Author: Colin Douglas
Everybody Wants to Rule the World
American Psycho
From the first lyrics that he utters in the opening number, “Selling Out,” the main character reels off a litany of high end brands he wears and products that he uses, the audience gets a pretty clear picture of Patrick Bateman. This is a most unique musical that says so much about the American Dream. Individual taste is different for everyone and it’s obvious that this eclectic show probably won’t appeal to everyone. “American Psycho” isn’t your traditional musical comedy, yet, truth be told, there’s a whole lot of dark humor wallowing in this gory production.
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A Ghostly Voyage Awaits
The Flying Dutchman
There is no doubt that the Halloween season is upon us. You can already find pumpkins grinning and witches flying high over many a front lawn. The Lyric Opera seems to have tapped into this mania for magic and mayhem by opening their 2023-24 season with Richard Wagner’s German classic, “The Flying Dutchman.” This is a powerful, dramatic, ghostly opera in three acts, presented at the Lyric as a two hour and twenty minute one-act, just as the composer originally intended. The production is dominated by a brilliant orchestra, a spooky atmosphere, mysterious characters and a finale that’s open to interpretation. Theatergoers be warned: a ghostly voyage awaits you on North Wacker Drive.
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Another Glass of Sherry
The Nacirema Society
Imagine a play that’s actually a clever mashup of a blithe British farce and an American comedy that addresses serious issues, like race, class and gender. Picture a laugh-out-loud play that’s set in Montgomery, Alabama during mid-1960’s, staged on a drop-dead gorgeous setting, clothed in beautiful period costumes, makeup and wigs, and starring a large, almost entirely female cast of Chicago’s finest African-American actors. This is just a taste of the banquet of delights that await the savvy audiences at the Goodman Theatre.
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Hiding in the Shadows of Doubt
Sanctuary City
In the years just prior to, and following, the shocking and detestable events of 9/11, two young people attempt to navigate their precarious lives in a country that’s offered them asylum. Newark, New Jersey is a Sanctuary City, a metropolis that has promised to take in families who have fled oppression in their homelands. But survival is tricky, even perilous, for two teenagers who are battling prejudice, poverty and the fear of being sent back to a country they’ve never really known. All they can do is cling to each another, finding security and community in their mutual company. As lifelong friends coming of age and living on the edge, the two teens attempt to navigate their futures together.
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The Trickery of Dr. Mesmer
Mesmerized: A Ben Franklin Science & History Mystery
Adapted by Suzanne Miller for the stage from Mara Rockliff’s children’s book, Mesmerized: How Ben Franklin Solved a Mystery That Baffled All of France. The storybook features colorful illustrations by Lacopo Bruno and, through this intriguing and imaginative story, makes the scientific method seem almost exciting. Ms. Miller’s exciting and dynamic play depicts a little known episode from World History that involved several big names from the past.
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Simply the Best
A Taste of Soul
This Autumn, Black Ensemble Theater is serving up a sumptuous Spread of Soul for the discerning audience’s musical dining pleasure. The production, written and directed by talented Daryl D. Brooks, cleverly presents a banquet of bang-on hit songs as an African-African themed cooking show. It copies the format of every much-loved how-to-do-it program on the Food Network and the Cooking Channel. It’s definitely a recipe for success.
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The Man in the Chair
The Drowsy Chaperone
The house lights dim leaving the audience waiting in the dark for something to happen. Suddenly a man’s voice breaks the silence. The unnamed man confides that his personal prayer at every musical he attends, while sitting in a theatre before the lights go up, is that the show be short and that the actors stay out of the aisles. This audience laughs knowingly because they’ve undoubtedly been at a play where the fourth wall is broken and theatergoers become asked to clap, sing along or even come up on the stage. The feeling is, “Hey, I paid YOU to entertain ME!”
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Let the Good Times Roll!
Blues For an Alabama Sky
Welcome to the Harlem Renaissance. The bootleg champagne is flowing and the good times are rolling. It’s 1930 and Pearl Cleage’s exuberant and deeply moving play is sometimes funny and peppered with blues and jazzy music. But the play also provides a clear look at the lives of five very different individuals while tackling some serious social issues. Ms. Cleage’s drama celebrates the art, music, dreams and deep friendships forged within the urban African-American community during the Depression. Somewhere offstage are the shadows of luminaries like Langston Hughes, Margaret Sanger, Josephine Baker. But onstage we’re treated to four amiable and attractive New Yorkers whose lives are about to change, thanks to the blues brought on by a newcomer from Alabama.
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A Soul in Torment
A View From the Bridge
Shattered Globe Theatre is known, and relied upon for, their consistently excellent productions. Their current presentation of “A View From the Bridge,” one of Arthur Miller’s finest, most gut-wrenching dramas, is as rewarding an evening in the theater as you’re ever going to find.
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Birthdays Are Like Boomerangs
Revolution
Someone once wrote that best friends are like soulmates. They stick by your side, no matter what. And that’s what playwright Bret Neveu celebrates in his world premiere that’s named for the hair salon where two of the three characters are employed. In fact Puff, the newly-appointed manager of Revolution Hair Cuts, has decided to commemorate her 26th birthday in an unusual location: the alley behind the mall where she works. She agrees to share the day with her best friend and co-worker, Jame. The Rain Forest Cafe looms just 300 feet away and serves up some provocative drinks, perfect for a special occasion. But their hard-earned paychecks can go a lot further and provide a greater blowout on the loading dock of Revolution.
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