2,003 stories by "Scotty Zacher"
Despite boasting a strong and talented cast, "A Class Act" falters by never adequately delving into the intricacies of Edward Kleban's undeniable gifts and demons, instead presenting him as …
What makes this production unique is the fact that it is performed on a moving old time ship with actors weaving their way between seated audience members, and making direct contact with the…
Director/Choreographer Marc Robin keeps the action moving, rotating positions on the stage so that we stilll get to see shifting perspectives at various points, and it's to Robin's great cre…
Every Vaudezilla show is prefaced by *Rollin' Out of Here Naked*, which teases that there is a touch of raunchiness. True-to-form, the humor is blue and there is definitely a naught vibe goi…
Through achingly natural dialogue, first-rate acting and a live piano score that underlies the many important moments, *33 Variations* runs the gamut of emotions from frustration to glory, l…
Playwright Gary Henderson has written a cliffnotes version of a marriage, extracting moments in the couple's life and introducing them in fragments. But understanding the actual story becom…
This world premiere of Susan Swayne and the Bewildered Bride works on several dual levels. It's a mystery that also makes good use of dramatic irony, a farce that has some poignancy, and a f…
At just an hour, *EL Stories* tells a plethora of mini true tales from passengers on Chicago's trademark trains. With few exceptions, the vignettes follow the same path: A "normal" person's …
*Marvin's Room* is an ambitious production, but Circle Theatre's interpretation leaves you scratching your head. The story plods through what should be important moments without ever reachi…
No question, Director Joe Jahraus triggers very believable performances from this palpable family and their actor friend. But so many stories here don't connect to each other, the characters…
With less flailing, this pool (no water) could dive into a strong riptide of emotion. Right now, it's just treading water with excessive movement. (read more....)
At first, playwright Robert Askins succeeds in flushing out an interesting but predictable story. But then Askins rolls out twists and turns in the *last* quarter. Director Bries Vannon del…
The show captivates upon arrival. Director Jonathan L. Green masterfully uses a multi-cultural and multi-generational ensemble to deliver the story --- in unison. The entire show is a well-o…
For the past 11 years, Theatre-Hikes has pioneered a combination of… wait for it… theatre and hiking. With *Streeterville*, Theatre-Hikes presents a thoroughly enjoyable AND educationa…
Though strong musically, Coriolis Theatre's debut production *East of the Sun, West of the Moon* plays out like a first draft. With enough editing, the work could be brought to fruition. But…
No doubt, Sean Graney's adaption and director of *The Fall of the House of Usher* is compelling in its innovative casting and chilling design. Having the actors alternate between parts, Gra…
When done right, Dream is pure hedonistic fun " and Midsommer Flight does it right. Shakespeare's language sparkles in the night air, out of the mouths of a clever cast who relishes each syl…
*Crave* is a demanding piece with an effect that ripples into the subconscious. Wading into these waters is not for the faint of heart. If you go in with an open mind and a willingness to gi…
Sketchbook Reincarnate Flat Iron Arts Bldg., 1579 N. Milwaukee (map) thru July 15 |…
The All-American Genderfuck Cabaret serves up a panorama of different ways people approach sexual relationships and sexual identity. Director Tara Branham does an exemplary job in untanglin…
The rise and fall of Arlene Malinowski's depression is the centerpiece of her performance in her one-woman play, but it's surrounded by a detailed backdrop of family dynamics. There's revela…
With the strength of Hogenmiller's vision, the brilliant performances by Harms and Todd, and the strong vocal and orchestral readings of Mitch Leigh's rich score, this is a show that you def…
What this 5,000th (or so) adaptation of Antigone, gains in clarity and immediacy are countered by losses in grandeur and mystery. The adaptation tries to explain too much, and in a flat pros…
A big challenge for the show is the less-than-ideal acoustics of Austin Gardens. Competing with planes, cicadas and the occasional siren, the cast is forced to deliver most of the text at to…
There may be a good idea for a story somewhere deep within this jungle, if only those within could see the forest for all the trees.
