Everyone’s Got Their Own Thing

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Poor Pigeon. The little bird wants it all and is obsessed with so many interests, goals and ambitions. His latest passion is inspired by the new bus stop sign that was just erected on the street corner. Then, suddenly, when the August Rush Express bus shows up, Pigeon is even more inspired to become a bus driver. Without any hesitation Pigeon falls in love with this shiny, new public transportation vehicle. And in spite of everyone telling him he can’t, from the hip, street smart Bus Driver to the urban passengers hoping to get to their destinations on time, Pigeon is determined to fulfill his ambition. Then the Bus Driver inspires Pigeon to look at all the things he CAN do, reassuring him that “Everyone’s got their own thing.”

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Any new production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, John Cameron Mitchell’s iconic exploration of gender and identity, has a steep hill to climb for me. I saw the phenomenal movie adaptation in college, the perfect time to have your mind blown by new ideas, and every production I’ve seen since, both local and national productions has been incredible. It’s a show that casts a long shadow in theater and the queer community, so anything less than an amazing production, at least for me, is going to feel like a let down. Happily, Haven Chicago’s new production delivers the goods.

A Love Song in Three Movements

The Last Wide Open

A familiar Polish phrase, “Jakos to bedzie,” simply translates to doing something that’s out of the ordinary or taking a chance. It means getting out of your comfort zone, rolling the dice, perhaps even leaving your homeland and moving abroad in search of a better life. And that’s exactly what Mikolaj did. He left his native Krakow and traveled to America for a better life. Here in Chicago he landed a job as a dishwasher at Jana’s, a tiny Polish restaurant and bar. But in this love story, told in three movements, we’re reminded of the optimistic viewpoint that, sooner or later, the universe conspires to eventually bring all of us together.

A Standing Ovation Well-Deserved

2 Pianos 4 Hands

Every show I attend nowadays, regardless of the quality, makes the audience feel obligated to reward it with a standing ovation. For that reason, I’m personally reluctant to surrender to peer pressure and jump to my feet at the end of every musical or play. But I promise you, the play currently onstage at Northlight Theatre, is such a brilliantly-written and performed production that this is that rare exception. On opening night, everybody rose to their feet, even before the curtain call began, cheering and clapping with respect and adoration. This is one show that I truly guarantee deserves a standing ovation.

A Bacchanalian Ballet

SAVOR After Hours

The ancient Roman god Bacchus (also known as Dionysus in Greece) was no teetotaler. He really loved his wine, and wild festivals were held all over the Empire in his honor. This Roman version of sex, drugs and rock-and-roll was a series of crazed parties of drunken revelry, ecstatic sexual experimentation and great music. SAVOR AFTER HOURS is a slightly more sophisticated, 21st century version of these festivals. The delicious 85-minute entertainment, currently playing at the Broadway Playhouse, is partly a celebration of wine and partly a celebration of dance. It’s a very adult show, a sensuous and beautiful Bacchanalian Ballet or Burlesque. It’s a show that’ll inspire audiences to belly up to the bar afterwards for a glass of Chardonnay, Champagne or Cabernet.

Dead Men Tell No Tales

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

“To understand the living, you’ve got to commune with the dead.” So says Minerva, the Voodoo Priestess, after she lures Jim Williams, the musical’s main character, to the cemetery where this musical begins. She will try to help the Savannah antiques dealer, accused of murdering his male lover, to prepare for his impending trial. The ritual takes place around midnight, during the period of time for hoodoo good and evil magic, and hence the book’s title. During the half hour before twelve o’clock, Minerva explains, good can be generated, while the half hour following midnight is for evoking evil. Through Minerva’s intervention, a role beautifully portrayed by multitalented Chicago actress Brianna Buckley, Jim will try to believe that dead men tell no tales.

Heart and Soul

Ain’t Misbehavin’

Walking into the Drury Lane Theatre the theatergoer’s mouth may fall open in wonder. The entire stage has been magically transformed into a beautiful Bronzeville cabaret nightclub, circa 1939 Chicago. This is thanks to the artistry of Andrew Boyce’s plush and classy Scenic Design, and accented by Lee Fiskness’ moody and sometimes melancholy Lighting. This lavishly detailed Art Deco night spot is reminiscent of New York’s Cotton Club or the Savoy Ballroom. Draperies, crystal chandeliers and lighted alcoves and arches frame a set that’s dominated by two movable platforms and stair units, the onstage domicile for the six musicians. The stage is adorned with several small tables and chairs and highlighted with champagne glasses and twinkling petite lamps. The scene provides a comfortable environment for both the five talented performers and a six-member onstage band, led by conductor and pianist, William Foster McDaniel.

Ya Gotta Have Friends

The Hot Wing King

If you’ve ever wondered what love looks like, I’ve got a wonderful play for you. Katori Hall’s infectious, joyful Pulitzer Prize-winning play is a portrait of every kind of love: allegiance affection and profound amour. The story is set in urban Tennessee on the evening before and the morning of Memphis’ famous World Championship Hot Wing Contest & Festival. It focuses on a group of African-American men, both gay and straight, all bonded by friendship, respect and a love for each other. Ms. Hall’s two-act dramatic comedy beautifully illustrates that, as Bette Midler sang, “Ya Gotta Have Friends.” It also supports the old adage that one’s family into isn’t necessarily the one you were born into, comprised of blood relatives; but rather it could be the people whom we choose.