The Sins of the Past

A Number – Writers Theatre

Set in the sparsely-decorated living room of a home that could easily be anywhere along Chicago’s North Shore, Salter is discovered sitting in his leather club chair as he meets and has a pithy conversation with his son. Perhaps, “sons” would be a more accurate term because, in successive scenes, Salter speaks with three different young men who are, genetically speaking, his progeny, as the result of cloning.

Love is Easy But Relationships Require Work

Afterglow – Pride Films & Plays

The climax is just the beginning. That was the tagline used for the original New York Off-Broadway production, a show that piqued the theatergoer’s interest two years ago and promised a provocative, unusual story. This is a play that begins where others might end, exploring the physical and emotional connection between three young men. David Zak’s Chicago premiere of S. Asher Gelman’s bold, contemporary drama offers audiences the same exploration, while putting his own stamp on this production.

Another Disney Princess

Based upon both the 1997 animated film, as well as the 1956 live-action film, which earned Ingrid Bergman an Academy Award, playwright Terrence McNally write the book for this charming musical that, when reduced to its basics, is a story about another Disney princess. With a lush score by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, this musical version, which plays fast and loose with Russian history, opened on Broadway two years ago, but Chicago is finally enjoying this National Tour after five months on the road. It’s a glossy production well worth the wait.

Not For the Squeamish

Yen – Raven Theatre

In Anna Jordan’s prize-winning play about a dysfunctional family, Raven Theatre presents a drama that’s difficult to watch, yet, in the end, mesmerizing to experience. As the story slowly unfolds, and we come to know and understand these four characters, the audience finds a certain tenderness buried inside, along with the strength of brotherly love and a final moment of redemption.

Struggling to Survive

Landladies – Northlight Theatre

Marti is an resourceful woman who decided to leave her job as a nurse’s aide to develop her power as a strong businesswoman. She purchases a couple run-down apartment buildings, in sketchy neighborhoods and becomes an enterprising landlady. In Sharyn Rothstein’s world premiere, commissioned by Northlight Theatre, the story opens as Marti is about to seal the deal in renting an apartment to Christine, a young, single mother, struggling to survive.

The Beginning of the End

The Doctor’s Dilemma – ShawChicago

In May of 1994, Robert Scogin, a lifelong devotee of the works of George Bernard Shaw, had the great idea to produce and star in the playwright’s 1906 black comedy, as a pilot production for a prospective new theatrical comedy. The gifted Mr. Scogin knew exactly what he was doing and understood that there was an audience out there waiting to see and hear Shaw’s works brought to glorious life. Well, it turns out that the comedy would be the illustrious beginning of a company called ShawChicago. Therefore, it’s only fitting that, as expenses have grown and audience attendance has dwindled, “The Doctor’s Dilemma,” sadly, will be the company’s final production.

The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same

for colored girls who have considered suicide/ when the rainbow is enuf – Court Theatre

Never has there been a more truthful statement conceived on a stage than the sensory treat called “for colored girls who have considered suicide/ when the rainbow is enuf.” Although the play has been around since the mid-seventies, the situations endured by the anonymous ladies have remained largely unchanged. This character-driven, story telling, rhythmic dance of life is set on a deliberately dark, dank, minimalist stage and is beautifully tied together by the oh-so-right guitar and percussion of lyric. There are many moments during the performance where the audience grew so quiet that it seemed like there were only eight women in the building… the girls on stage.

What Could Be Better

Bright Star – Boho Theatre

Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, both during the 1920’s and in the mid-1940’s, this emotionally charged musical was somewhat based upon a true story. Although the show isn’t historically accurate, it was inspired by a rural legend called “The Iron Mountain Baby.” Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, who collaborated on the book, music and lyrics for this new musical, used the story as their springboard, asking themselves, “What if…?” The resulting musical is filled with everything that audiences love:  beautiful music; an engaging story; tragedy, suffering and remorse; an emotional roller coaster; redemption and a happy ending.

Three Women in the Darkness

Lured: the Curse of the Swans – The Right Brain Project

When the houselights dim and the audience settles in to enjoy the performance of a play, all they’re seeing is just the tip of the iceberg. Most patrons are only treated to the end product of a lot of work. They’re unaware of all that’s happened prior to this moment. The amount of time, talent and funding that goes into producing a play is much greater than most theatergoers can fully comprehend. What they’re seeing is a labor of love.

History That’s Not Facts

My Name is Rachel Corrie – Jacaranda Collective

Jacaranda Collective, a multi-media production company, premiered its first production, My Name is Rachel Corrie, at The Den Theatre on March 22nd. It was a one-woman show performed by Associate Artistic Director, Halie Robinson, and directed by Artistic Director, Sam Bianchini. Let’s take a moment to appreciate that a woman’s tale was being told by a woman with direction by women.