Chicago Theatre Review

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Where Did We Go Right?

August 12, 2023 Comments Off on Where Did We Go Right?

The Producers

For 22 years this hilarious musical has been entertaining theatre audiences all around the world. Mel Brooks’ adaptation of his own classic 1967 comic film of the same name was advertised as featuring something to offend everyone. And the claim remains true, especially for more conservative theatergoer. It’s an unusual selling point, but then Mel Brooks’ brand of humor has always been based upon the unorthodox, often shocking his audience while making them laugh. One need only look at his other comic film classics, such as “Young Frankenstein” and “Blazing Saddles.”

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Thriller

August 11, 2023 Comments Off on Thriller

MJ, the Musical

After years of delay, complications and Covid-caused theatre shutdowns, this long-awaited musical is finally making its splashy debut in Chicago. And, as indicated by the well-deserved standing ovations opening night, the show’s 2023 arrival was, indeed, well worth the wait! This infectious jukebox musical is an eye-popping, high-octane tribute to Michael Jackson, dubbed The King of Pop. He’s undeniably one of the greatest entertainers of all time, and this respectful testimonial to Jackson’s talent, generosity and commitment to perfection illuminates every one of his best qualities.

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A Light in the Dark

August 3, 2023 Comments Off on A Light in the Dark

Next to Normal

Paramount Theatre continues to light up Chicagoland as the company best known for its spectacular Broadway style musical productions. The shows usually feature large casts of extraordinarily talented triple threats, all acting, singing and dancing their hearts out on artistically designed stage settings. But Paramount’s Bold Series of plays and musicals, performed at the Copley Theatre, located directly across the street from the gorgeous Paramount venue, are just as emotionally impressive but on an abbreviated scale. The shows generally have a smaller cast, often feature a more modest scenic design but, because of the theatre’s intimate seating, can still deliver a punch straight to the heart.

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Somewhere Between Reality and Dreams

July 28, 2023 Comments Off on Somewhere Between Reality and Dreams

No Man’s Land

Like so many other plays by British Harold Pinter, this bizarre and, I confess, quite confusing two-hour, two-act drama appears to be a reaction to an intruder who attempts to disturb the status quo. This 1974 play, like most of Pinter’s absurdist comic-dramas (The Birthday Party, The Caretaker, The Homecoming), exists somewhere between what’s real and what’s only dreamed. Hirst, an aging, alcoholic, upper-class author meets a fellow poet named Spooner at the local pub. After an evening of drinking and conversation, Hirst invites the down-on-his-luck writer back to his magnificent home for more drinks. As the night wears on, the two men become increasingly inebriated, with Hirst ripening into reticence and Spooner turning more talkative.

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Laughin’ and Cyan

July 24, 2023 Comments Off on Laughin’ and Cyan

Blue Man Group

I’m not sure the physical theatre ensemble Blue Man Group has changed much since I last saw them at the Briar Street Theatre about eight years ago.  Back then, in an apparent effort to stay current, the three mute, bald and blue-bodied percussionists engaged in some tomfoolery with large smartphone-styled props, although mostly they banged lustily on drums, clambered over the theatre’s seats, and caught marshmallows with their mouths.  Friday night — still at the Briar Street Theatre — three new but still blue performers once again engaged in a bit of tomfoolery with large smartphone-styled props, banged lustily on drums, clambered over the theatre’s seats, and caught marshmallows with their mouths.  

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Flippy Floppy Floory

July 24, 2023 Comments Off on Flippy Floppy Floory

Elephant & Piggie’s: “We Are In a Play!”

Any young child with access to a library or bookstore will probably have memorized the books of the prolific and Caldecott-Honored author, Mo Willems. Savvy parents, grandparents, teachers, librarians and booksellers are also huge fans of his delightful stories. They provide hours of joy for children and, may I confess, adults, as well! Why? It’s because they’re all so simple, completely relatable, happy and positive. How refreshing to be able to spend time with two “bestus” friends in today’s world, that’s filled with so much danger and violence.

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I Can’t Fight This Feeling

July 24, 2023 Comments Off on I Can’t Fight This Feeling

Rock of Ages

Chris D’Arienzo’s theatrical tribute to the glam rock bands of the 1980’s is yet another jukebox musical. The show sports a huge roster of rock hits by the likes of Journey, Pat Benatar, Bon Jovi, Styx, Twisted Sister and many more artists. It’s a loving tribute to that bygone era of excess. The show features big sound, big talents and big hair, generously peppered with spandex, mini-skirts, thigh-high boots, acid-washed denim and lots of skin.

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Be Our Guest

July 24, 2023 Comments Off on Be Our Guest

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

Everyone, I dare say, has felt like an outsider at some point in their lives. In this story, a young girl, lovingly raised by her widowed father, is the new girl in a small French town. But just like any kid who’s moved to a new city and entered a new school, Belle is made fun of and told she’s odd. The young lady escapes her “provincial life” through books. The only person in town who seems to like the girl is Gaston, a horribly pompous egotist, who wants to marry her because she’s pretty. 

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Soul Sisters

July 16, 2023 Comments Off on Soul Sisters

Marie & Rosetta

Evolving naturally from the Blues, Gospel music had its beginnings in Chicago. So what better place to celebrate this incredibly talented singing duo than right here at Northlight Theatre? As we enjoy this musical celebration of original Soul Sisters, Rosetta Tharpe and Marie Knight, we witness how the genre ultimately melded into Jazz, R&B and Rock & Roll, and inspired such popular musicians as Little Richard, Johnny Cash, Chuck Berry, Eric Clapton and even Elvis Presley.

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Bristol Renaissance Faire

July 12, 2023 Comments Off on Bristol Renaissance Faire

Hear Ye hear ye, summer has arrived and the Bristol Renaissance Faire is in full swing. I have been coming to this event for about the last 20 years and every year the magic and fun never disappoints. 

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