Ronald L Conner News

Broadway In Chicago presents the Chicago premiere of UNSPEAKABLE, a dramatic fantasia inspired by the life of comedic legend Richard Pryor. UNSPEAKABLE features a cast of many prominent Chicago performers and will play the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E. Chestnut St.) for a limited five-week engagement tonight, Oct. 6 through Nov. 8, 2015.

Broadway In Chicago has announced full casting for the Chicago premiere of UNSPEAKABLE, a dramatic fantasia inspired by the life of comedic legend Richard Pryor. 

Court Theatre announces the extension of Seven Guitars written by August Wilson, and directed by Resident Artist Ron OJ Parson. The production will now run through Sunday, February 16, 2014 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue. Tickets for the week-long extension are now on sale.

Court Theatre continues its 2013-2014 season with Seven Guitars written by August Wilson, and directed by Resident Artist Ron OJ Parson. Seven Guitars will run tonight, January 9 - February 9, 2014 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue. Press Opening is Saturday, January 18, 2014 at 8:00PM.

Court Theatre continues its 2013-2014 season with Seven Guitars written by August Wilson, and directed by Resident Artist Ron OJ Parson. Seven Guitars will run January 9 - February 9, 2014 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue. Press Opening is Saturday, January 18, 2014 at 8:00PM.

I'm still not sure exactly how I feel about the Black Rep's latest premiere production, SMASH/HIT!, although there is certainly a lot of potential to the story, and various elements that make up the plot, it's not completely cohesive. There's an awful lot to digest here in this drama that contains music, which might be better served as a complete musical (or as a less musical drama), instead of winding up neither fish nor fowl. But, I can't honestly say that I can't recommend this show, because it is engagingly acted, contains some catchy tracks, and has fine overall direction. It's a mixed bag, but it's a mixed bag worth seeing for yourself.

THE WHIPPING MAN is a fascinating and intriguing look at religion and the aftereffects of emancipation that's set in the days following the end of the Civil War. It examines a subject unfamiliar to most, and that's the fact that there were slaves on plantations that were raised in the Jewish faith. This interesting twist gives this engaging and powerful story an educational depth that both informs and entertains. Playwright Mathew Lopez's work gets its St. Louis premiere with an excellent production by the Black Rep.

Court Theatre concludes its 54th season with August Wilson's beloved classic The Piano Lesson, directed by Resident Artist Ron OJ Parson. The fourth play in Wilson's Century Cycle will run at Court Theatre, 5535 S Ellis Avenue, May 5 - June 7, 2009. The press opening is Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 8:00 p.m.

Court Theatre concludes its 54th season with August Wilson's beloved classic The Piano Lesson, directed by Resident Artist Ron OJ Parson. The fourth play in Wilson's Century Cycle will run at Court Theatre, 5535 S Ellis Avenue, May 5 - June 7, 2009. The press opening is Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 8:00 p.m.