2,260 stories from Chicago Theater Beat
Judging the merits of this production is challenging, but Rainmaker does succeed with Sarah E. Ross' gorgeously designed set, Sarah Hughey's lighting, and Joe Cerqua's original music. Other …
It's not that Director Joe Jahraus' attempt isn't entertaining, there's just some kind of ineffable something missing that might have sparked this to bigger heights. Nonetheless, the acting …
TimeLine Theatre Company's superb production is living proof that The Price deserves to be regarded a classic. Highly Recommended! (read Lauren Whalen's entire review....)
The end is near! Only one sponge can save the day. But he's going to need help from some of the greatest songwriters in rock and pop music history!
It's Cory Goodrich as the love of Johnny Cash's life, June Carter Cash, that steals the show with charm and sass, particularly with her literally-breathtaking rendition of I've Been Everywhe…
In its current form, October Sky is definitely an entertaining show, with much credit due to Rachel Rockwell's sharp direction and consistently winning cast. The show's similarities to Billy…
After Miss Julie Written by Patrick Marber Strawdog Theatre, 3829 N. Broadway (map) thru Sept 28 | …
In 100 minutes, writer-performer Kelvin Roston Jr.'s explosive one-person-show Twisted Melodies examines the tragic life of Donny Hathaway, exploring this troubled composer from the inside o…
From trapeze to clowning to acrobatics, Kurios is part old-school circus and part new wave entertainment that will surprise and gratify young and old alike. Highly Recommended! (read Lauren …
Assassination Theater is a brilliantly packaged, fiercely forensic and seamlessly debated indictment of the Chicago mob as brazen history-changers who got away with the biggest murder of the…
South Pacific is one of Light Opera Works' liveliest productions to date, thanks to the energy of the young and sexy cast as well as the upbeat songs, particularly in the first act. Highly R…
This Boy From Oz is definitely worth watching - composer-performer Peter Allen experiences a compelling journey, punctuated by catchy music and dance, and just enough poignancy that doesn't …
Loving Repeating is a precious gift from a groundbreaking author brought to light by stunning adaptation, direction and onstage talent. This production is a true labor of love, and should be…
Last Train to Nibroc is a sweet, pleasant reminder that two dynamic actors and a lovely script is all one needs for a wonderful audience experience. It's nice to know these plays still exist…
If this piece were even a little bit different from the standard workplace drama, it would be enjoyable. The potential exists, as dies the talent. Unfortunately, the writer doesn't take chan…
The talented cast does a beautiful job concentrating on dialogue and acting, and is more than up to the Shakespearean challenge. There's a reason Hamlet has lasted through the ages - it's a …
Whether you're a casual listener or a devotee, Bette represents some of Handbag's strongest work to date, and is an utterly unmissable accolade for a living legend. Highly Recommended. (re…
A Perfect Ganesh suffers prominently from a case of the overs, but is ultimately saved by the splendid cast, most particularly Jeannie Affelder as Katherine. Slightly Recommended. (read Cli…
Everyone should see Feast, especially those who worry about the future of our country. Listening to snapping fingers, cheering and clapping hands, witnessing the glorious work of 25 smart an…
As a deconstructionist riff on the entire musical genre, [title of show] is almost critic-resistant since it critiques itself. Don't miss [title of show] if you're looking for some frisky f…
Anne of Green Gables is a wonderful novel for all ages, that's withstood the test of time. Unfortunately, Provision Theater's adaptation is disappointing at best and borderline sacrilege at …
Kinky Boots returns to its birthplace a bit more mature and riding a wave of goodwill and awards. Kinky's a great, feel-good musical and a crowd pleasing contribution to the conversation we…
In "Good People", Playwright David Lindsay-Abaire gives us a brutally true play about America today. Our country's class system has never been split further apart. Why should theater be any …
Despite inconsistencies, Director Kevin Kingston and company manage to elevate the source material to something eminently watchable and suspenseful, creating the subtle tension-filled arc fo…
Resident choreographer Alejandro Cerrudo is not so much an artist as a maestro. It's only fitting that Hubbard Street's Summer Series is an evening-length celebration of Cerrudo, who's broke…
