News & Reviews Category
The Grandaddy of Them All!
A Christmas Carol – Goodman Theatre
This show is it. This is what Christmas is all about in Chicago. The Grandaddy of all holiday productions, and the show that every other Christmas Carol aspires to be has opened for the 36th year at the Goodman. And it is sensational! It’s eloquent, heartwarming and a feast for the eyes, the ears and the soul. The themes from Dickens’ novella and the lessons he taught aren’t diluted here by raucous musical numbers, Star Trek characters or dancing turkey boys. This is the production that would’ve made Charles Dickens proud.
Festivities with Figgy Pudding!
A Very Merry Madrigal
As we draw closer to Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanza, the fast-approaching holiday trifecta can take a lot out of us right about now. All the shopping, decorating and holiday parties make it a nonstop season of frenzy that doesn’t stop until January 1st. But an hour spent at the No Exit Cafe will offer a pleasurable respite from all the holiday hustle and bustle, providing some beautifully sung music, a delicious meal or sweet treats and some laughs to recharge your battery.
Directed and compiled by David Heimann, with musical direction by Aaron Benham and Jeremy Ramey (who also provides superb piano accompaniment), this concert is more in keeping with the company’s “cabaret” label, but with a definite Renaissance Faire feel. As you enter the intimate coffee house, ensemble member Sarah Grant (as the company’s court jester) gleefully announces to everyone your name and the kingdom from which you hail. As the lights darken, amiable innkeeper Tom Chiola selects two audience members to serve as King and Queen of the hour’s festivities, and permission is sought from these two crown-wearing patrons for the events to come.
Mr. Heimann’s six-member ensemble of medieval-clad performers delight with songs and poetry from every era. Opening with the traditional “Wassail, Wassail” (during which warm spiced cider is provided to every audience member), toasts are offered, cheer is given and winter’s chill soon melts away. Delicious six-part harmonies infuse a medley of Olde English carols, a welcome beginning to this ultimately eclectic confection of music. Gilbert & Sullivan’s “A Very Merry Madrigal” delights and segues into more period songs and poetry until the ensemble announces a tribute to winter. Irving Berlin’s “Snow” and a wonderfully simple, heartfelt recitation by cast member Greg Foster of Frost’s “Stopping By Woods” make up this section of auditory treats. Then, as the entire company sings their “Dessert Medley,” the audience is treated to a complimentary bowl of figgy pudding, offering additional sensory delight to the song.
The second half of the program is a mixture of the classical and contemporary. Songs like Anne Murray’s “Snowbird,” beautifully sung by Missy Aguilar, “Turkey Lurkey Time” from Burt Bacharach’s musical “Promises, Promises,” sung by Sarah Grant, a sexy “Santa Baby,” purred to perfection by lovely Molly Kral, and “Winter/The River,” beautifully and sensitively crooned by Andrew Sickel and Greg Foster provides variety to the styles of music. Heimann returns to more traditional madrigal harmonies as he closes his show, but he saves a funny, delectably performed “Christmas Can-Can,” for the finale. In this number every holiday celebrated at this time of the year is represented, including those oft-heard complaints about how every year they start earlier and earlier.
It’s an intimate production, with performers not only using the stage but frequently wandering through the audience as they sing. While the variety of songs sounds strange, the effect is “something for everyone” and, as presented, add up to a very pleasant evening of unique holiday music audiences won’t hear everywhere. Combined with this cast’s genuine good humor and friendliness, Theo Ubique offers a winning and welcome break to the usual holiday hullabaloo.
Recommended
Reviewed by Colin Douglas
Presented Nov. 23-Dec. 22 by Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre at the No Exit Cafe, in Rogers Park, 6970 N. Glenwood Ave.
Tickets are available by calling 800-595-4849 or by visiting www.theo-u.com.
Additional information about this and other area productions can be found at www.theatreinchicago.com.
