Reviews Category
Book of Matthew Crash Course
By: Kayland Smyth
In Christianity there are two types of people: those who believe in a God and intensively study the Bible, and those who believe in a God but do not really study the bible. If you fall into the category of believing in a God but do not study the Bible then GODSPELL is a great refresher or crash course on learning the book of Matthew.
GODSPELL is a modern day take on the Gospel According to Matthew. Its score is by Academy and Grammy Award winner and six- time Tony Award nominee Stephen Schwartz and book by John Michael Tebelak. GODSPELL uses improvisation and contemporary themes to illustrate a message of kindness, community and hope that still resonates today. The cast, whom all embodied different biblical characters, includes: TJ Anderson, Jeanne T. Arrigo, Megan Ensley, Veronica Garza, Michelle Limon, Andrew Lund, Jake Mahier, Pavi Proczko, Stephanie Rohr and Nick Shoda.
I found this production to be very unique in a couple of ways
starting with the cast. The members of the cast not only acted and sang they also played the music for each song. Rarely do you see actors playing the musical’s score in a musical production. Normally, the actors just sing and act but I enjoyed hearing live music instead of a pre-recorded instrumental. I also liked the size and location of the stage. The stage was small and in the middle of the audience. It felt as though the audience was a part of the production. It also felt more intimate, giving the actors more to play around with while improvising.
GODSPELL, put on by the Brown Paper Box Company, runs from September 20, 2012 to October 7, 2012 at Collaboraction Studio 300 in the Flat Iron Arts Building, 1579 North Milwaukee Ave. Performances run Thursday through Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 3:00p.Tickets are $20 on Thursday, $25 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Industry cost is $15 at the door with headshot and resume. For tickets visit boxpapertickets.com.
When Was the Last Time You Met a Lizard at the Beach?
Nick Sandys introduces himself as the new Artistic Director of Remy Bumppo with a strong, comical and eye-catching play. Edward Albee’s Seascape looks at the interpersonal relationships of two couples entering transitional periods in their lives. A human couple bickers over what to do now that their children are grown, and whether that means life is over or just beginning. So logically, Albee introduces them to a giant lizard couple, also debating their future; they are exploring the possibility of evolving to become land creatures. This makes for a witty parallel between the couples and the difference between men and women, despite their species.
Read MorePraise for Gift Theatre
DIRTY : THE GIFT THEATRE
REVIEWED BY : Frank Meccia
How do you take a liberal yuppie investment banker married to a pregnant Eco-friendly social liberal who is now unemployed due to self consciousness make money., in a capitalist world ? For the answer you have to see Andrew Hinderaker's new play “Dirty” at the Gift Theatre. Hinderaker last teamed up with Michael Patrick Thornton in the 2010 premier of Suicide,Incorporated.
Thornton plays an investment banker who no longer can put up with his job, but is struck with a business idea that can net him millions incorporated with his wife, yet everyone thinks his idea is more vile then the job he just left. “Dirty”is a great play that mixes humor and porn into 2hours and 10 mins of great enjoyment.
Led by a great cast, Paul D'Addario (Terry) plays the shrew investment banker with the no-moral side. Hillary Clemens plays Katie his eco-friendly social liberal with a cause wife. And for her Gift Theatre debut Mouzam Makkar as the cover girl Mikayla.
I really enjoyed the Scenic Design created by Courtney O'Neill. This Jeff Award winner shows her talent in this small theater. .Jonathan Berry (Director) who's prior work at Gift include Suicide Incorporated, shows how a good drama with a great cast can work so well in a small theater.
“Dirty” gets a high recommendation
“Dirty” plays till November 18th. Tickets can be purchased at www.thegifttheatre.com .or call the box office 773-283-7071
Seeking Entrance
By: Kayland Smyth
The ensemble, Stage Left, is kicking off its 31st season with the world premiere of Impenetrable, written by Mia McCullough and directed by Greg Werstler, a Stage Left ensemble member. Impenetrable tells the story of a spa owner who erects a billboard to advertise his services and increase business. The billboard shows a gorgeous model with arrows superimposed pointing out her “imperfections” and suggesting cosmetic “solutions” his spa can provide. It sparks outrage in the women of the community and after protesting and boycotting of the salon the billboard is taken down.
Read MoreThree Cheers, for Three Sisters at Steppenwolf
By Lazlo Collins
Steppenwolf’s “Three Sisters” by Anton Chekhov (adapted by Tracy Letts) is journey that will leave you with a beautiful smile of melancholy and hope. This well-acted production is rich with beauty and texture.
No Missteps Here, Only the Best 39!
By Lazlo Collins
This Tony award winning play “The 39 Steps” is a faced paced monomyth, with intriguing characters, varied settings, and some greatly timed fog. The time tested story of intrigue and comedy is an easy evening of entertainment. With clever twists and staging, the story is never dull. I have seen this stage adaptation a few times, and I enjoy it every time. Drury Lane’s “The 39 Steps” is no exception.
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Hold Out for This "Hero" at The Marriott Theatre and Go!
By Lazlo Collins
The Marriott Theatre’s “Hero” is up, up, and away entertaining.
Eastland the Forgotten Disaster Gets a New Life
Eastland: A New Musical
Reviewed by Frank Meccia
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From Russia with Love, from The Strange Tree Group
By Lazlo Collins
“Goodbye Cruel World”, presented by The Strange Tree Group at Theater Wit, is completely satisfying soviet satirical farce, with plenty of great acting and characters. The adaptation of the 1928 play “The Suicide”, has had a checkered past. The scenes come fast and furious during this 90 minute romp that asks the question, “If I committed suicide, who would it benefit?” Well, the many answer to the question are revealed throughout the show.
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All is Good at the Asylum
By Lazlo Collins
Seeing the “The Persecution and Assassination of Jean-Paul Marat as Performed by the Inmates of the Asylum of Charenton Under the Direction of the Marquis De Sade” after so many years, I was a little nervous. It is not done and generally contains a large cast committed to being, well, crazy. Commonly known as the “Marat/Sade”, this intensely written drama by Peter Weiss is a masterwork in its depth of emotions, and what it causes us to think about, as we witness the plays’ events. This innovative play portrays class struggle and human suffering. It asks the very basic questions of power, authority, and our own destinies.
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