wear surgical masks and having to show proof of their vaccinations, upon entering the venue. But, what the heck, let’s celebrate the positive: They’re back again! After a two year hiatus, thanks to every theatre in America being closed because of  Covid-19, David Cerda’s live Hell in a Handbag productions have returned. And who better to herald in a new season of kinky confections, but those crowd-pleasing, madcap matrons of mirth and mayhem from Miami—The Golden Girls. 

What It Means to Be a Family

Brighton Beach Memoirs – Citadel Theatre

Back in 1983, Neil Simon, the undisputed King of Comedy on Broadway and film, surprised theatre critics and patrons alike with his latest, an autobiographical play. Up to this point in his career, the gifted playwright had mainly brought only laughter to audiences with brilliant comedies like “Barefoot in the Park,” “The Odd Couple,” “Last of the Red Hot Lovers,” and the play that launched Simon’s career, “Come Blow Your Horn.” But in this largely personal play, Simon’s signature one-liners serve as welcome comic relief for all the domestic drama that plagues this loving family.

Survival Through Storytelling

Mr. Burns: A Post Electric Play – Theatre Wit

There are definite parallels between the stifling sixteen months of pandemic lockdown that we’ve just experienced, and a horrific, nation-wide nuclear catastrophe that almost brings the world to an end. It’s not clear yet whether this Covid virus will ever be fully controlled, what with the virus continually mutating into new forms, folks spouting conspiracy theories about its origin, and refusing to get vaccinated or even masking up. Hopefully these holdouts will soon see the light. But in this respect, Anne Washburn’s dystopian comic drama truly hits home. In the fictional world she’s created, entire cities have been wiped off the face of the earth. Those few hearty souls who’ve survived the nuclear holocaust are left with very little except their spotty but fond memories of pop culture. These recollections come from television commercials, popular music, and that most enduring of all TV shows, “The Simpsons.” 

Everybody Say Yeah!

Kinky Boots – Paramount Theatre

Have you ever heard the term “triple threat” used when in describing theatre talent, and wondered what exactly that meant? It’s a multi-skilled actor, who’s at the very top of his game. He’s an artist who is unrivaled and has mastered the skills of acting, singing and dancing, all equally excellent. Well, Chicagoland, get ready to offer standing ovations every night to an entire company of triple threats, all poised to knock your socks (or pantyhose) off!

The Truth Hurts

The Things I Could Never Tell Steven – Pride Arts

Oscar Wilde once wrote that “the truth is rarely pure and never simple.” The Bible says that “the truth will set you free.” And someone quite wise once wrote that “the truth may hurt for a little while, but a lie hurts forever.” All of these quotations could aptly apply to this chamber musical by Aussie writer and composer, Jye Bryant. Although we never see Steven, by the end of this 75-minute one-act, the audience will have heard all the lies the young man has told to everyone who was important in his life…including himself. Those lies will have injured many and will, indeed, hurt forever.

Live Musical Theatre is Back, Baby!

Mamma Mia! -Music Theater Works

Accomplished actor, singer and member of the Columbia College’s Musical Theatre faculty, multitalented Justin Brill has staged a faithful new production of the 1999 smash hit musical, a show that became a cult classic for Baby Boomers over twenty years ago. It’s one of Broadway’s original jukebox musicals. Taking almost two dozen hit tunes from the ABBA songbook, this Musical Theater Works’ production is one of the first live stage presentations since the pandemic. In its joy and optimism, “Mamma Mia!” makes Chicagoland audiences almost forget the long theatrical hiatus of almost two years. But finally, at long last, we have the opportunity to revel in a live, professional, musical production again. Decked out in shiny spandex, platform heels and lots of glitter and glitz, this production is a feast for both the eyes and ears.

Well Worth the Wait

School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play – Goodman Theatre

With an affectionate nod to such films as “Heathers,” “Legally Blonde,” “Mean Girls” and even “Cinderella,” actress/playwright Jocelyn Bioh’s funny and often touching new play heralds a joyful return to live theatre in Chicago. It’s a comic drama that’s inspired by a real-life incident, and it’s also prompted by her own mother’s schooldays at the real Aburi Girls High School, the Ghana boarding school where this play takes place. Bioh’s comedy is a delicious 85-minute one-act that brings joy, entertainment and a powerful message to Chicago audiences.