2,003 stories by "Scotty Zacher"
The Whale is ugly. It's magnificent. It's essential. It's theater. Don't miss this show! (read more...)
Despite some problems with the script, Director Anna C. Bahow keeps the overwritten drama flowing like the Mississippi at springtide. And Justine C. Turner anchors her Emma/Franklin in a ver…
I wanted Creditors to be a 'comedy with a vengeance.' Instead, I found it to be a 'drama without much comedy or drama.' (read more...)
Sir Alan Ayckbourn's text is tightly paced, verbally sharp and mentally provocative. Woman in Mind is a masterful blend of talk and action, and of fluffy dreams and dull routines. Brilliant …
This is, essentially, a love story - albeit an unlikely one. But it's more than that, serving as a quiet reminder that everyone, no matter what we've done, is just looking for love and comp…
After a string of hits, including Good People and Clybourn Park, the world premiere of Head of Passes is squarely in "miss" territory, with an inconsistent script and acting to match. (read …
This Eugene O'Neill play may be short, but it sure packs a wallop. And with Jeff Duhigg's (Charley) physical expressions, this Hughie is every bit an intimate conversation. (read more...)
Your eyes and ears will thank you for every second that you enjoy this matchless production! (read more...)
Another Marriott Theatre triumph, Director David H. Bell's all-embracing arena staging delivers everything but the vista of Bali H'ai's twin peaks floating in the distance. It simply revives…
The germs of a half-dozen plays at its center, it would be exciting to see this production move from a workshop-feel to full blown dramatization. Such as it is, this is still some potent stu…
In a Garden Written by Howard Korder Directed by Lou Contey A Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 N. Wells (m…
There's much to take in here " and it's all a delight. The Mercury has spared no expense in putting on a big and highly entertaining show. With Barnum, they show us they're not afraid of hig…
Patria Libre is a good idea gone dull, a rough draft in need of copious polish. It could be something special, but right now it's not even close. (read more...)
Despite the name *chaos,* this show is smooth-running. Under the well-paced direction of Matt Hovde, one bit blends into the next. Let Them Eat Chaos is hilarious! (read more...)
L'imitation of Life is one of the smartest farces I've seen of late. This is high camp with a heart, and a show stopping gospel number by guest star Mahalia Jackson is just icing on this del…
LiveWire Chicago knows how to throw an existentialist crisis. What really does matter? This show! A Permanent Image is darkly compelling and potentially life altering. (read more...)
More than a decade since its premiere, Proof shows no signs of aging. It beautifully captures the curse and the gift of beautiful minds.
This is a comedy... dark and freaky as it is. Playwright Jason Grote wrote a hot mess of a story. And Director Marti Lyons actualizes it with a vengeance that leaves one a little stunned. (r…
Movie-to-stage transitions run the gamut from spectacular to paltry. Catch Me If You Can, the musical, edges toward the former: a stylized, colorful tale of one of America's best and brighte…
The tiny space of the BoHo Heartland Studio is perfectly claustrophobic, especially with John Zuiker's set of a grim interrogation room. The deliberately harsh lighting by Diane D. Fairchild…
Midlife Something rings true. The pain is real and buried deep. Nick Cardiff's story could be tightened and secondary characters fleshed out, but still, it's a true depiction of life lost. …
Director Kathy Scambiatterra clearly has a keen understanding of the play and its characters. And with John Mossman setting its center boil, this Iguana has heat to spare. (read more...)
In only 80 taut minutes in this Midwest debut staged by Joe Jahraus, Playwright David West Read presents a convincing range of reactions to the sudden death of teenager Dane, played by Vic K…
While the show isn't perfect, it is, however, entertaining. Adam Webster's direction makes good use of the small space, and the performances are spot-on. (read more...)
Blithe Spirit takes the typical drawing room drama and turns it on its head. Fast-paced dialogue and witty repartee characterize the script. And Piccolo Theatre is up for the challenge. (rea…
