Chicagotheaterbeat

LATEST ARTICLES ( 2140 )

• Review: Smokey Joe’s Café (Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre)

  

  With the cast's great voices expertly performing the songs of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller , along with the intimate space of the café and the energy behind th... Read more

  Posted on 01 October 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: Good People (Steppenwolf Theatre)

  

  In an election year all about the economy (and when is it not really, all about the economy?), Steppenwolf's Good People strikes a deeply resonant chord that... Read more

  Posted on 01 October 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: HooDoo Love (The Collective Theatre)

  

  The Collective Theatre took 15 years to mount a production – hopefully it won’t be 15 more before the next one. HooDoo Love, directed by True Blood's Nelsan... Read more

  Posted on 30 September 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: Seascape (Remy Bumppo Theatre)

  

  Playwright Edward Albee is deftly skilled at painting the poignant differences between the still very-much-in-love husband and wife. Read more

  Posted on 28 September 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: Godspell (The Brown Paper Box Company)

  

  Brown Paper Box’s version of this 70s musical is unpolished as far as production values, but not a bad way to see (and hear) some of the most memorable songs... Read more

  Posted on 28 September 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: Hot ‘N’ Throbbing (Interrobang Theatre Project)

  

  With all the hoopla over *50 Shades of Grey*, this play puts a different perspective on what could be called sexual empowerment and taking control. Read more

  Posted on 27 September 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: Male Order Brides (Quest Theatre Ensemble)

  

  This production is a gleeful blend of old silent films with dashing heroes and lovelorn heroines with a fine comic touch from the villain and villainess. Read more

  Posted on 27 September 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: The Seven (The Neapolitans)

  

  For centuries, the seven deadly sins have inspired artists of all disciplines. In keeping with that grand tradition, The Neapolitans are hosting a festival of... Read more

  Posted on 27 September 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: Equivocation (Victory Gardens Theater)

  

  Under the effective direction of Sean Graney, the multi-dimensional story is staged to perfection. The talented ensemble assume multiple roles in this dramatic... Read more

  Posted on 26 September 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: Don’t Give That Beast a Name (The Mammals)

  

  The show is a visual and aural pleasure. John Wilson’s creative and flexible set design combined with Mike Smith’s rich lighting allow for the perfect ambience... Read more

  Posted on 26 September 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: Avenue Q (NightBlue Theater)

  

  Unfortunately, NightBlue’s Avenue Q is unevenly paved, leading to a bumpy run rather than a smooth stroll, the main issue being director David E. Walters’... Read more

  Posted on 25 September 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: The Skriker (Red Tape Theatre)

  

  In *The Skriker*, Playwright Caryl Churchill perfectly illustrates consumer culture on overload, while Eric Hoff’s promenade style direction is perfectly... Read more

  Posted on 25 September 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: They Call Me Mr. Fry (School Teacher Productions)

  

  They Call Me Mr. Fry Written by Jack Fry Directed by Jeff Michalski at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont (map) thru Oct 14 | tickets: $30 | more info Check for... Read more

  Posted on 25 September 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: Sweet Bird of Youth (Goodman Theatre)

  

  Though hobbled by a second act that seems as out of control as Tennessee Williams was at the time he wrote it, David Cromer’s Goodman Theatre staging draws... Read more

  Posted on 25 September 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: Assassins (Milwaukee Repertory Theater)

  

  The Milwaukee Repertory Theater has kicked off its new season with a production that dazzles (especially Todd Edward Ivins' set design) as well as provokes... Read more

  Posted on 25 September 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: Woody Sez (Northlight Theatre)

  

  In 90 minutes devisor/music director David M. Lutken plays Woody with communal charisma; getting abundant help from the voices and musicianship of the equally... Read more

  Posted on 24 September 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: Hobo Camp (J.M. Productions)

  

  Hobo Camp is an improvisational hybrid. The performers combine long-form improvisation with scene work, poetry, music, and more. Unfortunately there seems to... Read more

  Posted on 24 September 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: I Love Lucy Live on Stage (Broadway Playhouse)

  

  *I Love Lucy Live on Stage* is a warm hug of escapist pleasure almost anyone can enjoy, and while there are no shortage of ways to watch the original, seeing... Read more

  Posted on 24 September 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: Geography of a Horse Dreamer (Mary-Arrchie Theatre)

  

  Like many of Sam Shepard's plays, this is not one to shoot for easy laughs, and it seems at times that director Carlo Lorenzo Garcia doesn’t know whether to mak... Read more

  Posted on 23 September 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA

• Review: Dearly Departed (Circle Theatre)

  

  The death and funeral of a family patriarch would seem to be a dark subject for comedy, but *Dearly Departed* manages to be both lighthearted and moving, as wel... Read more

  Posted on 23 September 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA