And the Butler Didn’t Do It

Who Killed Joan Crawford? – Glitterati Productions

A violent storm rages outside, but within the cozy, countrified cottage, belonging to Emmy Award-winning soap opera star, Trick Rogers, a birthday party is about to commence. The theme for the elaborately festive soiree is to come dressed as one of the iconic characters that Joan Crawford played in her films. So, one by one, each of the five gay men, decked out in full drag, arrive with gifts in his arms and hostility in his heart. It turns out that one of the guests is consumed with more than mere bitchiness. His masked malice toward the birthday boy and his sycophantic entourage is unleashed as this merrymaker turns into a murderer.

Crack-a-lackin Fun for the Family

Madagascar – Marriott Theatre

Following a typical day of crowd-pleasing performances at the Central Park Zoo, Marty the Zebra is surprised by a party thrown in his honor by his animal friends. Alex the Lion, Gloria the Hippo and Melman the hypochondriac Giraffe all help Marty celebrate his tenth birthday with a cake and some gifts. But, after Marty blows out the candles, he confesses to his buddies that his secret birthday wish is to escape the confines of the zoo and return to The Wild.

“Daughter of a Cuban Revolutionary” at The Goodman Theatre

Daughter of a Cuban Revolutionary has started its limited engagement run at the Goodman Theatre as a part of Destinos – the 3rd Chicago International Latino Theatre Festival. This production also marks the midwest premiere of Marissa Chibas’ autobiographical solo piece. The piece looks at Cuba’s turbulent political history through the lens of three people who have had the biggest impression on Chibas’ life: Raul, her father, Eddy, her uncle, and Dalia, her mother. Chibas has said that it has been an honor to share their stories, and it is truly an honor to hear and see her pass their stories on. 

Photographs Left Undeveloped

Sundown, Yellow Moon – Raven Theatre

Cody Estle, the clever and accomplished young Artistic Director of Raven Theatre, has gently navigated this inaugural production of his company’s 37th season. Rachel Bonds’ mellow, somewhat merciful one-act drama is warmhearted, but doesn’t go anywhere. It’s like seven characters in search of a plot, or a series of photographs left undeveloped. By the end of this play with music, the audience is left wanting more.

Overstuffed With Facts and Fiction

Mosquitoes – Steep Theatre

Like the titular insect, in the US premiere of Lucy Kirkwood’s latest drama, the author of “Chimerica” and “The Children,” tiny things appear bigger than they actually are, while larger problems sometimes unfortunately fade into oblivion. Kirkwood shows how as our scientific knowledge expands our personal understanding of each other diminishes. Yet, in a play overstuffed with so many facts and ideas, the playwright creates an argument for her theme that this is an epoch of erudition, but also an era of fear.

Poetic and Gritty

The Brothers Size – Steppenwolf Theatre

In Steppenwolf Theatre’s latest exciting offering for Young Audiences, Director Monty Cole presents ensemble member Tarell Alvin McCraney’s second installment of his trilogy, “The Brother/Sister Plays.” Mr. McCraney is the Oscar Award-winning screenwriter for “Moonlight,” the co-creator of Steppenwolf’s recently acclaimed “Ms. Blakk for President” and the playwright of the marvelous drama, “Choir Boy,” which recently wowed New York audiences. 

Songs You’ve Heard and Hummed at Some Time

Lerner and Loewe’s Greatest Hits – Music Theater Works

The Music Theater Works Presents Lerner and Loewe’s Greatest Hits at the Nichols Concert Hall 1490 Chicago Avenue in Evanston. Great is a pretty bold statement. “Great” is the way we feel about the performance. We enjoyed all facets of this production. 

Murder on the Moors

The Hound of the Baskervilles – City Lit Theatre

Sir Charles Baskerville has died under seemingly mysterious, but not necessarily suspicious circumstances. Found dead on his estate in Devon, his death could be chalked up to ill health, except for a legendary curse that has haunted his family for generations about a hellhound summoned by the evil deeds of a Baskerville ancestor. The great detective Sherlock Holmes doesn’t believe in curses, but when Sir Charles’ nephew arrives from America to claim his inheritance, he receives a threatening letter, warning him to stay away from the estate. Holmes must figure out who may have killed Sir Charles and stop them before they kill again.

Come Hear the Music Play

Cabaret – Cowardly Scarecrow Theatre Company

Cabaret is a snapshot in time. In the early 30s in Berlin, an English girl, Sally Bowles, dreams of stardom and wealth while performing in a seedy nightclub. Cliff, an American writer, is lazily making his way through Europe, hoping it will inspire his novel. Watching over all of it is an enigmatic master of ceremonies at the club, who seems to be the only one aware of the coming storm. Willkommen.

A Witch, a Giant, a Mermaid and a Son

Big Fish – BoHo Theatre

Get ready to be impressed, thoroughly moved and absolutely inspired to live your life with all the exhilaration and empathy as humanly possible. BoHo Theatre has a magical hit on its hands with this beautiful, deceptively simple and gloriously production. Directed with so much love and care by the multitalented Stephen Schellhardt, this intimate production bursts beyond the stage and into the audience, warming hearts and, at times, evoking tears.