2,260 stories from Chicago Theater Beat
What elevates this opera are incredible production values, even by the Lyric's high standards. And the haunting AntonÃn Dvořák score conducted by Sir Andrew Davis completes the ul…
To call Corpus Delicti *community theater-bad* is an insult to community theater. Aside from a nice set and one salvageable performance, this show is not only weak across the board, but a c…
Quest's productions are talent-packed and executed with tremendous heart. The People's Return of Neverland is no exception. It's free entertainment that children and parents alike can enjoy …
In Cock, Playwright Mike Bartlett challenges conservative views of sexuality, using one man's sexual identity crisis to examine the crippling effect of societal pressures., creating a riveti…
This brisk and sharp comedic romp comes to an abruptly dark conclusion for all involved. The last production in Akvavit's Nordic Cycle, Mishap! might be one of the few theatrical experiences…
As brought out by BoHo's gorgeous production, the fictional Salieri's journey is an engrossing exploration. BoHo has marshalled great talent to bring his Pyrrhic victory to life, and their d…
Director M. William Panek and choreographer Danny Spagnuolo keep the cast moving as quickly and precisely as this rich and raucous score demands. A New Brain is always all about the music, …
The joint is indeed jumping at Stage 773 with the raucous and infectiously joyful Ain't Misbehavin'. Directed and choreographed by Brenda Didier, the ebullient five-person cast truly underst…
It's often said that Gypsy is the greatest American musical, and one that could stand on its own even without its songs. This production, directed by Gary Griffin, makes a strong case for th…
Rites and Sacrifices may not be 100% perfect, but it's still a powerful insight into the aftermath of war. Despite the occasional bump in the road and the short running time, this is still …
Sweet Phoebe is a challenging if flawed piece with relevance to big city folks like us and Runcible Theatre gives us an intriguingly performed and good looking production. (read more...)
Frustratingly formulaic as an arc with individual scenes that clearly demonstrate that Playwright Tracey Scott Wilson has very interesting things to say, Buzzer"like the broken one at Jackso…
Despite hiccups, Queenie Pie is worth seeing if just to hear Duke Ellington's music in such a robust and lively manner. Chicago is fortunate to have companies such as Chicago Opera Theater t…
There are some surprises and fun departures from the Chekov farce that are purely American by way of modern entertainment. The cast is cohesive and has an expert touch at making fools of the…
While sitcoms aren't really known for their incredibly high emotional stakes, this show feels trapped between the two worlds of theater and television without really merging together. The ca…
There are wonderful, memorable plays, and there are plays that leave me scratching my head. Sadly, Robert Caisley's Happy falls into the latter category with a resounding thud. It's a shame,…
Showcasing the dazzling, creative works of some of today's leading choreographers, including Brock Clawson, Christopher Wheeldon and Alexander Ekman, Joffrey Ballet's "Contemporary Choreogra…
LiveWire Chicago Theatre knows how to bring workplace tedium to a slow boil. Grueling to watch and torturous to perform, Leslye Headland's 105-minute urban nightmare depicts slackers trapped…
That's Weird, Grandma is not only a fun show for the family, but it gives children a great opportunity to have their work performed by a professional theater company in one of the country's …
This is quite enjoyable children's theater, and the adults can enjoy it as well. Director Ernie Nolan does a great job with pacing, and the cast is very adept at not being distracted by chat…
With Director David H. Bell sassy staging, Nancy Missimi's bawdy 1920's costumes, Matt Raftery's high-energy, sexy choreography and Kander and Ebb's soaring music, how can this not be an eve…
I recommend this show - the dance routines are a blast. The diction is impeccable. The costumes are spectacular and sharp. And, just so you know, clapping, singing along, and having a great …
According to the well-worn maxim, biology is destiny. In The How and the Why, it's also a provocative puzzle where the missing pieces provide a source for a fantastic drama. (read more...)
Jeffry Stanton is an exceptional monologue director, which becomes an invaluable skill to have when bringing Philip Ridley's monologue-heavy script to the stage, and the cast does remarkable…
For Eclectic Theatre's sophomore season, their world premiere of Unshelved by Beth Kander feels like a freshman effort, its problems inherent from the very first exchange. Dealing with the …
