Cirque Shanghai EXTREME at Navy Pier's Skyline Stage
Cirque Shanghai EXTREME at Navy Pier's Skyline Stage
Runs June 19-September 5
Recommended
Cirque Shanghai takes each act one step further…or three
By Darcy Rose Coussens
Between its fantastic stunts, ornate costumes, and majestic music, Cirque Shanghai EXTREME has brought a real spectacle to Navy Pier. Everything in the show glitters and shimmers, and despite all of the risky endeavors, these performers never stop smiling. The show begins with Chinese dragons parading down the aisles and performers bounding onstage and into the air; it is merely a preview of what is to come, though!
I was impressed that the same performers rotate acts– they each have many specialties instead of just one. Even the tiniest little girl appears in several different acts, from contortion, to ladder balancing, to lyra (aerial rings suspended in the air). Many of the acts are beautiful, such as the silks. The performers fly gracefully and seemingly effortlessly, and the costumes are magnificent. Overall, the costumes in every act are incredibly detailed, right down to the glittery eyeshadow.
Some acts are funny, as well. During hat juggling, the performers wordlessly teach audience vol
unteers how to stretch, and then how to execute the most basic version of hat juggling, all while clapping enthusiastically to the beat. I think the audience had even more fun watching this than the volunteers did onstage. Even when the performers dropped a hat or two, they covered the mistake with such speed that I hardly noticed.
The show keeps a pretty fast pace between the different acts, all of which were very impressive. I have never been so enthralled watching roller-skating. Originally, I had thought one man balancing on a ladder was commendable, yet another climbed on top of him, and then the little girl topped them off! Something of this sort happens in every act: I would think they were finished, when they would top themselves yet again (and sometimes again…and again). Finally, the motorcycles. Cirque Shanghai sure likes their motorcycles. Performers ride them on the high wires above the audience, but that's really just a warm up to the finale, which I'll leave a surprise for you to marvel at properly.
All in all, this was more fun to watch than the Olympics or another sporting event. The stunts were excellent, but they were also presented gracefully and with fantastic flair. Cirque Shanghai EXTREME has landed a near-perfect balance between sport and art.
The Women at Circle
The Women is fun and clever
The Women by Clare Booth Luce
Directed by Jim Schneider
Circle Theatre, 1010 W. Madison, Oak Park 60302
Runs June 29 – August 14, 2011
Tickets $22 – $26, available at www.circle-theatre.org, (708) 660-9540
Review by Kaylee Holt
The Women, written in the 30’s by Clare Booth Luce, is like an early version of Desperate Housewives; it follows a group of rich socialites and the ups and downs of their love lives. One woman, Mary Haines, is content with what she thinks is a perfect marriage until she discovers that her husband is cheating on her with a shop girl. Madness ensues. Much like Desperate Housewives, The Women may not make any grand, earth-shattering statements about the world; however, it is witty and enjoyable.
The cast of characters is fun, and, quite fittingly, entirely women: though the play centers around women’s relationships with men, not a single male character ever actually appears on stage. Though the play may run a little longer than necessary, the rapport between characters is consistently rapid and clever, keeping the story from dragging. There are also a few fight scenes thrown in, which are entertaining, if a bit over-choreographed. The saga plays out against a beautiful set, complete with genuine art deco props.
It’s noted in the director’s note that the play has been accused of being misogynistic, and, it’s true, it won’t be winning any awards for feminism. However, the story seems so aware of this fact that I didn’t find it offensive. The Women is just a fun, light way to spend an evening, full of beauty and wit.
Pine Box Returns
Pine Box returns from hiatus with original police suspense story
A Girl With Sun in Her Eyes by Joshua Rollins
Directed by Matt Miller
Pine Box Theater at the Second Stage, 3408 N. Sheffield, Chicago 60657
Runs June 30 – August 7, 2011
Tickets $35, available at www.pineboxtheater.org
Review by Kaylee Holt
After a three-year hiatus, Pine Box Theater is back with the world premiere of Joshua Rollins’s A Girl With Sun in Her Eyes. The story follows one night in the investigation of a missing police officer, and slowly reveals the missing girl’s relationship to both the officers investigating the disappearance and the suspects brought in for interrogation. While the play gets off to a rocky start, eventually it finds its stride and demonstrates some quality storytelling.
