Live Musical Theatre is Back, Baby!

Mamma Mia! -Music Theater Works

Accomplished actor, singer and member of the Columbia College’s Musical Theatre faculty, multitalented Justin Brill has staged a faithful new production of the 1999 smash hit musical, a show that became a cult classic for Baby Boomers over twenty years ago. It’s one of Broadway’s original jukebox musicals. Taking almost two dozen hit tunes from the ABBA songbook, this Musical Theater Works’ production is one of the first live stage presentations since the pandemic. In its joy and optimism, “Mamma Mia!” makes Chicagoland audiences almost forget the long theatrical hiatus of almost two years. But finally, at long last, we have the opportunity to revel in a live, professional, musical production again. Decked out in shiny spandex, platform heels and lots of glitter and glitz, this production is a feast for both the eyes and ears.

Well Worth the Wait

School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play – Goodman Theatre

With an affectionate nod to such films as “Heathers,” “Legally Blonde,” “Mean Girls” and even “Cinderella,” actress/playwright Jocelyn Bioh’s funny and often touching new play heralds a joyful return to live theatre in Chicago. It’s a comic drama that’s inspired by a real-life incident, and it’s also prompted by her own mother’s schooldays at the real Aburi Girls High School, the Ghana boarding school where this play takes place. Bioh’s comedy is a delicious 85-minute one-act that brings joy, entertainment and a powerful message to Chicago audiences. 

Yipping, Barking and Smelling

Why Dogs Don’t Talk – First Folio Theatre

It’s safe to say that all dog owners, at one time or another, have wished their pets could talk. It would be so much easier to understand their pooch’s needs and wants, their preferences for certain things and for those elements that are undesired. But in Dean Monti’s short, 17-minute story, adapted for the stage by David Rice, patrons might be warned to be careful what they wish for.

When the World Exploded

I Hate It Here – Steppenwolf Theatre

If asked, most of us will freely confess that last year was a total bomb. 2020 will always be remembered as the year of the pandemic, when COVID-19 infected and devastated the entire planet, closing down everything and forcing us to stay inside our own homes. It was deadly and frightening and, ultimately, made our lives extremely depressing. This was the year when the world exploded and everyone had to quarantine. 

He Works Hard for the Money

Ride Share – Writers Theatre

In the third of three exceptionally fine virtual productions from Writers Theatre, this riveting, powerful one-man drama is the shining jewel on their crown. It’s a heartbreaking story told by Marcus, a 33-year-old African-American man, who’s just trying to make ends meet, earning a decent living and attempting to survive the hardships of the modern world. This 80-minute one-act, written by talented playwright Reginald Edmund, will captivate and hold your attention until the very last gut-wrenching moment.

What Did You Do To My Script?

Dingleberries – Interrogbang Theatre

Interrobang Theatre Project aptly describes their Season 11, entitled Off the Record, as “what happens when the world stops and life becomes viral.” With the quarantine imposed upon us by Covid-19, all live theatre and musical performances were, of course, halted. Theatres discovered new ways to share their stories with audiences, usually offering tickets to viral productions on the internet.

A Smash Triumph for Music Theater Works

Legends of the 50s and 60s: Greatest Hits – Music Theater Works

The joint is jumpin’ and rockin’ and rollin’ up in Skokie because a new era is about to begin. Maybe it’s because, after well over a year, this was (to my knowledge) the first live production in the Chicago area. Maybe it’s the fact that this entertaining pop musical revue features so many wonderful hit songs that spark youthful memories for the majority of the audience. Or maybe because this is simply a superbly talented cast performing their hearts out in a beautifully sung and professionally staged production. In any case, we heartily welcome back live theatre and exciting performances, as exemplified by this fantastic celebration of the past!

An Inherently Evil Act

Ohio State Murders – Goodman Theatre

A well-known author, Suzanne Alexander is revisiting the university she attended between 1949 and 1952. As one of the few African-American students during that turbulent time, Sue found campus life to be a lonely existence. She was forced into living a quiet, segregated, almost isolated life at Ohio State. Despite her appetite for reading classic literature and a gift for excellent writing, acknowledged by her English professor, Suzanne finds that declaring English as her major is met with derision and scorn. 

A Tour-de-force of Illusion

The Magic Parlor — Palmer House

Until it’s safe for the historic Palmer House Hilton Hotel to reopen its doors again, and it’s safe to return to live performances, Master Magician Dennis Watkins will be performing his shows live on Zoom. His appreciative audiences come from every age group and from all over the world. Each performance is slightly different because of the makeup of his audience and the choices and manipulations created by his interactive viewers. And that’s what makes this viral production so unusual and spectacular: Mr. Watkins has only so much control over his magic show; it’s primarily how each audience member reacts to his tour-de-force of illusion that makes each show so unique and memorable.