Review: LIGHT SWITCH at Open Space Arts
by Zac Thriffiley - September 18, 2024
Open Space Arts's production of LIGHT SWITCH shines a much-needed spotlight (no pun intended) on the struggles of neurodiverse members of queer communities, thanks in large part to its captivating leading man....
Review: HENRY V at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
by Zac Thriffiley - September 17, 2024
Featuring a strikingly charismatic yet grounded performance from its leading actor, HENRY V presents a compelling study of the excitement and danger inherent in even the best-intended feelings of nationalism....
Review: THE FLYING LOVERS OF VITEBSK at Northlight Theatre
by Zac Thriffiley - September 15, 2024
Now receiving its Chicagoland premiere, Northlight Theatre’s THE FLYING LOVERS OF VITEBSK features brilliant performances and moments of exquisite stagecraft, though the play’s lean script occasionally saps the production of necessary tension and greater thematic depth....
Review: THE HOUSE OF IDEAS at City Lit Theater
by Zac Thriffiley - September 04, 2024
THE HOUSE OF IDEAS provides an entertaining history of Marvel’s precipitous rise to pop cultural supremacy that nicely captures the collaborative spirit of Kirby and Lee’s frequently tumultuous partnership. But more casual fans of the brand may find themselves lost in the play’s more intricate plot ...
Review: THE FULL MONTY at Paramount Theatre Aurora, IL
by Tina St. Angelo Wetzel - September 01, 2024
“Desperate times take desperate measures”. These words are spoken by one of the out of work steel workers in Buffalo. That is exactly what happens in the Full Monty, currently playing at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora through October 6. ...
Review: THE NORMAL HEART at Redtwist Theatre
by Zac Thriffiley - August 29, 2024
Redtwist’s THE NORMAL HEART is frequently an emotionally affecting piece, thanks to the powerfully palpable talents of its principal cast. However, some uneven performances and an occasionally murky directorial vision prevent the production’s themes and message from beating forth as forcefully as on...
Review: 1776 at Marriott Theatre, Lincolnshire IL
by Tina St. Angelo Wetzel - August 29, 2024
In this political year, it seems very appropriate that the new production at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire is Sherman Edwards and Peter Stone’s musical 1776, the background story of the days leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence....
Review: BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL National Tour
by Rachel Weinberg - August 15, 2024
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BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL is a fun and faithful adaptation of the 1985 film — but it’s overly long and generically scored. With music and lyrics by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard (Silvestri composed the film’s original score) and book by Bob Gale, the musical has a typical pop Broadway sco...