Kathleen Anwar

What did our critic think of SHREK THE MUSICAL at Music Theater Works?

What did our critic think of A CHIRSTMAS CAROL at The Goodman Theatre?

What did our critic think of THE 39 STEPS at Drury Lane Theatre?

What did our critic think of PASSING STRANGE at Theo Ubique Cabaret? Originally premiering in 2006, Passing Strange is a rock musical that pushes the boundaries of Broadway storytelling and delves into themes of identity, love, and artistic rebellion. The main character, The Youth, embarks on a journey to find “The Real” that takes him from his middle-class Black Los Angeles Church to Amsterdam, and finally to Berlin.  Theo Ubique’s lively rendition brings this coming-of-age story to life in their wonderfully immersive theater.

What did our critic think of INTO THE WOODS at James M. Nederlander Theatre?

What did our critic think of THE THREEPENNY OPERA at Theo Ubique Cabaret?

1776 is a perfect example of a modern adaptation done right. Virtually everyone growing up in the United States learns the story of our country's birth: The founding fathers, the struggle for independence from Britain, and the scourge of slavery that was shamefully part of our fledgling nation. 1776 gives us a deep dive into this history, complete with nuanced political debates and glimpses into the personal lives of the signatories of the Declaration of Independence.

What did our critic think of TICK, TICK... BOOM! at BoHoTheatre? 'They're singing happy birthday / you just want to lay down and cry' - Who hasn't resonated with these lyrics at some point in their lives? Despite its 90s punk rock aesthetic, Jonathan Larson's tick, tick...Boom! so accurately captures the essence of your late 20s. Whether it's straddling the decision of whether to 'settle down,' or watching your friends' careers take off while yours feels stagnant, anyone can relate to the challenges depicted in this gem of a show. With Director Bo Frazier at the helm, BoHo Theatre brings this intimate-yet-in-your-face musical to life with a superbly talented cast, highlighting trans and gender non-conforming voices in the process.

What did our critic think of THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS at Theo Ubique Cabaret?

While the cast and crew did a splendid job with the entire production from top to bottom, The Wild Party is not a show for the faint of heart.

Though this show at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace brings to life time-honored classics from a sweeping soundtrack such as I Could Have Danced All Night and On the Street Where You Live, its three-hour runtime and dialogue-heavy script can make it a challenging watch for some viewers.

This touring production brought to life by Aaron Sorkin brings home a story that is so central to our culture and history; truly a must-see for anyone who cares to understand more about the best- and worst- of America. Read our critic's review.

Theo Ubique brings to life the classic The Princess and the Pea with a modern (and saucy!) twist.

This national tour at Chicago's Cadillac Palace gives us a show that is just as heartwarming as it is sobering, reminding us that we belong to each other.

Roger and Hammerstein's seminal work of musical theatre Oklahoma! has long been a favorite of those who grew up with the 1955 film starring Shirley Jones and Gordon MacRae with it's incredibly catchy company numbers and timeless message of following one's heart no matter the cost.

Book your next Botox session in advance because The Play that Goes Wrong is guaranteed to produce permanent laugh lines in all audience members. This incredible farce at Chicago's Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place is the perfect way to let go and truly escape both the drama and banality of everyday life. Though the humor largely centers around slapstick high jinks, this isn't your father's slip-on-a-banana-peel gag reel. Instead, this show combines perfectly timed prop and set mishaps with a wildly clumsy cast creating the perfect comedic storm.

Turning to the stage to raise funds for the funerals of their dearly departed members, these sisters sing, tap, and puppet their way through a variety show where we learn about their personal stories and the apparently unpredictable life of a nun.

A boy and girl falling in love, a vengeful mother-in-law hunting an alleged kidnapper, and ... a group of Freemasons completing their initiation rituals? Mozart's The Magic Flute is full of surprises at Chicago's Lyric Opera. For opera fans, the greatest surprise of all may be the show's unusual production style which relies exclusively on a projected animated backdrop for both set and props, hearkening back to the Nickelodeon era of the 1910s. Spectators who delight in edgy and creative reinterpretations of classic pieces will be sure to enjoy this production-but those who appreciate the extravagance of the traditional opera may find it wanting.

From beginning to end, the five actors left it all on the stage as they sang, belted and tapped their way through numbers largely focused on love, loss, andhttps://cloudadmin.broadwayworld.com/columnadmin.cfm looking for happiness in the wrong places. 

The Chicago Magic Lounge is a true wonder-inducing experience featuring Chicago's own unique brand of magic.