Chicagotheaterbeat

LATEST ARTICLES ( 2140 )

• Review: The CiviliTy of Albert Cashier (Permoveo Productions)

  

  Though more work needed, compelling story and strong performances make world premiere recommended Review by Lauren Whalen Not much is known about Albert... Read more

  Posted on 10 September 2017 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: Trevor the Musical (Writers Theatre)

  

  Much more than an issue-oriented musical about teen suicide It's now a fairly well-known statistic that suicide is the leading cause of death among people... Read more

  Posted on 06 September 2017 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: Cicada Summer (Rough House Theater)

  

  World premiere a beautiful piece of breathing, visual art The best coming-of-age stories are at once universal and unique. Adolescents experience many of the... Read more

  Posted on 02 September 2017 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Gynecologic Oncology Unit at...

  

  Though nicely acted, dark comedy never quite gels Route 66 Theatre presents A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Gynecologic Oncology Unit at Memoria... Read more

  Posted on 31 August 2017 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: Barbecue (Strawdog Theatre)

  

  Review by Lauren Whalen It's never a good sign when the entire first act is a fake-out. I realize this is a minor spoiler, but it's nigh-impossible to review... Read more

  Posted on 30 August 2017 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: The Audience (TimeLine Theatre)

  

  A fascinating must-see for fans of the British monarchy Review by Lauren Whalen Playwright and screenwriter Peter Morganhas a fascination with kings and... Read more

  Posted on 28 August 2017 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: Gypsy (Music Theater Works)

  

  Fierce performances elevate a classic "Mama Rose" Hovick, the stage mother of the two child performers who grew up to be the actress June Havoc and the... Read more

  Posted on 22 August 2017 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity (Red Theater)

  

  Red Theater earns its championship belt Review by Lauren Whalen Wrestling is all about pageantry. It's about fighting, yes, but it's more performance art tha... Read more

  Posted on 21 August 2017 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: Machinal (Greenhouse Theater Center)

  

  Beautifully unsettling Review by Lauren Whalen "DEAD!" read the New York Daily News headline on January 13, 1928. Ruth Snyder was executed, along with her... Read more

  Posted on 16 August 2017 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: Hair (Mercury Theater Chicago)

  

  Dynamic, explosive and timely Review by Lauren Whalen After I saw the touring production of Hair 's Tony Award-winning revival in 2010, my aunt told me... Read more

  Posted on 11 August 2017 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: At the Table (Broken Nose Theatre)

  

  Written by Michael Perlman The Den Theatre, 1333 N. Milwaukee thru Aug 26 | pay-what-you-can | more info Easily the best and most necessary play... Read more

  Posted on 09 August 2017 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: A Puppet Playdate with Grandma D (Pride Arts Center)

  

  Written and Directed by Tristan Tom Pride Arts Center, 4139 N. Broadway thru Aug 27 | pay-what-you-can | more info Sweet, friendly and... Read more

  Posted on 08 August 2017 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: Romeo and Juliet (Chicago Shakespeare, 2017)

  

  Sweet introduction to Shakespeare On a hot summer night, a lawnful of people at Navy Pier's new Polk Bros. Park gathered to enjoy an evening of Shakespeare.... Read more

  Posted on 08 August 2017 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: Little Fish (Kokandy Productions)

  

  Capable cast can't compensate for over-the-top yet predictable characters Review by Catey Sullivan In Michael John LaChiusa's Little Fish , 30something... Read more

  Posted on 04 August 2017 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: The Food Show (The Neo-Futurists)

  

  Even personable, funny performances can't salvage this production Review by Lauren Whalen Watching The Food Show on the uncomfortable bleachers set up insid... Read more

  Posted on 04 August 2017 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: In the Wake (The Comrades)

  

  Lots of angst, little growth, in this overwrought drama Review by Lauren Whalen In The Wake is set in the aftermath of George W. Bush's first Presidential... Read more

  Posted on 01 August 2017 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: Luzia (Cirque Du Soleil)

  

  So much impossible beauty it almost hurts Review by Catey Sullivan There is so much impossible beauty in Cirque du Soleil's Luzia , that watching it almost... Read more

  Posted on 30 July 2017 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: Fight City (Factory Theater)

  

  If only women ran the world...how different would it be? Review by Johanna Dalton In the dystopian future world of world premiere Fight City , set in 2077,... Read more

  Posted on 29 July 2017 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: An American in Paris (Broadway in Chicago)

  

  'S Wonderful and 'S Marvelous It's difficult to overstate the kinetic, sumptuous beauty of Broadway in Chicago's An American In Paris . This is a musical wher... Read more

  Posted on 29 July 2017 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: They’re Playing Our Song (Brown Paper Box Co.)

  

  Timewarp to the 1970s with this groovy, romantic musical confection Review by Lauren Whalen How you feel about They're Playing Our Song will depend on how yo... Read more

  Posted on 26 July 2017 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA