Sex in the Leather Archives and Museum

The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 5 – Hell in a Handbag Theatre

While the pandemic, unfortunately, isn’t completely over, it’s at least being somewhat held at bay. Just observe everyone being required to wear surgical masks and having to show proof of their vaccinations, upon entering the venue. But, what the heck, let’s celebrate the positive: They’re back again! After a two year hiatus, thanks to every theatre in America being closed because of  Covid-19, David Cerda’s live Hell in a Handbag productions have returned. And who better to herald in a new season of kinky confections, but those crowd-pleasing, madcap matrons of mirth and mayhem from Miami—The Golden Girls. 

What It Means to Be a Family

Brighton Beach Memoirs – Citadel Theatre

Back in 1983, Neil Simon, the undisputed King of Comedy on Broadway and film, surprised theatre critics and patrons alike with his latest, an autobiographical play. Up to this point in his career, the gifted playwright had mainly brought only laughter to audiences with brilliant comedies like “Barefoot in the Park,” “The Odd Couple,” “Last of the Red Hot Lovers,” and the play that launched Simon’s career, “Come Blow Your Horn.” But in this largely personal play, Simon’s signature one-liners serve as welcome comic relief for all the domestic drama that plagues this loving family.

Welcome Back

Teatro ZinZanni – Cambria Hotel

Teatro ZinZanni premiered in summer of 2019 at the Cambria Hotel on Randolph Street in Chicago’s Loop Theatre District. My fellow reviewer Colin Douglas saw the premiere and gave it a rave review. Having shut down during the pandemic, the show is back with some old and new cast members and I am happy to add my enthusiastic recommendation to the chorus. I can safely say that the show is unlike anything else you’re likely to see, and in Chicago theater, that’s saying something.

Survival Through Storytelling

Mr. Burns: A Post Electric Play – Theatre Wit

There are definite parallels between the stifling sixteen months of pandemic lockdown that we’ve just experienced, and a horrific, nation-wide nuclear catastrophe that almost brings the world to an end. It’s not clear yet whether this Covid virus will ever be fully controlled, what with the virus continually mutating into new forms, folks spouting conspiracy theories about its origin, and refusing to get vaccinated or even masking up. Hopefully these holdouts will soon see the light. But in this respect, Anne Washburn’s dystopian comic drama truly hits home. In the fictional world she’s created, entire cities have been wiped off the face of the earth. Those few hearty souls who’ve survived the nuclear holocaust are left with very little except their spotty but fond memories of pop culture. These recollections come from television commercials, popular music, and that most enduring of all TV shows, “The Simpsons.” 

Everybody Say Yeah!

Kinky Boots – Paramount Theatre

Have you ever heard the term “triple threat” used when in describing theatre talent, and wondered what exactly that meant? It’s a multi-skilled actor, who’s at the very top of his game. He’s an artist who is unrivaled and has mastered the skills of acting, singing and dancing, all equally excellent. Well, Chicagoland, get ready to offer standing ovations every night to an entire company of triple threats, all poised to knock your socks (or pantyhose) off!

The Truth Hurts

The Things I Could Never Tell Steven – Pride Arts

Oscar Wilde once wrote that “the truth is rarely pure and never simple.” The Bible says that “the truth will set you free.” And someone quite wise once wrote that “the truth may hurt for a little while, but a lie hurts forever.” All of these quotations could aptly apply to this chamber musical by Aussie writer and composer, Jye Bryant. Although we never see Steven, by the end of this 75-minute one-act, the audience will have heard all the lies the young man has told to everyone who was important in his life…including himself. Those lies will have injured many and will, indeed, hurt forever.

Live Musical Theatre is Back, Baby!

Mamma Mia! -Music Theater Works

Accomplished actor, singer and member of the Columbia College’s Musical Theatre faculty, multitalented Justin Brill has staged a faithful new production of the 1999 smash hit musical, a show that became a cult classic for Baby Boomers over twenty years ago. It’s one of Broadway’s original jukebox musicals. Taking almost two dozen hit tunes from the ABBA songbook, this Musical Theater Works’ production is one of the first live stage presentations since the pandemic. In its joy and optimism, “Mamma Mia!” makes Chicagoland audiences almost forget the long theatrical hiatus of almost two years. But finally, at long last, we have the opportunity to revel in a live, professional, musical production again. Decked out in shiny spandex, platform heels and lots of glitter and glitz, this production is a feast for both the eyes and ears.

Well Worth the Wait

School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play – Goodman Theatre

With an affectionate nod to such films as “Heathers,” “Legally Blonde,” “Mean Girls” and even “Cinderella,” actress/playwright Jocelyn Bioh’s funny and often touching new play heralds a joyful return to live theatre in Chicago. It’s a comic drama that’s inspired by a real-life incident, and it’s also prompted by her own mother’s schooldays at the real Aburi Girls High School, the Ghana boarding school where this play takes place. Bioh’s comedy is a delicious 85-minute one-act that brings joy, entertainment and a powerful message to Chicago audiences. 

Yipping, Barking and Smelling

Why Dogs Don’t Talk – First Folio Theatre

It’s safe to say that all dog owners, at one time or another, have wished their pets could talk. It would be so much easier to understand their pooch’s needs and wants, their preferences for certain things and for those elements that are undesired. But in Dean Monti’s short, 17-minute story, adapted for the stage by David Rice, patrons might be warned to be careful what they wish for.

“A heaviness that’s gone.”

The Tempest – Oak Park Festival Theatre

After a year of so much turmoil and sadness, it’s all too easy to be left feeling jaded, bitter, and resentful towards all that was taken from us. Returning back to the liveliness of theater is quite an event, and starting with a classic such as Shakespeare’s The Tempest is an appropriate reintroduction. Viewing The Tempest with the events from this past year still in close hindsight lets us absorb an entirely new perspective of this 400-year-old play. The antiquity does not make this play any less applicable today: especially with the lively modern alterations featured in this production.