Circles Around “Paulus”
Circles Around “Paulus”
THEATER REVIEW: “Paulus” by Silk Road Rising
A Review by Kazuko Golden
In the world premiere of the play, “Paulus,” by Motti Lerner, the lead character Paulus (played by Daniel Cantor) leads us into 58 C.E. where he witnesses the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Paulus is then tormented with determining his life’s path forward. Having fantastical illusions about Jesus revisiting and spiritually motivating him to reinvent what he knows about Judaism and the Roman occupation of Judea, Paulus is internally conflicted and battles both religious and political forces that threaten to execute him if he either denies his traditional heritage and beliefs or rejects vowing faith to the Roman hierarchy.
If you are in need of “popcorn for the brain,” entertainment for the holidays, “Paulus” will not sit lightly with you. Rather the highly academic nature of the history and religious studies that Lerner, an Israeli playwright and self-described atheist, presents through his script (translated from the original Hebrew by Hillel Halkin) is a pedagogical and philosophical debate about the doctrines of salvation and atonement, as grounded in the doctrine of Christian theology and represented in the crucifixion of Jesus (played by Torrey Hanson). Further, the discussion about the psychological experiences of those who witnessed the crucifixion and its meaning is articulated fully by Paulus. As a witness, Paulus is then tormented with how to move forward after this experience. Those closest to him – Trophimos (Anthony DiNicola); ex-wife, Adima (Carolyn Hoerdemann); and nephew Eleazar (Glenn Stanton) -suffer as well.
The timing of this play is difficult. Lerner has presented his thought-provoking play right before the beginning of the Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year seasonal celebrations. As Chicago audiences wander in to take a load off from the hustle and bustle of the busy retail season, this play does not permit them t to rest their brains. Every minute of this two-hour play is crammed with positioning the meaning of the history of Second Temple Judaism and the apostolic age of early Christianity. According to Silk Road Rising, “(Lerner) is not interested in relaying facts but in revealing truths.” The pauses between the political tumult and social upheaval and the fierce theological battles are slow and lingering.
The location of the play is breathtaking. Pierce Hall is housed in The Historic Chicago Temple Building, home of the First Methodist Church. At one time long ago, the building in Chicago’s Loop area was the tallest skyscraper in the city. The ornate interior of the church includes 16 stained glass windows depicting scenes from the Bible.
For those with questions about their theological positioning and for those that during this time of the year are interested in seeing a play that presents philosophical pedagogy about the reinvention of religion in the first century, “Paulus” will be an appropriate play to consider seeing. What is admirable about Lerner’s approach is that his message raises questions from Paulus’s experience that are relevant to contemporary questions about universalism, radical modernization, and the conflicts that arise when individuals attempt to challenge norms and enter into worlds of monotheism and ethnic diversity. Paulus’s questions about multicultural modes of practicing religion and pedagogical thought are drawn from and mirror Lerner’s questioning.
When: Through Dec. 15
Where: Silk Road Rising, Pierce Hall at Chicago Temple, 77 W. Washington St.
Running time: 2 hours
Tickets: $35 at 312-857-1234, ext. 201, or silkroadrising.org
Somewhat Recommended
Holiday Fun for Younger Audiences
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
There’s no lack of holiday entertainment in the Chicago area, but sometimes it’s difficult to find a show that will appeal to and hold the attention of younger viewers. Adapted practically word for word, song for song and character for character from the 1964 animated television special, this musical Christmas confection is the perfect holiday event for children, ages 3-10. First Stage Milwaukee’s Artistic Director Jeff Frank conceived the idea of adapting the stop-action animated holiday classic for the stage. Working closely with Robert Penola, they devised a script that recreated the cartoon’s magic, while still honoring Robert L. May’s original children’s story and Johnny Marks‘ well-known holiday song. Add to this Brandon Kirkham’s spot-on production design, which includes costumes, scenery and puppets, and you have a stage production that looks and sounds as if the animated TV special has actually come to life.
Holiday Redemption through Music
A Christmas Carol: the Musical
Charles Dickens’ famous cautionary tale about the old miser who learns to love Christmas can be found in more
A Family Holiday Treat
The Nutcracker – Marriott
With Christmas fast approaching, Marriott’s Theatre for Young Audiences brings back one of its holiday favorites. Based upon E. T. A. Hoffmann’s children’s story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” which in turn inspired Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s world famous ballet suite, Marc Robin has created a 60-minute play with music and dance that captures the magic of both pieces.