The dialogue is slightly awkward in the beginning; however, often just as a line feels awkward, it’s followed up by a joke that cuts the discomfort. Plus, Vincent Teninty carries the play along and keeps the audience interested as William, the average guy you continue to pull for even when you know you shouldn’t. As the play goes on, the other actors come into their own; Steve Pickering does a solid job as Landy, the rough but secretly emotional officer, as does Sean Parris as Darnel, the nonchalant suspect with an attitude. Both manage to be funny and convincing.
The structure of the play was effective and suspenseful; it alternated between interrogation scenes and scenes of what actually happened leading up to the crime. Rollins constantly introduces new information, but does so slowly enough to build suspense and keep the audience guessing. Though there are a few too many long, confessional monologues, Rollins’s talent shines through in the scenes with rowdy, overlapping dialogue.
Second Stage is an intimate theater, and the space is utilized well; there’s seating on both sides of the stage area, so that the audience surrounds the action. A Girl With Sun in Her Eyes gradually sucks its audience in, and is an interesting look at the domino effect each of our decisions can have. I’m curious to see what Pine Box Theater has to offer in the time to come.
Flamenco Passion
Flamenco Passion, Ensemble Español’s Gala Concert
At the Skokie Center for the Performing Arts
Concluded American Spanish Dance and Music Festival
June 16-26
Ensemble Español Gala Concert “Flamenco Passion” was exhilarating finale to the American Spanish Dance and Music Festival
By Darcy Rose Coussens
If you missed the 35th Anniversary Gala Concert by Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, founded and artistic directed by Dame Libby Komaiko, don’t make that mistake again next year. This vibrant collection of flamenco dances showcased the talented Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater Company Dancers, several impassioned musicians, and three brilliant guest artists from Spain. The program included letters from Mayor Emmanuel, Governor Quinn, and a few others in support of Ensemble Español. A letter from President Obama was also read aloud during the performance. Despite these recommendations, I had no idea how intense the performance would be.
The production incorporated projections of Picasso paintings and live musicians, three of whom are also from Spain. The dancers seemed part of the music through their rhythms, and so the live musicians were a terrific asset to these incredible dancers. This was a series of performances with flipping fans, swishing skirts, clicking castanets and very fast feet. Several dances were slow and expressive, such as that of Carmela Greco, which met tremendous applause and cheers. The show included a variety of dances that were mournful, seductive, sassy and fun. The intricate choreography was beautiful.
Whether you are a flamenco fanatic or a novice, this company will blow you away. With dramatic lighting and ornate costumes, the entire ensemble was extremely polished. Other guest artists from Spain included Paloma Gómez and Christian Lozano, and their performance together got the show off to a very exciting start. Later, Lozano stole the show with a spectacular solo (the ladies seated behind me immediately made plans to get him flowers). The many shouts of “ole” from the audience throughout the show were well-deserved. Make sure you catch Ensemble Español if ever possible– you won’t regret it!
Shout – Marriott Theatre
Shout! At the Marriott Theater in Lincolnshire
Directed and choreographed by Rachel Rockwell
Runs June 24-August 14
Marriott re-conceives Shout! with top
-notch vocals and dynamite dancing
By Darcy Rose Coussens
The Marriott Theater in Lincolnshire has long maintained a reputation of excellence, and Shout! does not disappoint. The groovy, sparkly set is gorgeous but simple, of course allowing visibility from all four sides. The characters are unnamed, but the five singers develop their own personalities throughout the show, somewhat reminiscent of Donna and the Dynamos in Mamma Mia. It’s like taking the best song and dance numbers from musicals and putting them all together without worrying about a story. This re-conceived version is definitely a hit. Audience members loved the renditions of familiar tunes, and the show was a blast of pure fun.
The beginning feels a little aimless, since the audience does not know what to expect and the singers perform one song after another without a plot. However, soon it really gets going with some especially outstanding vocal performances by Carey Anderson and Jessie Mueller. The five singers jam to arrangements of favorite hits like “Downtown” and “These Boots Were Made for Walking”.
What stands out most is the exceptional dancing. Although the different singers and dancers seem a bit disjointed at first (the singers only sing, the dancers only dance), it quickly becomes clear that this separation allows the dancers to do much more than is possible in a typical musical. The dances are extremely impressive and include many styles. Several are short vignettes that interpret the lyrics of the singers’ songs. I found myself wishing for more dancing because it adds so much to what would otherwise basically have been a concert. The men are excellent partners, and stand-out numbers like the “James Bond theme,” “Son of a Preacher Man,” and “Puppet On a String” include plenty of risky lifts made to look effortless.
