2,003 stories by "Scotty Zacher"
The Electric Baby is illuminating, and you truly care about these strangers' lives as they intertwine with others. As the drama unfolds, you'll no doubt get misty for their losses and their …
Despite some distractions, it's Peter Oyloe and Mary Williamson that make this show worth a visit. More than just a reflection on wrath, Reverb is a meditation on that shameful aspect of a c…
Played out on a simple, yet elegant set by John Culbert, Court Theatre's production as directed by Charles Newell is both entertaining and respectful of the piece's classic status and herita…
It's hard to deny the entertainment value of Speech & Debate. PJ Paparelli's straightforward direction allows his energetic cast to execute a script teeming with humor. Add in Andrew Wh…
This show is is "Kill Bill" meets "Battlestar Galactica" - with a side of "Space Balls." And the stage combat is just as fun as the special effects! Infusion Theatre's large ensemble works…
Neil LaBute's brand of gutsy, in-your-face, confrontation-theater can quickly get under your skin and into your blood, and this play doesn't stray from these qualities. This must-see show de…
Back to Back Theatre's exploration of power and narrative is like nothing I have ever seen before, or will ever see again. I was confused, then transfixed, then moved. To say that this piec…
The most convincing part of this strange, confrontational 75-minute Chicago premiere--a puzzle play by experimental dramatist Young Jean Lee--is Emily Guthrie's literally captivating set des…
The one good thing in this Chicago premiere of Pulitzer winner Lynn Nottage's overlong production is the first act. Once we enter the Act 2, Nottage wants to have it both ways"to write a sa…
In Strangeloop's ambitious production, the show is cast entirely with women, who play both male and female roles. The purpose of this is unclear; had the male characters been changed to fema…
Sentell Harper entertains, educates and inspires in his colorful one-man show mosaic. This isn't a show just for black gay men. It's for everyone; a definite must-see. (read more...)
Well acted though it is, these characters could use a bit more characterization in order for us to care about them. Instead of reconciling our ideals of self satisfaction with responsibilit…
Henry VIII may be minor Shakespeare, but it's major Chicago Shakespeare. It contains spectacular acting that is just a treat to behold. Director Barabara Gaines' cast gives the Elizabethan l…
Reality Check is funny, timely, provocative, and clever. With well-paced sketches highlighting the ways our social media actually makes us *less* connected, this production may even shame yo…
At roughly 50 minutes, the show is not overly long, but its mesmerizing, non-stop adrenaline rush will leave you well satisfied. Be there, or be a boojum. (read more...)
Brighton Beach Memoirs Written by Neil Simon Directed by Cody Estle at Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark (map…
For some terrific performances, and a lesson in maintaining tension on stage, I would certainly recommend this show. We are offered some truly captivating moments, but the confusing way that…
A pleasant and heartfelt evening, this naked contemplation of death reminds us, in a melancholic way, to make the most of living, tackling life with all its joys and failures. (read more...)
The cast " a multi-faceted group that provides accompaniment on piano, guitar, ukulele, horns, violin and spoons in addition to singing " is an engaging, charismatic lot that brings vibrancy…
There is an endearing earnest community-theater feel to the piece that makes it fun to watch despite its drawbacks. The cast works hard, and their commitment is evident. Now if the adaptati…
Some will find Ivywild to be a unique and engaging experience. Others will leave the theatre with a pickle button and wonder what in the heck they just witnessed. In either case, kudos goes …
WOW"spelled backwards! Every stage minute in this two-act thriller totally justifies the bravura work that super-skilled, incredibly meticulous TimeLine Theatre Company puts into this Chicag…
I liked this show but I didn't love it. If You Split a Second could be timeless with a little more depth in character. (read more...)
The accents are unimprovable (but not always comprehensible), the casting well-targeted and the pace brisk enough, considering the overlong second act that seems to be desperate for an endin…
Oklahoma! feels right at home in one of the world's great opera houses, showing how the definition of works to be performed here can change even as the institution's mission remains constant…
