All stories by Tristan Bruns on BroadwayStars

Thursday, June 5, 2025

The Worst Job: A Review of “Diana” at Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre by Tristan Bruns

Is being the princess the worst job in England? Head over to Theo Ubique to find out.

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Monday, June 2, 2025

There Goes the Neighborhood: A Review of “Neighborhood Watch” at Jackalope Theatre by Tristan Bruns

“Neighborhood Watch,” a play in the style of a sitcom by Rehana Lew Mirza and directed by Kaiser Ahmed, explores what happens when two Muslim men move into a majority white Virginia subu…

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Thursday, May 29, 2025

Existence Is Pain: A Review of “Endgame” at Facility Theatre by Tristan Bruns

Would you laugh in the face of the apocalypse?

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Monday, May 19, 2025

A Doggone Good Time: A Review of “Gorgeous” at Raven Theatre by Tristan Bruns

“Gorgeous” by Rivendell and Raven Theatre is heartbreaking, hilarious and engrossing, a hit to kick off the summer season.

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Brotherly Love: A Review of “Hymn” at Chicago Shakespeare Theater by Tristan Bruns

Celebrated British writer Lolita Chakrabarti teams up with three-time Jeff Award-winning director Ron OJ Parson for an updated presentation of “Hymn” (2021), about two estranged brothers…

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Monday, May 5, 2025

Boom Shaka Lacka: A Review of “Bust” at Goodman Theatre by Tristan Bruns

Hilarious, thrilling and thought-provoking, “Bust” is a must-see for those who seek the examined life.

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM

The Best of Times: A Review of “A Tale of Two Cities” at Shattered Globe Theatre by Tristan Bruns

While “A Tale of Two Cities” paints a captivating and capricious visage of both Paris and London, the place to be this spring is Chicago to witness this modern revamp of a beloved classi…

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Friday, May 2, 2025

What’s Going On? A Review of “The Infinity Play” at Curious Theatre Branch by Tristan Bruns

“The Infinity Play” has no rules yet breaks them anyway, and Brennan and Curious Theatre Branch are like courageous explorers who’ve travelled into the unknown to bring back delicacies…

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Thursday, April 24, 2025

Sex, Drugs and Rocking Chairs: A Review of “A Jukebox for the Algonquin” at Citadel Theatre by Tristan Bruns

Funny, thought-provoking and well-written, "A Jukebox for the Algonquin" is not just a “play about old people” but a contemplation on how to find joy among sorrow.

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Friday, April 18, 2025

The Price of Wisdom: A Review of “Henry Johnson” at Victory Gardens Theater by Tristan Bruns

In Mamet’s usual acerbic style, we learn that in a world of high-stakes competition there are no friendships. Each act is like a Socratic dialogue, brutal refutations of the virtues of kin…

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Friday, April 11, 2025

An Anthropomorphic Wonderland: A Review of “Beatrix Potter Tea Party” at Raven Theatre by Tristan Bruns

Prepare to be transported to an anthropomorphic wonderland in "Beatrix Potter Tea Party," presented by Chicago Children’s Theatre and running through April 20 at Raven Theatre. Created and…

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Thursday, March 13, 2025

Take the Plunge: A Review of “Pussy Sludge” at Facility Theatre by Tristan Bruns

Themes of isolation and sexuality combine with light body horror in “Pussy Sludge."

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Just Another American Boy: A Review of Jackalope Theatre’s “Dummy in Diaspora” by Tristan Bruns

Esho Rasho writes and stars in “Dummy in Diaspora,” the one-man show presented by Jackalope Theatre through March 23 at Broadway Armory Park. Rasho plays a host of characters, but mainly…

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Thursday, March 6, 2025

Here We Stand: A Review of “I and You” at Citadel Theatre by Tristan Bruns

“I and this mystery here we stand.” This quote by nineteenth-century American poet Walt Whitman is a good summation of “I and You,” a play by Lauren Gunderson and directed by Scott S…

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Friday, February 28, 2025

Blast from the Past: A Review of “Kitty James and Destiny’s Trail to Oregon” at Factory Theater by Tristan Bruns

Yoke the oxen. Hunt for buffalo. Avoid dysentery! Prepare for a Wild West adventure in “Kitty James and Destiny’s Trail to Oregon,” a raucous comedy based on the classic “Oregon Trai…

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Thursday, February 27, 2025

Funcomfortable: A Review of “One Party Consent” at First Floor Theater by Tristan Bruns

Audiences will laugh, gasp and feel the sting of this challenging material. Although the new year has barely begun, “One Party Consent” is already a must-see highlight of the season.

