Monthly Archives: December 2024
What If…
& Juliet
Life is full of what if’s, especially at this time of year. What if my Amazon package doesn’t arrive in time? What if I can’t get all my cookies baked in time for the party? What if the weather prevents me from spending the holidays with my family? And in the theatre, there’s been a recent rash of plays and musicals in which writers have reimagined alternative situations for familiar stories. What if, in Homer’s The Odyssey, Penelope had a more prominent and feminist role? The Goodman’s recent production of THE PENELOPIAD explores that premise. In another strong feminist treatment of a classic, the musical’s playwright and composer imagined what if the Wicked Witch and Glinda the Good were actually best friends? That’s the basis for the highly popular show, WICKED. This trend in writers thinking outside the box continues in a brilliant new coming-of-age jukebox musical, currently in Chicago for only two weeks. Treat yourself to a holiday gift and do whatever you can to see this show. You’ll be so glad you did.
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No Man’s a Failure Who Has Friends
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
The beautiful new American Blues Theater venue is once again decked out in sparkling, colorful holiday decor. All the typical ornamentation, such as Christmas trees, wreaths, menorahs and candles fill both the stage and lobby, bringing a cornucopia of cheer to those who celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. But it’s really what happens inside the theater that’s always so special.
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Wear Your Tiara and Glass Slippers
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Charles Perrault’s 17th century fairy tale is everyone’s favorite princess story. The French folktale has been adapted into every culture with its own version of the poor, put-upon young girl who rises above her miserable situation to win the hand of the handsome prince. American Composers Rodgers & Hammerstein understood the universal charm of this beloved story. In 1957 the famous composers wrote a musical version for television that starred a young Julie Andrews in the title role. The popularity of this production prompted other televised incarnations, as well as the current full stage version. Marriott’s Lincolnshire Theatre for Young Audiences has mounted a beautiful, professionally produced 60-minute adaptation of the musical that’s just as funny, magical and heartwarming as the full-length production.
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