A Heavenly Musical

Forever Plaid – Drury Lane Theatre

Can you remember the last time you heard “Three Coins in a Fountain,” accompanied by an accordion, or the proud, Highland anthem, “Scotland the Brave,” or wallowed in the nostalgia of “Moments to Remember”? Well, unless you’ve found a radio station that plays the hit tunes from the 1950’s, it’s probably been a very long time, if ever! In Stuart Ross’ sweet tribute to the close-harmony male vocal groups of the Eisenhower years, we’re treated to a jukebox musical revue with a clever plot. For younger patrons, this Heavenly musical is a creative introduction to the hit songs of a more innocent, bygone era; but it’s a sweet trip down memory lane for every Baby Boomer in the audience.

The Songs of Kander and Ebb

The World Goes ‘Round – Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre

Lovely Allison Blackwell slowly walks onto the Marriott stage and immediately her eyes tear up. Most of the audience can empathize with her emotional response, as she surveys her surroundings. Christopher Rhoton’s imaginative scenic design presents a space that resembles an abandoned theatre, possibly the Marriott itself, as it might’ve looked the day the lights were turned off almost two years ago. That’s when the pandemic shut down every Chicagoland venue. A dusty act curtain lay across the stage; an old piano, some assorted chandeliers and few props and costumes are strewn here and there; and the ghost light, a promise of good things to come, shines brightly, frightening away bad spirits and welcoming the joyous energy of a new show.

Telling Women’s Tales

Petticoats & Sliderules/The Infinite Energy of Ada Lovelace – Third Eye Ensemble

Third Eye Ensemble comes back to the live stage with two fresh tales of women who, thankfully, refused many of the societal strictures of their times to further both science and humanity. Composer Elizabeth Rudolph’s “conversation” titled Petticoats & Sliderules creates a dialogue based on a 2003 interview in the archives of the Society of Women Engineers and the writings of a 1923 suffragette. Kamala Sankaram’s opera, The Infinite Energy of Ada Lovelace, traces the history of Countess Ada Lovelace, the daughter of Lord Byron, who fights to use her lifeforce and scientific talents for a more sweeping goal than her Victorian times dictate. This double bill was offered to audiences that could offer proof of COVID vaccination, a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance start time, or a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken without 6 hours of the performance start time. The audience was cautioned to remain masked during their entire time in the theatre. 

Ben Folds at Ravinia

After nearly two years away, we were anxious to see our first Ravinia show. Ben Folds with the Ravinia Festival Orchestra and conductor Francisco Nova was the perfect choice!

Backed by a full orchestra the entire evening, Folds displayed his impressive skills as both an entertainer and musician, blending his prodigious pop-rock sensibilities with plenty of classical flavor. Few musicians would entertain this kind of genre crossover- only a musical virtuoso like Folds could pull it off.

The evening included moments of audience participation and Folds did his typical, though no less impressive impromptu on-stage song writing shtick, all the while curating an evening full of memorable moving music. Folds is a funny, quirky kind of performer who’s boundless knowledge of his craft radiates an endearing excitement You can’t help but get caught up in it and start singing along.

And Ravinia one of the greatest venues bringing together music, friends and memorable times. We have certainly missed you and are happy to say “Welcome Back.” Thanks for the memories we have had and the ones we will make for years to come.

Reviewed by Murray Karbin

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!