2,260 stories from Chicago Theater Beat
A wonderful concept that's the stuff of thoughtful entertainment, a pitch-perfect score (both OutKast and Michael Jackson's songs are show-stopping yet profound), and a gorgeous, nimble ense…
More carnival than not, The Miss Neo Pageant blends realism with abstraction, prose with poetry. Like many abstractions, it's seams are gleefully messy, and we are allowed to skim the fun on…
An engaging if somewhat slight piece of work, elevated to something truly special by the power of its performances of Frances Guinan and Rhea Perlman, resulting in a production that's funny,…
Though at times a rather unfocused cross-section of lavender life in the big city, this high-energy ensemble is too driven to be dull. No question, these mainly teen players are paying thei…
Anthony Whitaker's original songs are well sung and fit nicely into the story and Jamal Howard's choreography is snappy and fun. The result is a charming production that holds true to the sp…
insert picture with top margin and right margin of 5px, and bottom margins of 10px. The Timey Wimey Fant…
The Electric Baby is illuminating, and you truly care about these strangers' lives as they intertwine with others. As the drama unfolds, you'll no doubt get misty for their losses and their …
Despite some distractions, it's Peter Oyloe and Mary Williamson that make this show worth a visit. More than just a reflection on wrath, Reverb is a meditation on that shameful aspect of a c…
Played out on a simple, yet elegant set by John Culbert, Court Theatre's production as directed by Charles Newell is both entertaining and respectful of the piece's classic status and herita…
It's hard to deny the entertainment value of Speech & Debate. PJ Paparelli's straightforward direction allows his energetic cast to execute a script teeming with humor. Add in Andrew Wh…
This show is is "Kill Bill" meets "Battlestar Galactica" - with a side of "Space Balls." And the stage combat is just as fun as the special effects! Infusion Theatre's large ensemble works…
Neil LaBute's brand of gutsy, in-your-face, confrontation-theater can quickly get under your skin and into your blood, and this play doesn't stray from these qualities. This must-see show de…
Back to Back Theatre's exploration of power and narrative is like nothing I have ever seen before, or will ever see again. I was confused, then transfixed, then moved. To say that this piec…
The most convincing part of this strange, confrontational 75-minute Chicago premiere--a puzzle play by experimental dramatist Young Jean Lee--is Emily Guthrie's literally captivating set des…
The one good thing in this Chicago premiere of Pulitzer winner Lynn Nottage's overlong production is the first act. Once we enter the Act 2, Nottage wants to have it both ways"to write a sa…
In Strangeloop's ambitious production, the show is cast entirely with women, who play both male and female roles. The purpose of this is unclear; had the male characters been changed to fema…
Sentell Harper entertains, educates and inspires in his colorful one-man show mosaic. This isn't a show just for black gay men. It's for everyone; a definite must-see. (read more...)
Well acted though it is, these characters could use a bit more characterization in order for us to care about them. Instead of reconciling our ideals of self satisfaction with responsibilit…
Henry VIII may be minor Shakespeare, but it's major Chicago Shakespeare. It contains spectacular acting that is just a treat to behold. Director Barabara Gaines' cast gives the Elizabethan l…
Reality Check is funny, timely, provocative, and clever. With well-paced sketches highlighting the ways our social media actually makes us *less* connected, this production may even shame yo…
At roughly 50 minutes, the show is not overly long, but its mesmerizing, non-stop adrenaline rush will leave you well satisfied. Be there, or be a boojum. (read more...)
Brighton Beach Memoirs Written by Neil Simon Directed by Cody Estle at Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark (map…
For some terrific performances, and a lesson in maintaining tension on stage, I would certainly recommend this show. We are offered some truly captivating moments, but the confusing way that…
A pleasant and heartfelt evening, this naked contemplation of death reminds us, in a melancholic way, to make the most of living, tackling life with all its joys and failures. (read more...)
The cast " a multi-faceted group that provides accompaniment on piano, guitar, ukulele, horns, violin and spoons in addition to singing " is an engaging, charismatic lot that brings vibrancy…
