2,260 stories from Chicago Theater Beat
Don't miss your chance to see Court Theatre's beautifully haunting "Garden" this month " it's the perfect way to jump-start your summer! (read Lauren Whalen's entire review...)
This show falls into the category of well-written, well-produced fan fiction that delights in sharing its passion and devotion of Dr. Who with both its target audience and those just diving …
Watching the musical Once is akin to seeing a moving, breathing, singing portrait of a life in which the ordinary becomes extraordinary. I was amazed, saddened, and uplifted - highly recomme…
Broadway in Chicago announces the 24 high school finalists for the 4th Annual Illinois High School Musical Theater Awards, with the awards ceremony to be held at Broadway Playhouse on Monday…
Porchlight is renowned for their excellent vocals and wonderful production values, and Forum is no exception. Highly Recommended! (see photos and production video at Lauren Whalen's full rev…
Due to the NFL draft, Joffrey was moved to the Cadillac Palace rather than the Auditorium. However, the Joffrey Ballet would be compelling in a church basement. Whatever the venue, their per…
Given more time and at least one rewrite, Angry Fags can be a stirring, provocative play - the script has all the right ingredients. Though Pride Films and Plays' production at Steppenwolf G…
Heat Wave should be required viewing for every Chicagoan. Cold Basement Dramatics' exceptional production highlights the scarier side of our city's history " and the resilience of those who …
While Red Tape Theatre's production values and choreography for "Walk Across Americ" are impressive, the script lags where it should snap and the players seem too caught up in their own worl…
Viewed separately or together, The Hammer Trinity makes believers of cynics, combining stirring staging, gorgeous design and stellar acting to do what the House does best: make great theater…
This stripped-down production had its shortcomings, but overall is an excellent example of accomplishing a great deal with very little. In under two hours, Spartan Theatre creates an intimat…
Though some bits may be too scary for the most wee ones among us, this is fun for the whole brood. Everything is zippy and well-choreographed, complete with a live band, dancers and pyrotech…
Kokandy's Full Monty pulls off what few shows can - it's clever in every way, but never winks at its audience. Thanks to wonderful writing, direction, design and acting, we get a ragtag grou…
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Panic on Cloud 9 showcases the best of Chicago sketch comedy. It's the perfect show to bring your friends and family who are visiting from out of town and a great destination for local sketc…
This is a small, deceptively quiet play where the fireworks of family implosion reverberate in your head long after the curtain has come down. There's wisdom, humor, and deep honesty found…
Chicago Shakes' winter's tale is as fun to feel as its plot is forgettable to recall. Director David H. Bell's glorious stage pictures will stay with you long after the seemingly improvised …
Tweet of the Week (from "Newsies" cast member): fyi, if you're filming our show from the third row and think we can't see you...we can.
Everything about this production is well-crafted, but particularly the juxtaposition of Kidder-Mostrom's calm Vulcan with the rambunctious Klingons. A combination of terrific costumes, makeu…
In a nutshell, Newsies' choreography alone is worth the price of a ticket. The running time is bloated, the added songs leave a lot to be desired, and the female character is eye roll-worthy…
Joffrey Ballet, annual production takes audiences on a magical journey to a dream world of dance. With a lush, dramatic design and an impeccably cast ensemble, Joffrey's Nutcracker is brimmi…
If you, like me, need your egg nog with a little bourbon or your favorite holiday special is "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation", Second City and Goodman have cooked up a satirical send-…
Adapter/director Terry McCabe takes a minimalist approach to these pieces - not much lighting, set or sound effects accompany the action. McCabe relies upon Doyle's revered writing and a ta…
