THE HEMMENS CULTURAL CENTER

by Rachel Weinberg - March 03, 2026

THE BRIEF WONDROUS LIFE OF OSCAR WAO is a lopsided stage adaptation of Junot Díaz’s 2007 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. While the first act is tight and focuses squarely on the budding relationship between ultra-nerd Oscar Wao and his freshman year college roommate Yunior, the second act incorpora...

by Tina St. Angelo - February 23, 2026

The Joffrey Ballet is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. The current offering is called Icons. What a gift to the audience. I don’t know if Robert Joffrey had any idea what his company has become. Icons recreate 4 different ballets from different decades over the 20th Century....

by Rachel Weinberg - February 19, 2026

When I think of Steppenwolf, I often think of family members crying, screaming at one another, or some combination of the two. So the sparring between spouses Alice and Captain Edgar in August Strindberg’s 1900 play THE DANCE OF DEATH feels right at home. In a surprisingly funny and sharp version ...

by Tina St. Angelo - February 17, 2026

What did our critic think of DEAR EVAN HANSEN at Paramount Theatre Aurora IL?...

by Rachel Weinberg - February 14, 2026

Royal Shakespeare Company’s HAMNET is a dramatic and languid stage adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 buzzy novel of the same name....

by Rachel Weinberg - February 13, 2026

THE OUTSIDERS presents an original and vibrant stage adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s classic 1967 novel about the conflict between Tulsa teen gangs the Greasers and the Socs (short for socialites). The musical — and particularly director Danya Taymor’s inventive and visually dynamic staging — pu...

by Tina St. Angelo - February 12, 2026

What did our critic think of ON YOUR FEET! at Drury Lane Theatre Oakbrook Terrace, IL?...

by Rachel Weinberg - February 10, 2026

Goodman Theatre continues its centennial season with the endearing and lively romantic comedy HOLIDAY....

by Tina St. Angelo - February 07, 2026

What did our critic think of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Marriott Theatre, Lincolnshire IL?...

by Misha Davenport - February 07, 2026

What did our critic think of DRACULA: A COMEDY OF TERRORS at Lazy Susan Theatre Co.?...