2,003 stories by "Scotty Zacher"
Playwright Edward Albee is deftly skilled at painting the poignant differences between the still very-much-in-love husband and wife. And Director Nick Sandys elicits moving performances from…
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 in American musical theater. Fan…
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. We recommend this production for those wh…
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. And because tickets are free, it's …
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 plays devoted to the explorati…
Under the effective direction of Sean Graney, the multi-dimensional story is staged to perfection. The talented ensemble assume multiple roles in this dramatic political intrigue meshed in s…
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 to tell this mesmerizing tale.…
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' blocking. (read more...)
In *The Skriker*, Playwright Caryl Churchill perfectly illustrates consumer culture on overload, while Eric Hoff's promenade style direction is perfectly controlled chaos culminating in a st…
They Call Me Mr. Fry Written by Jack Fry Directed by Jeff Michalski at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont …
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 strength from the quieter despair,…
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 long after the "shots have been fi…
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 versatile Darcie Deaville, Hele…
Hobo Camp is an improvisational hybrid. The performers combine long-form improvisation with scene work, poetry, music, and more. Unfortunately there seems to be too many hobos in the kitch…
*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 this ode live is another great w…
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 make *Horse Dreamer* funny or dar…
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 well as extremely funny. What a S…
But make no mistake, *Dirty* - by Jeff Award nominated playwright Andrew Hindreaker - is a show that you should not hesitate to see, as it is incredibly prescient in its understanding of peo…
Though Playwright Clifford Odets's points are too flatly stated and his characters too cardboard, as a period piece *The Big Knife* has a noirish appeal that's some fun if that's what you're…
I've seen three movie versions of Hamlet, and at least seven stages versions of Hamlet, including two last year. I've never seen anything like *this* Hamlet. Writers' Hamlet is crazy-great!…
Go see this show. This is a step back into the time when Broadway was at its best and when the magic of the theater seemed real. 42nd Street is definitely worth the trip to Mighty Munster! …
Longing and connection form a nexus that underpins the whole of *Jitney*, the story of a tight-knit community struggling to maintain and make ends meet without getting obliterated by forces …
The Sound of Music is a universally-beloved musical. Chamber Opera Chicago's production is a prime example, however, of how one performance can taint two and a half hours of enjoyment. (rea…
In this non-traditional production, Chicago Opera Theater succeeds in creating an experience that appeals to all operagoers, whether it's a newcomer learning how to keep up with the supertit…
Bring a sharp ear and be prepared to learn some cool stuff while watching Barnstormers. The lines are rapid fire and appeal to the trivia lover. And as you're already in a brewery, grab a b…
