2,260 stories from Chicago Theater Beat
I'm always blown away by Puccini's haunting way he captures the misery of loving deeply and tragically. For diehard and wannabe opera lovers, this Madama Butterfly is especially exquisite. …
Compulsion is well-named. Rinne Groff's driving drama depicts one man's obsession with a tragedy that was more universal than he could allow. This Chicago premiere is suitably driven by Dire…
Milwaukee Rep's production is pure perfection in its search for the American Dream. This Ragtime entertains and educates throughout, with all the sonorous, jubilant sounds of a country learn…
While the show's conclusion itself is clear, it isn't quite earned by the preceding sequences. Nonetheless, whatever your interpretation of the narrative or preferences on theatrical styles,…
Go for the spectacle but stay for the songs. Despite some clunky lyrics, these engaging tunes by piano-player John Fournier stand out in Red Tape Theatre's world-premiere showcase for the ir…
The Table Derived by the Company Directed by Mark Down Chicago Shakespeare at Navy Pier (map) thru …
This historic ballet is a visual and aural treat, a rarity that will appeal to newbies and veterans alike, and literally the best work I've seen this company do. In fact, Joffrey's La Bayad…
It's been awhile since a show gave me such a good feeling as I left the theater, and hopefully it will do the same for you. Highly Recommended. (read more...)
If you want to introduce your kids to theater, this show is a fun and creative way to do so. I'm sure your kids will have a memorable time at this charming show, and my guess is you'll enjoy…
Despite a talented cast and imaginative set, Smokefall falls fast, as Playwright Noah Haidle fails to trust the audience's ability to pick up the themes without an evening of dramatic concei…
Exposing itself as an empty exercise in stylized emoting, Heist Play's histrionics are wasted since nothing seems to be at stake. It might be easy to summise that the show is too damn long,…
Though all of the elements are here, adaptor/director Heidi Stillman misses one essiential thing: respect for the audience's intelligence. If only Stillman had left out the superfluous narr…
Theo Ubique's production is an intimate glimpse into the sometimes tyrannical but always fascinating opera star, with thoughtful direction, transcendent vocals and a bravura lead performance…
Such a worthy 21st century successor to one of the most important plays of the 20th, Clybourne Park is a simply brilliant must-see. (read more...)
Wrecks Written by Neil LaBute Directed by Jason Gerace at Profiles Theatre, 4147 N. Br…
An artistic yet ostentatious exploration of morality, this entire production is a visual treat. Unfortunately, however, the whole is less than the sum of its parts here. This is all a shame,…
What begins as a fairly interesting premise as outlined in the title soon degenerates into random acts of sex and violence. What you're left with is two hours of pointless depravity. (read …
A profoundly moving piece of theater. Highly Recommended.
Otello kicks off the Lyric season with panache, proving once again why it is America's premier opera house. Not only is their cast stellar, but they have depth on the bench ready to dress an…
Hubbard Street's 2013 Fall Series is a painting of thought processes mingled with pure passion, coming together to create an exciting, thoroughly satisfying program. (read more...)
Throughout the show, Directions for Restoring the Apparently Dead gives helpful tips for reviving someone that is lifeless. It's clever schtick. We just would recommend the play embrace it…
Northanger Abbey is a lot to love. Although Act I could be tightened up, the overall show is one big, beautiful, bright frolic. In dire need of a romantic comedy? This will solve your cra…
Lydia Written by Octavio Solis Directed by Cecilie Keenan National Pastime Theater, 941 W. Lawrence (map…
Gershwin's Greatest Hits Music by George Gershwin Directed by George Andrew Wolff at Nichols…
With Anthony Burgess' translation of the ultimate rom-com tear-jerker, Chicago Shakespeare mounts a sumptuous love story on a scale as monumental as the unfortunate snout of it titular hero.…
