Chicagotheaterbeat

LATEST ARTICLES ( 2140 )

• Review: The Weir (Irish Theatre of Chicago)

  

  McPherson's 'Weir' a pleasant way to spend an evening Review by Lauren Whalen A "weir" is a small dam in a stream or river. The weir figures into one of the... Read more

  Posted on 19 January 2017 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: The Christians (Steppenwolf Theatre)

  

  Fiery, soul-stirring gospel choir enlivens lukewarm production Review by Catey Sullivan Lucas Hnath's latest drama is packed with the sort of Big... Read more

  Posted on 18 January 2017 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: La Gringa (UrbanTheater Company)

  

  Tender and charming Midwest premiere Review by Lauren Whalen Located in the heart of Humboldt Park, UrbanTheater Company is a local treasure. The space is... Read more

  Posted on 17 January 2017 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: Her America (Greenhouse Theater, Solo Celebration)

  

  Fierce solo performance overcomes world premiere's faulty premise Review by Catey Sullivan When we meet the woman whose country forms the title of Her Americ... Read more

  Posted on 16 January 2017 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: What of the Night? (Cor Theatre & Stage Left Theatre)

  

  Ambitious 'Night' intensely explores poverty, survival Review by Mark Davidson Nominated for a Pulitzer Prize when it first premiered in 1990,... Read more

  Posted on 15 January 2017 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: Honky Tonk Angels (Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre)

  

  Despite clichéd storyline, these angels sound heavenly Review by Catey Sullivan Bless his heart, but Ted Swindley penned a script for Honky Tonk Angels ... Read more

  Posted on 14 January 2017 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: The Sundial (City Lit Theater)

  

  Despite a few strong performances, 'Sundial' fails to fully deliver Review by Lauren Whalen Watching feels like watching a college directing project. The... Read more

  Posted on 13 January 2017 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: Men on Boats (American Theater Company)

  

  Flawed story-telling hampers potentially ground-breaking piece Review by Catey Sullivan As commentary on the fact that gender is a spectrum and not a... Read more

  Posted on 13 January 2017 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Chicago’s Best Theater of 2016

  

  See our picks below the fold Chicago’s best theater of 2016 (in alphabetical order; all summaries by Lauren Whalen) Byhalia, Mississippi The New Colony /... Read more

  Posted on 03 January 2017 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Top 10 Chicago Productions of 2016

  

  Another year, another 12 months of great theater! 2016 blessed the Windy City with inspired new works and riveting revivals from a wide range of companies - fro... Read more

  Posted on 02 January 2017 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: Die Fledermaus (Light Opera Works)

  

  Light in tone, heavy in talent This is the last production of Light Opera Works under that name. Die Fledermaus closes on January 1 and the very next day... Read more

  Posted on 31 December 2016 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: The Nutcracker (Joffrey Ballet, 2016)

  

  A genius Chicago-centric reimagining of magical holiday classic Review by Lauren Whalen Subscribers and fans of The Joffrey Ballethave been anticipating the... Read more

  Posted on 24 December 2016 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: Twist Your Dickens (Second City at Goodman Theatre, 2016)

  

  Holiday hilarity at its finest! Review by Lauren Whalen As Twist Your Dickens' ghostly barbershop quartet points out in the show's opening, Charles... Read more

  Posted on 23 December 2016 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: That’s Weird Grandma–The Holiday Special Returns (Barrel of Monkeys,...

  

  That's Weird Grandma: The Holiday Special Returns A joyous, innovative hour of pure holiday entertainment Review by Lauren Whalen In the last days... Read more

  Posted on 21 December 2016 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: The Christmas Schooner (Mercury Theater Chicago, 2016)

  

  Chicago's own holiday musical is still a winner Now in its 21st year since premiering at the former Bailiwick Repertory Theatre, The Christmas Schooner must... Read more

  Posted on 21 December 2016 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: The Haven Place (A Red Orchid Theatre)

  

  Smart, snappy and almost hyper-realistic world premiere Review by Lauren Whalen Outside of young adult literature, it's still challenging to find portrayals... Read more

  Posted on 19 December 2016 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: Christmas at Christine’s (Silk Road Rising)

  

  Take a trip to Christine's It's fortunate that the Christmas season comes hard on the heels of the election season to provide some respite for weary souls. An... Read more

  Posted on 19 December 2016 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: It’s A Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! (American Blues Theater, 2016)

  

  Fun and nostalgic holiday production for the entire family This pleasant production will bring oldsters back to the "good old days" and also introduce... Read more

  Posted on 19 December 2016 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: The Winter’s Tale (Cheek by Jowl, Chicago Shakespeare)

  

  Vivid conceptualized design still can't resuscitate problematic script Review by Catey Sullivan Of all the plays Shakespeare wrote, The Winter's Tale is -... Read more

  Posted on 18 December 2016 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Broadway in Chicago)

  

  The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Alternately funny, wrenching, riveting, and ultimately inspiring Review by Catey Sullivan There are onl... Read more

  Posted on 16 December 2016 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA