Author: Colin Douglas
A Beloved Children’s Book Comes to Life
Junie B. Jones, the Musical – Marriott Theatre
Oh joy! Oh rapture! The Junie B. Jones series of books, by Barbara Park, is onstage for the Summer in Lincolnshire in an absolutely bouncy, high-spirited musical adaptation. It was written for Theatreworks by Deerfield native, lyricist/book writer Marcy Heisler, and her partner, composer Zina Goldrich. This is definitely a show aimed at youngsters, based upon five of Park’s books; but adults will roar with laughter at the recognizable situations, the witty dialogue and the comical song lyrics that speak to their own experiences. Throughout the 60-minute play, Junie B. and her colorful world bursts to irrepressible life.
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Sibling Rivalry Gone Berserk
True West – Steppenwolf Theatre
The third in Sam Shepard’s Family Trilogy, along with his “Curse of the Starving Class” and “Buried Child,” this exciting, violent, darkly humorous play was a finalist for the 1983 Pulitzer Prize in Drama. Three years earlier, Shepard’s drama premiered in San Francisco, followed by its Off-Broadway opening at the Public Theater. In 1982 Steppenwolf produced their thrilling version of the play, starring Gary Sinise and John Malkovich, which helped put this Chicago-based ensemble company on the map. Shepard became instrumental in transferring Steppenwolf’s production to New York for another successful Off-Broadway run. Then the play finally made its way to Broadway in 2000, where it was produced by Circle in the Square and nominated for the Tony.
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This Production Really Shines
The Spitfire Grill – American Blues Theatre
American Blues Theater’s latest offering doesn’t just touch your heart; it enfolds your soul in warmth and caresses you with its humanity. Like the song that one character sings, this production “Shines.” It’s impossible to experience this lovely, folksy musical without shedding a tear or feeling a lump in your throat. At its core, this little musical is a celebration of the simple things in life. With music by James Valcq, lyrics by Fred Alley and a book co-adapted by both artists, from the film of the same name, this is a warm, heartfelt story of redemption and hope. It’s a show we could all use right now because it’s so positive.
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A Mobius Strip of a Story
Pomona – Steep Theatre
In the dark, dystopian world that young, British playwright Alistair McDowall creates, reality unexpectedly oozes into the science fiction thriller and then, just as suddenly leaches back out again. This surrealistic play is a kind of mobius strip of a story. The non-linear plot pops back and forth between the present and the future. It kicks all logic deep into the murky shadows that envelope Joe Schermoly’s nightmarish scenic design, and reality turns into an M.C. Escher-like staircase to nowhere.
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It’s All About Who You Know
The Recommendation – Windy City Playhouse
Upon entering the theatre, an attendant gives the patron his ticket, in the form of a congratulatory letter of acceptance to Brown University. Theatergoers are then plunged into the world of the play as they’re welcomed to a collegiate Orientation by Iskinder Iodouku, nicknamed Izzy (beautifully played by Michael Aaron Pogue). Jonathan Caren’s thought-provoking play is very interesting. It’s not about what you know but who you know, and the favors that people will perform now in exchange for something later on.
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Crowns and Pronouns
The Drag Seed – Hell in a Handbag
David Cerda has done it once again! The gifted performer and prolific playwright mines every ounce of humor from his LGBTQ parodies of well-known TV and film classics, like “The Golden Girls” and “The Poseidon Adventure.” This time around, Chicago’s Countess of Camp has loosely adapted “The Bad Seed,” that famous, b&w psychological horror-thriller film from the 1950’s about a seemingly perfect little girl who will stop at nothing—not even murder—to get what she wants.
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Till There Was You
The Music Man – Goodman Theatre
So suitable for the lazy days of summer is this musical that’s as American as apple pie and the Fourth of July. Opening on the Great White Way back in 1957, the show deservedly scored five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. It’s been remounted on Broadway several times and is about to received another revival later this year, with Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster in the leading roles. This is a funny, romantic, wholesome and infectious piece of theatre that’s truly unparalleled.Meredith Willson’s magnum opus is undeniably one of the classics of the American musical theatre. As the most perfectly written of all musicals, it doesn’t simply feature a few leading characters backed up by a chorus of dancing singers who only appear during the big musical numbers. Each and every person in this show is a unique character, an individual with his own personality and backstory. And that alone makes this show very special, both to be a part of and to enjoy as a theatergoer.
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Follow the Yellow Brick Road
The Wizard of Oz – Chicago Shakespeare Theatre
Since this classic movie first delighted children and grownups back in 1939, L. Frank Baum’s glorious fantasy has been a continual favorite. Whether on film, in print or live on stage, as it is at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, this fanciful story, with its inspiring lesson about friendship, is one of the most beloved in children’s literature. Featured in this musical is known around the world. This road story, directed with spirit by Brian Hill and imaginatively choreographed by Kenny Ingram, is about how friends help, comfort and support each other. It also shows how experiencing new places can delight and educate, but ultimately reminds the traveler that, in the end, there’s no place like home.
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A Classic That’s Still Going Strong
Les Miserables – Broadway in Chicago
It’s said that Alain Boublil became inspired to transfer Victor Hugo’s sweeping saga of injustice, forgiveness and survival to the musical stage while watching a production of “Oliver.” The character of the Artful Dodger brought to mind little Gavroche at the barricade, and from there this much-loved classic became a concept album followed by a 1985 production in the West End. The stirring musical became a Broadway phenomenon two years later, and the rest is history. The show was a multi Tony Award-winning epic musical that has gone on to inspire other productions worldwide, including several national tours, educational theatre adaptations, film and concert versions and new recordings. Thirty-four years later this spectacular, emotionally powerful classic is an audience favorite that’s still going strong.
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Making Problems Easier to Swallow
Darling Grenadine – Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre
Harry is a talented, charismatic song writer who shares his Manhattan apartment with Paul, a Labrador Retriever that he rescued from a shelter. Harry’s made a fortune writing a simple jingle for a chain of burger restaurants, and he’s still doodling around composing other songs. But for months Harry’s creativity has stalled, suffering from the musical equivalent of writer’s block. Then one day, following her matinee performance, he meets Louise outside the stage door. She’s a talented youthful musical actress who stands out in the ensemble of her show. But, like Harry, Louise has bigger aspirations. The two hit it off from the start, partially because Harry’s dog is also taken with her.
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