Chicago Theatre and Concert Reviews

Chicago Theatre Review

Racism in the Halls of Ivy

Colin Douglas January 15, 2015 Reviews Comments Off

Spinning into Butter – Eclectic Theatre

When one thinks about the effects and repercussions of racism and bigotry rarely do the hallowed, ivy-covered walls of a university or

Drones in the Night

Colin Douglas January 14, 2015 Reviews Comments Off

Push Button Murder – Side Project

Battling boredom and fatigue with video games and trivia challenges, Becky and Roy are two Air Force drone pilots chained to their

Foul Play for the Holidays

Colin Douglas December 20, 2014 Reviews Comments Off

Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Goose – Raven Theatre

Back once more for another helping of holiday cheer, Raven’s alternative to Scrooge and the Nutcracker is a sweet treat, short in length but long on entertainment value.

You Would Even Say It Glows!

Colin Douglas December 8, 2014 Reviews Comments Off

Rudolph, the Red-Hosed Reindeer – Hell In a Handbag

It’s difficult to believe but very exciting that David Cerda’s popular, gender-bending Christmas entertainment is now in its 17th year. With new cast members, some

Magic For You To Find

Colin Douglas December 8, 2014 Reviews Comments Off

Hansel and Gretel: A Wickedly Delicious Musical Treat – Emerald City Theatre and Broadway Playhouse

Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm would be surprised at this new, updated, pop/rock musical version of one of their best-known folktales. Artistic Director Ernie Nolan has

First Wives Club: the Musical

Gayle December 3, 2014 News Comments Off

Press Luncheon Preview – First Wives Club

On Tuesday, December 2, Broadway in Chicago hosted famed New York producers Paul Lambert and Elizabeth Williams in presenting a special

noontime luncheon event for the media, press and their most faithful season ticket holders. Their news was that Chicago would be host

to yet another original musical comedy, which will have its pre-Broadway opening at the Oriental Theatre, beginning February 17.

Adapted from the popular 1996 film about three former college friends who reunite and find they have more in common

than their alma mater, the movie starred Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler and Diane Keaton. In this new stage version, the roles

will be played by Tony Award-winner Faith Prince, the star of “Wicked,” Carmen Cusack and Chicago’s own Christine Sherrill.

Directed by Simon Phillips, the show is being adapted by five-time Emmy Award nominee Linda Bloodworth Thomason (“MASH,” “Designing Women”),

and features a pop score by Holland-Dozier-Holland, one of the most integral, accomplished songwriting teams of popular music for Motown.

The group gave a 45-minute interview and offered a musical sampling from their new show.

Not only is this a reunion for the successful songwriting team, but it’s their first foray into the world of musical theatre writing.

The composers and lyricist of such hits as “Baby Love,” “Love is Like a Heat Wave” and “Reach Out, I’ll Be There,” this new musical will be a mesh of some

of their famous hit music combined with many new tunes.

The show will premier at the Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph Street in Chicago, with previews beginning February 17

and the press opening scheduled for March 11 and running through March 29 before it heads for Broadway.

Group ticket sales are now available at 312-977-1710; however, individual tickets will go on sale at a later date.

More information about this and other BIC productions can be found at www.BroadwayinChicago.com.

Colin Douglas

Side Project

Gayle November 27, 2014 Reviews Comments Off

Jet Black Chevrolet and We Three – Side Project

Or: Hammer Horror

I find is oddly fitting that the same haunted Lay-Z-Boy recliner should appear in both The Side Projects attempts at psychological horror in the

Classic Stories for the Holidays

Colin Douglas November 26, 2014 Reviews Comments Off

From the Heart – Citadel Theatre

Short stories by great writers are timeless and, especially around the holidays, can provide a welcome change from the usual fare about Rudolph, Scrooge, George Bailey