A No-Holds-Barred Production

Her Honor, Jane Byrne – Lookingglass Theatre

November is truly a time for giving thanks. Lookingglass Theatre has reopened again and with a bang. Their sensational remounted production, which had originally opened just before the pandemic shut shut down every Chicago theatre, features many of the original cast, setting and technical support as in 2020. “Her Honor, Jane Byrne” is skillfully written and perfectly directed by Lookingglass Ensemble Member, J. Nicole Brooks, but it’s definitely not your typical holiday fare. This is a rough, unflinching look at the strong determination and myriad of controversies attributed to one of Chicago’s greatest heroes. 

Under the Masks

God of Carnage – AstonRep Theatre

Michael and Veronica, a pair of parents, are hosting another pair of parents, Alan and Annette, in their home to discuss a fight their two 11-year-old sons had resulting in one boy hitting the other with a stick and knocking out two teeth. It begins as four enlightened, urbane parents all coming together to showcase how mature they can be. It turns quickly into a four-way brawl that would put their children to shame.

Spread the Love Around

Sister Act – Mercury Theatre

“Sister Act” conjures up images of whimsy, wimples and Whoopi Goldberg and Dame Maggie Smith. They starred in one of the funniest and most financially successful musical films of 1992. In our current era of screen-to-stage transferals, audiences may either be skeptical of one more theatrical musical based on a popular movie, or they’ll be panting with the anticipation of seeing their favorite comedy, live on stage. And while this glorious new presentation, now playing at Chicago’s beloved Mercury Theater, doesn’t offer Whoopi Goldberg’s star power, the production still sparkles up to the heavens. Deloris Van Cartier, the 70’s club singer who goes into hiding after witnessing a murder, is in the very capable hands of a heavenly gifted young actress with a vast resume to prove her prowess.

Comfort Food and Country Music

Pump Boys & Dinettes – Porchlight Music Theatre

If you were to take a leisurely drive down Highway 57 you might end up at a little service station somewhere between Frog Level and Smyrna, North Carolina. Thanks to Scenic Designer Sydney Lynne’s attention to detail, the set fills the entire, wide stage of the Ruth Page Center for the Arts. Adjoining the gas station is the Double Cupp Diner, where two sweet, spunky sisters are whipping up bottomless cups of coffee, pecan and sweet potato pies, and many other southern delicacies. If you pull up a chair you can relish the show’s easy-going menu of country pop/rock songs that celebrate life’s little joys and sorrows—something that everyone can understand and appreciate.

Pipe Dreams in the Jim Crow Era

The Last Pair of Earlies – Raven Theatre

Autumn in Chicago this year feels more like Spring, because it’s like a time for rebirth. After 19 long months, deprived of any live performances to enjoy and inspire us, the theatres are finally reopening. Like so many venues, Raven Theatre is also back to producing revivals by well-known playwrights and wonderful new works of art by emerging authors. This world premiere by Chicago playwright Joshua Allen that opens Raven’s new season, sensitively shaped and guided by the extremely talented Wardell Julius Clark, was well worth the wait.