The story opens on Christmas Eve in the Victorian home of youngsters Marie and her mischievous brother Fritz. Just as dinner is being served, their Uncle Drosselmeyer arrives surprising them with gifts, including a beautiful Nutcracker, which Fritz immediately breaks. After he’s mended Marie falls asleep next to her cherished Nutcracker. She dreams that all the Christmas toys have come to life and a battle ensues between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King over possession of a magical crown. Their journey takes Marie and her new friends to Candy Land, through the Snowflake Forest and to the Kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy. After the crown is rightly restored to the Nutcracker, Marie awakens to find that her prince looks very much like the new boy next door, and young audiences will be assured that the magic will continue.
Read MoreOld Jews announces extension
BY POPULAR DEMAND, OLD JEWS TELLING JOKES
EXTENDS RUN AT ROYAL GEORGE THEATRE FOR 12 WEEKS, THROUGH FEBRUARY 16, 2014;
The laughs will keep emanating from the Royal George Theatre for an additional 12 weeks as OLD JEWS TELLING JOKES proudly announces a new block of tickets on sale for performances through Sunday, February 16, 2014. The hit off-Broadway comedy, now playing on the Main Stage of the Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted Street, features a quintet of Chicago favorites: Dara Cameron, Alex Goodrich, Tim Kazurinsky, Renee Matthews and Gene Weygandt. Tickets are currently on sale through Sunday, Nov. 24; by popular demand, a new block of tickets, for performances Nov. 26, 2013 through February 16, 2014, will go on sale Monday, Sept. 30, at 10 a.m. by calling (312) 988-9000; visiting the Royal George Theatre box office, or online at Ticketmaster.com.
Created by Peter Gethers and Daniel Okrent, OLD JEWS TELLING JOKES is directed by Marc Bruni (Associate Director, The Book of Mormon Chicago) and showcases the five actors in a comedy that pays tribute to and reinvents classic jokes of the past and present. The show also features comic songs — brand new and satisfyingly old – as well as tributes to some of the giants of the comedy world and to OldJewsTellingJokes.com, the website created by Sam Hoffman that inspired the show.
In addition to Okrent, Gethers and Bruni, the rest of the creative team is David Gallo (Scenic and Video Design); Jeff Croiter (Lighting Design); Alejo Vietti (Costume Design); Peter Fitzgerald (Sound Design); Steve Channon (Animation); Adam Wachter (Musical Supervision and Arrangements); and David Ruttura (Associate Director). It is produced by Daniel Okrent and Peter Gethers, and Richard Frankel, Tom Viertel, Steven Baruch and Marc Routh.
Richard Frankel, Tom Viertel, Steven Baruch and Marc Routh have produced and managed a wide range of productions for more than 27 years including – A Little Night Music, Hairspray, The Producers, Stomp, The Norman Conquests, Gypsy, Sweeney Todd, Company, Little Shop of Horrors, The Weir, The Sound of Music, Smokey Joe’s Café, Angels in America, Oleanna, Love Letters, Driving Miss Daisy, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, Penn & Teller and many others. Their shows have been awarded 36 Tonys, 47 Drama Desk Awards, 38 Outer Critics Awards, 4 Grammys™, 8 Olivier Awards and 2 Pulitzer Prizes. They have the rare distinction of having won Tony Awards in all four “Best” categories – play, musical, revival of a play and revival of a musical.
NEW HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE AND TICKET INFORMATION:
OLD JEWS TELLING JOKES will be performed at the Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted Street, Chicago, through Sunday, February 16, 2014, with the following schedule: Tuesdays – Fridays at 7:30pm; Saturdays at 5 & 8pm; and Sundays at 2 & 5pm. Starting the week of October 7, Wednesday matinees at 2pm will alternate with Tuesday evening performances. Plus, special holiday performance schedules will be in effect:
Week of Thanksgiving (and Hannukah!): Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 7:30pm; Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 2pm; Thursday, Nov. 28, no show; Friday, Nov. 29 at 2 and 7:30pm; Saturday, Nov. 30 at 5 and 8pm; Sunday, Dec. 1 at 2 and 5pm.
