December, 2014 | Chicago Theatre Review

Monthly Archives: December 2014

Embrace the Dirt

Colin Douglas December 12, 2014 Comments Off

The Clean House – Remy Bumppo

The play opens with three women taking the stage in succession, each delivering a monologue. The first is a young Brazilian housekeeper, telling a dirty joke in Portuguese;

Wave Plowing Pillow Fights

Colin Douglas December 10, 2014 Comments Off

HMS Pinafore – Hypocrites

Upon entering the new, first floor black box theatre at the Den, just off their beautiful, recently-opened bar-and-coffee house lobby, the audience might think they’ve

A Real Modern Family

Colin Douglas December 9, 2014 Comments Off

The Humans- American Theatre Company

“Oh, there’s no place like home for the holidays,” or so the song promises. Often, however, going home again or just getting together with your family for a special occasion,

You Would Even Say It Glows!

Colin Douglas December 8, 2014 Comments Off

Rudolph, the Red-Hosed Reindeer – Hell In a Handbag

It’s difficult to believe but very exciting that David Cerda’s popular, gender-bending Christmas entertainment is now in its 17th year. With new cast members, some

Magic For You To Find

Colin Douglas December 8, 2014 Comments Off

Hansel and Gretel: A Wickedly Delicious Musical Treat – Emerald City Theatre and Broadway Playhouse

Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm would be surprised at this new, updated, pop/rock musical version of one of their best-known folktales. Artistic Director Ernie Nolan has

I Cannot Say His Name

Colin Douglas December 6, 2014 Comments Off

The Testament of Mary – Victory Gardens Theatre

In one of the most riveting, emotionally charged performances to be experienced in this city, local actress Linda Reiter gives a tour de force that, upon the final curtain,

Another Shipload of Love

Colin Douglas December 4, 2014 Comments Off

The Christmas Schooner – Mercury Theatre

Traditions, those legends, customs and beliefs handed down from generation to generation, provide the foundation for this beautifully written historical musical that has

Practically Perfect in Every Way

Colin Douglas December 4, 2014 Comments Off

Mary Poppins – Paramount Arts Center

In 1934 P. L. Travers’ first literary success, which eventually spawned a series of sequels, soon became a favorite among both children and their parents. Thirty years later

First Wives Club: the Musical

Gayle December 3, 2014 Comments Off

Press Luncheon Preview – First Wives Club

On Tuesday, December 2, Broadway in Chicago hosted famed New York producers Paul Lambert and Elizabeth Williams in presenting a special

noontime luncheon event for the media, press and their most faithful season ticket holders. Their news was that Chicago would be host

to yet another original musical comedy, which will have its pre-Broadway opening at the Oriental Theatre, beginning February 17.

Adapted from the popular 1996 film about three former college friends who reunite and find they have more in common

than their alma mater, the movie starred Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler and Diane Keaton. In this new stage version, the roles

will be played by Tony Award-winner Faith Prince, the star of “Wicked,” Carmen Cusack and Chicago’s own Christine Sherrill.

Directed by Simon Phillips, the show is being adapted by five-time Emmy Award nominee Linda Bloodworth Thomason (“MASH,” “Designing Women”),

and features a pop score by Holland-Dozier-Holland, one of the most integral, accomplished songwriting teams of popular music for Motown.

The group gave a 45-minute interview and offered a musical sampling from their new show.

Not only is this a reunion for the successful songwriting team, but it’s their first foray into the world of musical theatre writing.

The composers and lyricist of such hits as “Baby Love,” “Love is Like a Heat Wave” and “Reach Out, I’ll Be There,” this new musical will be a mesh of some

of their famous hit music combined with many new tunes.

The show will premier at the Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph Street in Chicago, with previews beginning February 17

and the press opening scheduled for March 11 and running through March 29 before it heads for Broadway.

Group ticket sales are now available at 312-977-1710; however, individual tickets will go on sale at a later date.

More information about this and other BIC productions can be found at www.BroadwayinChicago.com.

Colin Douglas

Haunted by Life

Colin Douglas December 3, 2014 Comments Off

Shining City – Irish Theatre of Chicago

Three men and a young woman slowly come to understand that they’re each being haunted by their own private ghosts in Conor McPherson’s 2004 Tony nominated play.

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Monthly Archives: December 2014

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