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Chicago Theater Reviews

The latest reviews and critic recommendations from Chicago.

Review: PRIMARY TRUST at Goodman Theatre

Review: PRIMARY TRUST at Goodman Theatre

by Rachel Weinberg — October 15, 2024

Namir Smallwood’s performance as Kenneth is a real testament to his superb abilities as a performer and the intimacy of PRIMARY TRUST becomes more profoundly emotional thanks to him.

Review: THE OUTSIDERS at The Home Creative Co.

Review: THE OUTSIDERS at The Home Creative Co.

by Zac Thriffiley — September 25, 2024

Despite some moving performances from the supporting cast, seasoned fans of and newcomers to THE OUTSIDERS may be underwhelmed by a production whose various elements leave it struggling to “stay golden.

Review: INHERIT THE WIND at Goodman Theatre

Review: INHERIT THE WIND at Goodman Theatre

by Rachel Weinberg — September 24, 2024

Goodman Theatre’s season-opening production of INHERIT THE WIND centers on a fictionalized version of the 1925 “Scopes Monkey” trial — at its heart, a debate on creationism vs.

Review: LIGHT SWITCH at Open Space Arts

Review: LIGHT SWITCH at Open Space Arts

by Zac Thriffiley — September 18, 2024

Open Space Arts's production of LIGHT SWITCH shines a much-needed spotlight (no pun intended) on the struggles of neurodiverse members of queer communities, thanks in large part to its captivating leading man.

Review: HENRY V at Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Review: HENRY V at Chicago Shakespeare Theater

by Zac Thriffiley — September 17, 2024

Featuring a strikingly charismatic yet grounded performance from its leading actor, HENRY V presents a compelling study of the excitement and danger inherent in even the best-intended feelings of nationalism.

Review: THE FLYING LOVERS OF VITEBSK at Northlight Theatre

Review: THE FLYING LOVERS OF VITEBSK at Northlight Theatre

by Zac Thriffiley — September 15, 2024

Now receiving its Chicagoland premiere, Northlight Theatre’s THE FLYING LOVERS OF VITEBSK features brilliant performances and moments of exquisite stagecraft, though the play’s lean script occasionally saps the production of necessary tension and greater thematic depth.

Review: THE HOUSE OF IDEAS at City Lit Theater

Review: THE HOUSE OF IDEAS at City Lit Theater

by Zac Thriffiley — September 4, 2024

THE HOUSE OF IDEAS provides an entertaining history of Marvel’s precipitous rise to pop cultural supremacy that nicely captures the collaborative spirit of Kirby and Lee’s frequently tumultuous partnership.

Review: THE NORMAL HEART at Redtwist Theatre

Review: THE NORMAL HEART at Redtwist Theatre

by Zac Thriffiley — August 29, 2024

Redtwist’s THE NORMAL HEART is frequently an emotionally affecting piece, thanks to the powerfully palpable talents of its principal cast.

Review: 1776 at Marriott Theatre, Lincolnshire IL

Review: 1776 at Marriott Theatre, Lincolnshire IL

by Tina St. Angelo Wetzel — August 29, 2024

 In this political year, it seems very appropriate that the new production at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire is Sherman Edwards and Peter Stone’s musical 1776, the background story of the days leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Review: ALICE BY HEART at Kokandy Productions

Review: ALICE BY HEART at Kokandy Productions

by Rachel Weinberg — August 4, 2024

While Kokandy Productions’ ALICE BY HEART has some lovely performances, the musical itself is far less imaginative than its ALICE IN WONDERLAND-inspired title suggests.

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