Week of Christmas: Tuesday, Dec. 24, no show; Wednesday, Dec. 25 at 7:30pm; Thursday, Dec. 26 at 2 and 7:30pm; Friday, Dec. 27 at 7:30pm; Saturday, Dec. 28 at 5 and 8pm; Sunday, Dec. 29 at 2 and 5pm.
Week of New Year’s: Tuesday, Dec. 31* at 5 and 9pm; Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, no show; Thursday, Jan. 2 at 7:30pm; Friday, Jan. 3 at 8pm; Saturday, Jan. 4 at 5 and 8pm; Sunday, Jan. 5 at 2 and 5pm.
Tickets range in price from $49 – $69. * There will be special New Year’s Eve performance pricing. All prices do not include a $1 facility fee. Tickets for the new block of tickets are now on sale by calling (312) 988-9000; visiting the Royal George Theatre box office, or online at Ticketmaster.com. Plus, give the gift of humor for Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or the holiday of your choice – with OLD JEWS gift certificates available at the Royal George box office.
Discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more are available by calling Group Theater Tix at 312-423-6612 or visiting www.grouptheatertix.com.
For more information on OLD JEWS TELLING JOKES in Chicago, visit http://oldjewstellingjokesonstage.com . Follow OLD JEWS TELLING JOKES on Twitter @OldJewsTweeting or on Facebook.
The E3 VIP Experience
“The other guy” Chef Joey
So I have had two Chicago Bears experiences. The first one was the one and only game I have ever attended and it was the day Walter Payton set the record for rushing yards. You could really feel the excitement in the air.
Richard and Noreen
Ironically the other experience also involved Walter Payton. My good friend in high school (Larry) was a huge fan of Walter. So much in fact that he wore the jersey number 34. He was also an amazing artist who had done some paintings of Mr. Peyton. I happened to be at the Chicago Auto Show where there I saw Walter Peyton signing autographs. In my infamous assertiveness I managed to get to him and tell him about Larry and the paintings. He proceeded to give me his phone number and said to call. Not only did I call but several days later Larry, his paintings and I found ourselves spending the afternoon with Connie and Walter Peyton. His graciousness, class humbleness and quiet demeanor were only exceeded by his incredible hospitality.
So after 53 years of living in Chicago I had my third bears experience. And its true the third times a charm. I have always been familiar with the concept of tailgating. But this past Sunday I had the chance to be part of it. And here’s my advice. Whether or not you are a football fan, grab a bunch of people and head to one of the lots around Soldier Field for good food, camaraderie and a sea of blue and orange. This is really something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. I also experienced this event thr0ugh E3 VIP with my gracious host Richard Carrier. All the information is listed below. Do yourself a favor and try the E3 VIP experience for yourself. You will not be disappointed.
Otis Wilson, Gayle and Dan
E3 VIP ANNOUNCES 2013-2014 ONE-OF-A-KIND CHICAGO SPORTING AND SOCIAL EVENTS SCHEDULE FOR LUXURY FULL-SERVICE TRAVEL AND DESTINATION EXPERIENCE From Luxury Mobile Tours to Custom Event Services and High-End Tailgate Membership, E3 VIP Delivers Exclusive Event Experiences Richard Carrier, CEO of E3 VIP, an exclusive event experience company specializing in VIP mobile tours, custom event services and luxury tailgating, has announced the 2013-2014 sporting and social events schedule, including Chicago Bears and collegiate games. The one-of-a-kind experience in Chicago accommodates guests looking for the ultimate tailgate experience, mobile cocktail tours and custom luxury events. Using MXR-SkyBox luxury motor coaches, E3 VIP excels in impeccable service and dedication to the finest levels of detail to deliver a mobile venue concept to clients, members and guests at world-class events and destinations. Past national event and tour packages have included the Kentucky Derby, Formula 1, The Masters, Phoenix Open, the Super Bowl and more. E3 VIP takes tailgating to a whole new level by combining the amenities of a luxury suite or skybox at a football game with the traditional pregame parking lot party experience. The luxury tailgating includes food, premium bar, fresh charcoal-grilled meats, entertainment and exclusive access to the E3 Alliance Network and national events. For each social event or game, the E3 VIP experience fills approximately 2,000 square feet of parking lot space with a DJ and a staff of ambassadors in a velvet roped-off, carpeted area next to the custom motor coach. Tickets for the E3 VIP Experience for a single tailgate are available at $250 per guest for general admission. Corporate discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. Tailgate and game ticket packages start at $395 per guest. Exclusive branded corporate tables are available upon request. * Sun 11/17/13 Noon Ravens @ BEARS Soldier Field * Mon 12/9/13 7:40PM Cowboys @ BEARS Soldier Field * Sun 12/29/13 Noon Packers @ BEARS Soldier Field Additional social and sporting events to be added throughout the season. E3 VIP also offers a four-hour "Best of Chicago Tour" with stops at the very best Chicago venues. Custom itineraries are built for each group to ensure an experience that will surpass their wildest expectations. Each tour includes E3 VIP's luxury motor coach that comfortably accommodates 20 guests, complimentary catering and bar, and two E3 VIP Ambassadors to serve you and your guests. This world-class luxury experience starts at only $250 per guest. Additionally, E3 VIP offers custom event services for corporate, personal and family groups looking for a best-in-class experience. Experienced event planners work individually with clients to plan and execute a memorable mobile luxury experience based on each group's requirements and desires. Based on the budget, these types of events can be planned and executed by E3 VIP in any city or destination within the continental United States as a single event, series or tour. For more information or make a reservation, please call 877.243.3334 ext.107 or visit www.e3vip.com.
Revisiting the Summer of Love
Once Upon a Dream
![Dino_Danelli,_Felix_Cavaliere,_Steven_Van_Zandt,_Eddie_Brigati,_Gene_Cornish_-_photo_by_David_Rohde[1]](https://i0.wp.com/www.chicagotheatrereview.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Dino_Danelli_Felix_Cavaliere_Steven_Van_Zandt_Eddie_Brigati_Gene_Cornish_-_photo_by_David_Rohde1.jpg?ssl=1)
Isn’t it incredibly magical how a smell, a taste or a specific song can unlock fond memories? Once the houselights dim, young theatre goers and especially Baby Boomers find themselves suddenly transported back to their high school and college years, courtesy of the music created by one of the ’60’s best-loved bands. Then, The Young Rascals, labeled America’s “blue-eyed soul group,” rose to popularity during an era primarily populated by the British Invasion bands. This quartet of likable, talented young musicians burst onto the scene with songs like “Good Lovin’,” “Groovin’,” and “It’s a Beautiful Mornin’.” Other hits included “A Girl Like You,” “How Can I Be Sure?” and “People Got to Be Free.” Their music was the soundtrack for what was affectionately termed The Summer of Love. That summer lasted a decade until the band broke up, each going their separate ways. The Rascals recorded several songs and record albums that became Top Ten Best-sellers. In 1997 the group reunited for the first time in years and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
NEWS FROM BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
- CHICAGO (Oct. 8, 2013) – Broadway In Chicago, Cameron Mackintosh and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group are delighted to announce the casting for the spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. With newly reinvented staging and stunning scenic design, this new version of PHANTOM, the most successful musical of all-time, will be performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this one of the largest productions on tour in North America. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA will play Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W Randolph) January 9, 2014 through March 2, 2014.
- Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce the upcoming 2014 spring season line-up. Supporting Broadway In Chicago’s commitment to Chicagoans seeing shows first, the season features four premieres. Coming to Chicago first is the World Premiere Pre-Broadway production of THE LAST SHIP, the U.S. Tour Premiere of MOTOWN THE MUSICAL and the North American Premiere of HEARTBEAT OF HOME, as well as the U.S. Tour Premiere of BUYER AND CELLAR as an off-season special. Also included in the season is GHOST THE MUSICAL, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, PETER & THE STARCATCHER and THE WIZARD OF OZ. The 2014 spring off-season includes: ONCE UPON A DREAM STARRING THE RASCALS, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, ALTON BROWN LIVE!, CHICAGO, ROCK OF AGES, ERTH’S DINOSAUR ZOO and MAMMA MIA!.
TICKET INFORMATION
The Broadway In Chicago Season is available now to current subscribers and will go on sale to the public Friday, October 11, 2013. Tickets are now available for groups of 15 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710. Individual tickets for 2014 Spring Season productions will go on sale at a later date
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