KANKAKEE VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

by Melissa Hall - April 11, 2024

Thirty years ago I saw my very first professional musical. I was just a kid, and I was in awe of the performance at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. That very same show, The King and I, is on stage now and the magic is still there. It may be tinged with nostalgia for me, but the talent on stage is unde...

by The Marriage Matinee - April 05, 2024

Hadestown, the Tony Award-winning musical, has continued to enchant audiences with its unique blend of myth, music, and storytelling. Recently, a performance at Clowes Memorial Hall offered a glimpse into this underworld tale, showcasing both the production's prowess and the talent of its cast....

by The Marriage Matinee - February 29, 2024

MAMMA MIA! is an electrifying and heartwarming musical that never fails to delight audiences, and the national tour I experienced last night was no exception. From start to finish, the production was filled with infectious energy, stunning choreography, and, most importantly, incredible vocal perfor...

by The Marriage Matinee - February 11, 2024

Last night, I had the pleasure of immersing myself in the timeless melodies and poignant story of 'Beautiful: The Carole King Musical' at Beef & Boards. From start to finish, the production radiated charm, nostalgia, and heartfelt emotion, leaving the audience entranced and uplifted. As I reflect on...

by Melissa Hall - January 29, 2024

The stodgy claustrophobic feel of the first half of the show is intentional and director Christ Saunders handles it beautifully. We are meant to be just as frustrated as Mr. Peel at the red tape and wheel spinning of the committee....

by The Marriage Matinee - January 25, 2024

'To Kill a Mockingbird' remains relevant and poignant, addressing themes that resonate across generations. The play's success lies not only in its compelling source material but also in the exceptional talent of the cast, particularly the nuanced portrayal of Atticus Finch and the authentic depictio...

by Melissa Hall - January 24, 2024

You can go to the show to see Thomas play Atticus, or Mary Badham (who played the original Scout in the film) as Mrs. Dubose, but the real reason you should go is to see a powerful night of theatre. It’s one of the best Broadway Across America productions I’ve seen in recent years....

by The Marriage Matinee - January 08, 2024

Any show that calls itself 'Something - the Musical' is unabashedly announcing to its audience: 'We're goofy, and we know it.' This production unabashedly embraces its cheesiness from the start. Any critic versed in this theatrical tradition wouldn't have anticipated Menopause the Musical to be a hi...

by Melissa Hall - December 19, 2023

Matilda is an entertaining show, but the message at its heart is the transformative power of finding love and connection. And that's just about perfect for the holiday season.  ...

by Melissa Hall - December 06, 2023

A Christmas Carol is back at the Indiana Repertory Theatre. This holiday tradition is an audience favorite for a reason. New this year, Priscilla Lindsay directs and brings so much humor into the show with playful moments between the cast members. ...