Review: THE PENELOPIAD at Goodman Theatre
by Rachel Weinberg - March 17, 2024
Goodman Theatre Artistic Director Susan V. Booth puts her own spin on Margaret Atwood’s decidedly feminist tale THE PENELOPIAD. As with her famous novel THE HANDMAID’S TALE, Atwood uses THE PENELOPIAD as a device to convey the horrors and abuse committed against women. Atwood’s points are valid and ...
Review: WIPEOUT at Rivendell Theatre
by Zac Thriffiley - March 12, 2024
Premiering at Rivendell Theatre under the inventive direction of Tara Mallen, WIPEOUT gifts audiences a hilarious exploration of aging, friendship, and womanhood that's as fun as a day at the beach and as bittersweet as a setting sun....
Review: DEATHTRAP at BrightSide Theatre
by Tina St. Angelo Wetzel - March 11, 2024
This is the description of Ira Levin’s comedic-thriller Deathrap. It is running through March 24 at BrightSide Theatre in Naperville. It ran on Broadway for 4 years and was made into a successful film starring Michael Caine, Christopher Reeve and Dyan Cannon. ...
Review: THE MATCHBOX MAGIC FLUTE at Goodman Theatre
by Rachel Weinberg - February 28, 2024
Director Mary Zimmerman returns to the Goodman with the whimsical and inventive THE MATCHBOX MAGIC FLUTE. Zimmerman’s adaptation of Mozart’s iconic opera is lively and accessible; this would be a great introduction for those new to the opera.
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Review: TOPDOG/UNDERDOG at Invictus Theatre Company
by Zac Thriffiley - February 20, 2024
Invictus Theatre Company's production of the Pulitzer Prize-winner TOPDOG/UNDERDOG has moments of comedic entertainment and dramatic import, but it struggles to live up to the play's substantial reputation. It runs through March 31....
Review: THE BAND'S VISIT at Writers Theatre
by Zac Thriffiley - February 18, 2024
Director Zi Alikhan has gifted Chicago audiences with a production of THE BAND'S VISIT whose talent and creative execution equal---and may even exceed---those of the Broadway and touring productions. It runs through March 17 at Writers Theatre in Glencoe....
Review: BILLY ELLIOT at Paramount Theatre Aurora IL
by Tina St. Angelo Wetzel - February 19, 2024
That was my feeling after seeing this new production of Billy Elliot at the Paramount Theatre. It runs through March 24. The book and lyrics were written by Lee Hall. The amazing score was written by Sir Elton John. The original 2005 stage musical was inspired by the 2000 film....
Review: ALEX EDELMAN'S JUST FOR US at Steppenwolf Theatre
by Zac Thriffiley - February 17, 2024
Alex Edelman's newest solo show JUST FOR US is a riotously hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt meditation on internet culture, Jewish identity, and the limits of radical empathy. It runs through February 25 at Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theater. Critic's recommendation: get your tickets immediately....