Shout! is funny, upbeat, and extremely entertaining. The many costumes are glitzy and stylized to the songs. All of the performers have lots of stamina for 90 minutes of song and dance without intermission, and the choreography is especially commendable. With plenty of hair-flipping and sass, this is a high-energy show that will have you dying to get out of your seat by the rendition of “Shout” at the end!
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Shout! At the Marriott Theater in Lincolnshire
Directed and choreographed by Rachel Rockwell
Runs June 24-August 14
Marriott re-conceives Shout! with top-notch vocals and dynamite dancing
By Darcy Rose Coussens
The Marriott Theater in Lincolnshire has long maintained a reputation of excellence, and Shout! does not disappoint. The groovy, sparkly set is gorgeous but simple, of course allowing visibility from all four sides. The characters are unnamed, but the five singers develop their own personalities throughout the show, somewhat reminiscent of Donna and the Dynamos in Mamma Mia. It’s like taking the best song and dance numbers from musicals and putting them all together without worrying about a story. This re-conceived version is definitely a hit. Audience members loved the renditions of familiar tunes, and the show was a blast of pure fun.
The beginning feels a little aimless, since the audience does not know what to expect and the singers perform one song after another without a plot. However, soon it really gets going with some especially outstanding vocal performances by Carey Anderson and Jessie Mueller. The five singers jam to arrangements of favorite hits like “Downtown” and “These Boots Were Made for Walking”.
What stands out most is the exceptional dancing. Although the different singers and dancers seem a bit disjointed at first (the singers only sing, the dancers only dance), it quickly becomes clear that this separation allows the dancers to do much more than is possible in a typical musical. The dances are extremely impressive and include many styles. Several are short vignettes that interpret the lyrics of the singers’ songs. I found myself wishing for more dancing because it adds so much to what would otherwise basically have been a concert. The men are excellent partners, and stand-out numbers like the “James Bond theme,” “Son of a Preacher Man,” and “Puppet On a String” include plenty of risky lifts made to look effortless.
Shout! is funny, upbeat, and extremely entertaining. The many costumes are glitzy and stylized to the songs. All of the performers have lots of stamina for 90 minutes of song and dance without intermission, and the choreography is especially commendable. With plenty of hair-flipping and sass, this is a high-energy show that will have you dying to get out of your seat by the rendition of “Shout” at the end!
Path:
Cherry Orchard – Raven Theatre
The close of Raven Theatre’s 2011 series ended without the bang one would anticipate, judging by the stellar roster of productions. While their season opener, Tennessee William’s powerhouse “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” received bold acclaim for its tight ensemble mechanics, Chekhov’s “The Cherry Orchard” unfortunately doesn’t live up. While indeed there were glimpses of promise in the production—the set design and lighting were inspired— the actual performance, what the audience really pays to see, doesn’t really pay off.
Set in Russia just after the turn of the 20th century, the ancestral home and sweeping cherry orchards of matriarch Lyubov Andreyevna Ranevskaya’s is in foreclosure. Seemingly unable to rein in spending, the family must decide how to proceed—to save their beloved home and orchard or fall victim to their dwindling bank accounts and bad sense. The pickings are ripe for exceptional drama, though in the hands of director Michael Menendian, the production withers.
Maybe it’s the translation, this one by Jean-Claude van Itallie, maybe it’s the direction, but mostly, it’s the cast. The actors played too much on the nose to do one of Chekhov’s most beloved and poignant plays any real service. The play is broadly acted, and rather than focusing on the subtle delivery of lines, most players pushed through them, almost spiting them out, itching it seemed, to get on with it, and after the first act I wished they would. Between the abundance of direct address to the audience instead of each other and focus on characters eccentricities instead of attention to their ethos, there wasn’t much to rave about.
Still, the evening wasn’t all for naught. Performances by Liz Fletcher as Charlotta Ivanovna, Kelli Strickland as Dunyasha and Michael Morgan Peters as tutor Trofimov, shone through the rest.
The show runs now through July 23rd 2011 at the Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark St, Chicago.
Reviewed by: Elisa Karbin
