2,260 stories from Chicago Theater Beat
For a play based around chess, a game that's supposed to encourage logic, this is a surprisingly illogical play. By the end, we're not sure if either woman has grown as characters, or who ev…
They Died Where They Lied is billed as a comedy, and in that sense it definitely succeeds. If you enjoy well-executed, intelligent humor with a few hilariously coarse bits thrown in, camp ou…
With Jeff Hancock's choreography, Jesse Klug's lighting and Linda Buchanan's inspired set design, Miss Saigon comes together as a near perfect package. And while that might sound hyperbolic,…
The comedy is not the only reason to see this hugely entertaining show - the high-energy musical numbers by the talented cast cast zing and sing with equally amusing harmony. Get to the Bee …
In this world-premiere adaptation of the latest in the Click, Clack, Moo series, playwright James E. Grote brings his signature wit, insight, and creativity to once again entertains kids and…
Eclipse Theatre has had a successful season with Sir Ayckbourn's work, and they finish strong with Haunting Julia. It's a ghost story that ironically reaffirms life for the living with wit a…
Playwright Jayita Bhattacharya admirably gives us the feelings of loneliness both from a decaying relationship and the loss of that relationship in universal terms, and there's enough variet…
Playwright Pat Curtis has devised a script that clearly lays out the medical issues at stake when treating autism, but at the expense of character development; there's no way, then, to empat…
Bob Fisher's script showcases the 'inner demons' in the entire Frankenstein's household rather than just the monster on the loose. All Girl Frankenstein is not your typical monster flick. …
Good Thing is mostly a good thing. The story is thought-provoking, but the script could be tighter and the dialogue more natural. Still, long after the curtain, I continued to ponder the pla…
A pleasant way to end one year and begin another, Rachel Rockwell's cumulatively delightful revival may not be the most sumptuous recreation, but it's got spunk to spare, even heart, especia…
Rarely does an entire audience get to feel like they are vital participants of a scripted play. Get your passport stamped and become a citizen of the incredibly innovative Sovereign Statemen…
I'm not saying Shakespearean is easy, but there has to be more passion and thought put into it than what's being presented here. Lifeless, dull, and self-indulgent " this is one King who o…
Artistic Homes' talented ensemble and colorful storytelling, makes this a thoroughly enjoyable evening. The Goddess is an opportunity for you to see the tarnished side of Hollywood's Golden …
Playwright John Schneider's characters are shells, instruments for dialogue that aim to be provocative but only succeed in striking poses. In the end, one wants to hear more from the Pleasan…
The music performances and dancing here are impressive, and Director Jess McLeod keeps the whole affair moving briskly, as it should. But the production feels cramped and, being this is a st…
Pygmalion Written by George Bernard Shaw Directed by Robert Scogin Ruth Page Center, 1016 N. Dearb…
In this gender reversal, Neil Simon has not really created characters - they are caricatures, which is fine for a skit but well nigh unbearable for over two hours. The ensemble fails to brea…
A tale of survival and trying to make it in a world that gets uglier by the day, this is a play of beautiful music and messages. Unfortunately, the play drags on longer than it should, which…
Overall, this is one of the most fluid transitions from the page to the stage that I've ever seen, and so much of that comes through in how seriously the creative team and cast treat this cl…
I don't think there's a touch light enough to make Trevor, with its uneven mélange of Hollywood in-jokes and tabloid titillation, both funny and true, despite Director Shade Murray's merry …
In this gaudy Mama Mia look-alike, everyone is mugging at such a ferocious volume that it can only be matched by the massive live band playing over all. Slick as an iPhone, We Will Rock You…
You can see Harry & the Thief for its message, its spectacle, its action, or its humor, but you should definitely see it. Most of all, see this production because Pavement Group present…
Lydie Breeze might be rich in atmosphere and style, but that doesn't really matter if it overtakes the characters and storyline. And while this production tries to rise above the faults in …
Simply put, this is the best show I have seen all year " even before accounting for the fact that it raises money and awareness towards the serious problem of sex-trafficking here in Chicago…
