Idol-Ridden 'RENT' Still Takes Us 'Out Tonight'February 13, 2008This cookie-cutter tour from the original Broadway production, offers near-identical sets, staging, costumes and lighting. The excitement and energy of this rock-opera still invigorates the public and makes departed composer Jonathan Larson yet another reminder of talent gone far before its time.
'Fragments' Visits CST in World TourFebruary 13, 2008Fragments, making its only U.S. stop in their world tour at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, is a well-constructed and very conceptual sixty minutes of theatre. Fans of Samuel Beckett will be tickled with the clever use of his language.
'Talking Pictures' at Goodman Simply Entices and EnchantsFebruary 13, 2008'Talking Pictures' set in pre-depression southern Texas follows the story of the Jackson family and the interesting people who come into their life over the series of a few short days. Through watching this tale unfold, we as an audience appreciate all we have and wonder how simpler times could have been.
'Fatboy' at Red Orchid Makes Us a Glutton for PunishmentFebruary 5, 2008FATBOY, currently playing at Red Orchid Theatre is a vulgar and crass look at Americans and their greed, and their disdain for living. These characters torture themselves and each other past the point of theatricality and to the point of writer, director and cast masturbation.
City Lit's 'Twelfth Night' is a Well-Woven Yet Dazed DreamJanuary 23, 2008City Lit's first venture into the world of the Bard is a gorgeously produced, pioneering undertaking for the almost 30-year old company. Twelfth Night, currently playing at the theatre's historic Edgewater Presbyterian Church location, has the tendency to get a bit long-winded at times but overall the production offers energized actors, beautiful scenery and lighting and a dream-like telling of Shakespeare's classic.
'Saint Joan' at CST Elegantly Defines Church and StateJanuary 10, 2008George Bernard Shaw's Saint Joan, currently playing at Chicago Shakespeare's Courtyard Theatre, is a piece more about religion and politics than about a courageous woman burned at the stake and sainted almost five-hundred years later.
Trapdoor's 'Eva Peron' Makes Us Cry for ArgentinaJanuary 2, 2008Overall, when Eva says 'I'm dead' near the end of the show, we as an audience feel a sense of relief as we see the end in sight. The multiple elements involved in Eva Peron do not blend into a cohesive piece of theatre. Make sure you wear a sweater as the theatre was a bit chilly.
Anthony is originally from Louisville, KY. He moved to Chicago in 1999 to pursue his theatrical education at Roosevelt University. Upon graduating with a B.F.A in Theatre Performance, Anthony formed the theatre company, MidTangent Productions where his directing credits include: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM: A QUEER TALE (World Premiere 2005, 2006, 2007), I AM HAMLET ( World Premiere 2007), FASCINATION (World Premiere 2006) and @MOSPHERE 54 (World Premiere 2007). Anthony continues his role of Artistic Director to MTP in Chicago as well as working for the architecture firm, Skidmore, Owings and Merrill.