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Thursday, February 6, 2025

All Politics Are Local: A Review of “Native Gardens” at Buffalo Theatre Ensemble by Tristan Bruns

“Native Gardens” updates a tried-and-true formula with a cast that exudes chemistry—and that’s something everyone can agree on.

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Thursday, January 30, 2025

Huzzah! A Review of “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare [Abridged]” at Oil Lamp Theater by Tristan Bruns

With a little something for young adults, a little something for a more mature audience and lots of inside jokes for Shakespeare buffs, “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare [Abridged…

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Friday, January 24, 2025

Despair! A Review of “Glassheart” at City Lit by Tristan Bruns

People love nostalgia. So one can't fault playwright Reina Hardy for wanting to put their own twist on the tale of “Beauty and the Beast.” Not all new takes on existing properties pay of…

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Friday, January 17, 2025

Welcome to the Rebellion: A Review of “Kid Prince and Pablo” at Lifeline Theatre by Tristan Bruns

Lifeline Theatre’s production of “Kid Prince and Pablo” is a worthy successor to Twain’s classic story, updated for modern times and modern tastes, with universal truths that are wel…

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Tuesday, December 10, 2024

It’s “Two Die” For: A Review of “& Juliet” at Broadway In Chicago by Tristan Bruns

“& Juliet” will delight the casual theatergoer with its glitzy, rock concert aesthetic, tongue-in-cheek plot and world-class singing and dancing.

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Thursday, December 5, 2024

Anchors Away: A Review of “Dames at Sea” at Citadel Theatre by Tristan Bruns

“Dames at Sea” is campy, goofy and rushes through Broadway tropes, but will leave you with a smile on your face and a song in your heart.

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Nerves, Excitement and Biscuits: A Review of “The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley” at Buffalo Theatre Ensemble by Tristan Bruns

If you’re looking for a period piece with all the trimmings, this one is for you. Great pacing, beautiful set and sound design and a cast of capricious characters make “The Wickhams: Chr…

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Thursday, November 14, 2024

Sound Perfection: Sound Designers and Audio Engineers Tell Us by Tristan Bruns

For centuries, sound designers and engineers have been crafting soundscapes to enhance storytelling, evoke emotions and create immersive experiences, and the tradition not only lives on but …

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Monday, November 11, 2024

Happy Holidays: A Review of “White Christmas” at Marriott Theatre by Tristan Bruns

If you’re looking to uphold the tradition of seeing a Christmas show, “White Christmas” at Marriott Theatre is a solid choice.

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Thursday, October 31, 2024

A Shot at the Big Time: A Review of “Seven Guitars” at City Lit Theater by Tristan Bruns

Director Manny Buckley navigates Wilson’s nuanced dialogue and perfectly timed beats of action in a play that should satisfy those new to the playwright and dedicated “Wilsonites” alik…

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Monday, October 28, 2024

Life Studies: A Review of Remy Bumppo’s “Dear Elizabeth” at Theater Wit by Tristan Bruns

Remy Bumppo’s “Dear Elizabeth” is a superb example of historical fiction and a fitting celebration of two prolific artists.

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Thursday, October 24, 2024

A Bloody Good Time: A Review of “Dracula” at BrightSide Theatre by Tristan Bruns

If you are looking for an eerie and bone-chilling way to celebrate Halloween, but gore-filled slasher movies aren’t your thing, take a classier route and check out “Dracula” at BrightS…

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Wednesday, October 23, 2024

The Tools of Men: A Review of Refracted Theatre Company’s “Coronation” at The Den by Tristan Bruns

“Coronation” is a thoughtful roadmap for progressive politics on what not to do, and director and executive producer Wolff and company again exceed expectations—the end of civilization…

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Friday, October 11, 2024

His Side of the Story: Edgar Arceneaux’s “Until, Until, Until…” Tells It by Tristan Bruns

Few artists have faced as much backlash as Ben Vereen, star of stage and screen, who performed a tribute to legendary vaudevillian Bert Williams—the first Black actor to appear on Broadway…

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Monday, October 7, 2024

The More Things Change: A Review of “Alabama Story” by Ghostlight Ensemble by Tristan Bruns

That the play takes place in a bookstore, with books banned in other parts of the country on full display, feels appropriate.

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM