2,003 stories by "Scotty Zacher"
Lifeline's adaptation of China Mieville's masterful science fiction novel has grand hopes but is undone by a need for a much more explicit staging and tone. (read more...)
The show winds up with a block party that gives us everything, including yes, a gospel-infused Charlie Pride, and each cast member has another chance to showcase his or her prodigious musica…
Eclectic is new to the Chicago theater scene. I went into Six Degrees, then, with a healthy amount of trepidation. Thanks to simple production values, a deep respect for the text and Julie P…
Perhaps a trimmed script with more emphasis on pacing could heighten the message as well as the humor. As presented, this production contains some enjoyable elements, but the whole of it win…
Why did Strawdog choose this particular show out of every other available musical? I often ask myself some version of this question at the beginning of every show I review. In the case of Im…
With Interrobang, you are in the hands of a talented group of people who tell it like it is. The play's complex characters are neither vilified nor put on a pedestal, making this a play wort…
Die-hard Philip Glass fans will enjoy this no doubt. *Usher* is Edgar Allan Poe's crowning achievement of his totality style, with every piece in the short work fitting together to push a la…
This truncated version of Romeo and Juliet is not just for kids. For those wishing to try Shakespeare but who are intimidated by a commitment to a full-length production, this show is an exc…
Cadre was developed at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and following its world premiere here will travel to the actors' homeland of South Africa and then on to Australia. It's a piece that's we…
25 Saints is a harsh, unsentimental look at those for whom survival is a victory, by any means necessary. By the end of this play, I was curled into a ball; later, I had nightmares " it was …
Just as the original off-Broadway production introduced the likes of Denzel Washington and Samuel L. Jackson to the theatre-going public, Raven's production showcases some fine actors we hop…
This production does a wonderful job capturing the endearing characters and heartwarming moments of the story, but it does come to the point of hysterics one too many times, making it over a…
In the attempt for shock value, some characters take a hit or get obscured and that impacts the quality of the play. It is a valiant if uneven effort and I look forward to seeing what (re)di…
Theater Wit's Midwest debut of Itamar Moses' newest work is a a true thinking nerd's romantic comedy, fearless in both its willingness to be unapologetically high-minded and an unblinking lo…
This city plays out on Henry Behel's pitch-perfect noir set which, at one point, replicates Edward Hopper's masterpiece Nighthawks. Like that gorgeous painting, everyone in City of Dreadful …
There is an utter lack of cohesion among this Tempest cast. Many actors shout and scream, completely disregarding the tiny venue. The characterizations are all over the place, each actor app…
The entire cast in this world premiere is a delight, and clearly is having as much fun as we are. Counterfeiters is less provocative social commentary than plain good fun, but who doesn't ne…
Despite minor flaws, this is a very well executed, creative, and entertaining piece of theater. The performances are overall excellent, and the intimate theater space is well used. (read mor…
This is Julius Caesar that shouldn't be missed. This is one of those productions that lets Chicago theater fans see how lucky we are to have such a talent pool that we can populate a huge pr…
The essences of this play is a father-son unable to communicate except through baseball. The relatable parent-child and parent-adult child is the thought-provoking stuff, and could be epic …
With their most exciting program in years, the Joffrey demonstrates how American choreographers can inspire amusement, tragedy, intelligence and lust in the span of two hours. It's enough to…
Packed almost to the breaking point, Mournin' After reigns itself in just enough to ensure that the personal becomes universal and the pathos is ever balanced with levity. At such a brisk pa…
Playwright Lee Blessing has spun a fascinating tale of political extremists. The premise is inconceivable and totally believable at the same time. It's uncomfortably powerful. (read more...)
The Dinner Party makes a fun and tasty evening out at an affordable price, not so formal as a concert or theatrical event or so casual as dinner and drinks, but with elements of each. (read…
Edith Piaf comes to life onstage through the multi-faceted talents of Milwaukee veteran performer Leslie Fitzwater, who wrote and performs in this one actor show. Director Jim Butchart has k…
