Author: Gayle
Does absolute power corrupt? Ask Chicago Cop Macbeth
The Conspirators have created a most entertaining and accessible method of delivering the Bard to the public, with their version of the Scottish Play – Chicago Cop Macbeth. It is surprising, boisterous and insightful, taking us from belly-laughs to gut-punches over a 90 minute run that whips by in a flash.
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Where is god? Everywhere. Galileo is a religious experience for theater-worshippers
If you love Brecht, go experience this production. If you hate Brecht, go experience this production. If you have never been to the theater in your life, or if you live in it, go experience this production. Galileo at the Trap Door Theatre is a brilliant feast for the mind and soul; the concept so masterfully realized it is three-dimensional poetry manifested. The ensemble under the direction of Max Truax brings the script and its timely messages to life in a pinnacle of Brechtian tradition, brought home with powerful modern symbolism.
Read MoreMan of La Mancha – Wirtz Center
Celebrating its 60th Anniversary, Man of La Mancha is one of the world’s most popular musicals; the original 1965 production won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Inspired by Miguel de Cervantes’ 17th-century masterwork Don Quixote, Man of La Mancha was originally set during the Spanish Inquisition when Cervantes is in prison awaiting trial. This re-imagined version, directed by theatre department chair and Goodman Theatre Resident Director Henry Godinez, is set in a detention center on the US-Mexico border, where a growing group of migrants from across the world, being held and readied for deportation, is looking for safety and opportunity. Cervantes and his fellow prisoners perform a play-within-a-play, telling the story of the elderly Alonso Quijana, who renames himself Don Quixote and goes on a quest to right all wrongs in the world. The rousing score includes the classic numbers “The Impossible Dream,” “I, Don Quixote,” “Dulcinea,” “I Really Like Him” and “Little Bird.”
Show page: https://wirtz.northwestern.edu/man-of-la-mancha/
Ticket link: https://ci.ovationtix.com/1771/production/1204000
Based on a True Story (about False Facts)
The Lifespan of a Fact is a witty, fast-paced, comic journey into the nature of truth; or rather factual accuracy versus the big Truth. Based on real events, the script by Jeremy Karekan, David Murrell and Gordon Farrell is written to send sparks flying in a thought-provoking debate about the meaning of truth, and exactly what amount of creative license belongs in a work of non-fiction. This production by Oil Lamp Theater, under the direction of Elizabeth Mazur Levin, undoubtedly achieves Levin’s goal of leaving audience members primed for discussion.
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Exceptional Performances Light the Darkness of Mental Illness in NEXT TO NORMAL at Waukesha Civic Theatre
Some rare musicals pull at your heart strings from the overture until the curtain call, and Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey’s powerful rock musical, “Next to Normal,” is one of them. Jenn Dobby thoughtful and intricate direction of Waukesha Civic Theatre’s production opens its exploration of the complexities of mental illness, family dynamics, and the pursuit of normalcy, with a wallop. The upbeat, almost jaunty “Just Another Day” introduces us to the Goodmans, “the perfect, loving family,” grappling with decidedly not-so-normal issues. The traumas of grief and the indignity of bipolar disorder are laid bare throughout this powerful show, but by the end of the first number, we’re so enthralled by the musical’s rocking sound and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, we don’t see the turmoil bubbling so very close to the surface.
Read MoreShucked
Full of corny jokes, corny puns, and well….corn, Shucked is a musical-comedy unlike any other. Shucked, written by Robert Horn, Brandy Clark, and Shane McAnally, made its Broadway debut in 2023 and went on to receive nine nominations at the 76th Tony Awards — including one for Best Musical.
Read MoreBest Day Ever
No trip to Tennessee would be complete without a stop at Dollywood. I have made multiple trips there over the years. There is always a feeling of comfort and joy spending the day at the park, especially during the Christmas season. From the cinnamon bread to the tasting menu, the train and of course the beautiful lights there is definitely something for everyone. But now they have added the Dolly Parton Experience which is really something to behold.
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the love object
by Emerging Playwright-in-Residence Justine Gelfman, directed by Northwestern MFA Directing alum Jasmine B. Gunter.
This play explores defamation, also the title given to Ramona’s Roger’s new sold-out stadium tour. Ramona is an oppressive, self-centered bubblegum celebrity in the early 2000s pop music culture. The show depicts all the ridiculousness of scandal, whether that scandal is fabricated or real, in the behind-the-scenes antics of the performers and Ramona’s assistant Paula.
The play explores betrayal and power and runs October 10 – November 3, 2024 on Raven Theatre’s Schwartz Stage, 6157 N. Clark St. (at Granville) in Chicago.
In the crunch before the performance, Ramona’s supposed best friend and trusted assistant Paula announces she is leaving to pursue her own artistry. Ramona freaks out, fearing the loss of her closest confidante, and reveals that a sex tape she made is about to be released which will taint her image and possibly destroy her reputation and ticket sales. How Paula reacts reveals whether she can escape her oppressive boss Ramona and put herself first. Ultimately this shows questions what it takes to climb the ladder and if there are any regrets from actions taken to get ahead. Although these dilemmas are captured within the music industry, they evoke the distasteful antics in corporate life, politics, etc. What is a lie? What will someone do to get ahead? To win?
The love object also examines the hyper-sexualization of women celebrities, the power struggles of interracial friendship and the tragedies of late-stage capitalism.
Damaging the good reputation of someone, whether through slander or libel, is an everyday occurrence in our society. Our society is obsessed with getting ahead, distractions, and attention.
The story develops a bit slowly, then picks up, with some nice technical effects and dance moves. The Raven Theatre is a real treat for an intimate performance experience.
Recommended
Judy Nathan – Chicago Theatre Review
Farm Aid 2024
Against the backdrop of the beautiful Adirondack mountains in upstate New York the 39th Farm Aid took place at the Saratoga Springs Performing Arts Center (affectionately known at the SPAC). The last time the event was held there was in 2013.
21,000 people attended the event enjoying a day of music and celebration all for a good cause.
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Elderberry Wine Laced Laughter with Sunset’s Arsenic and Old Lace
In the wide world of theatre, there are certain titles that stand the test of time—
Kaufman and Hart’s The Man Who Came to Dinner or Simon’s Barefoot In the
Park come immediately to mind. In Elm Grove, Wisconsin, Sunset Playhouse’s
season opener, Arsenic and Old Lace, is yet another timeless comedy of madcap
misbehavior.
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