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Chicago Shakespeare Excels with “Richard III”By Cate Rees-Hessel

Chicago Shakespeare Excels with “Richard III”By Cate Rees-Hessel

| February 16, 2024

Just when you think that Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier couldn’t produce an even better show, they do just that, with an exemplary production of “Richard III”. The deeply emotional show is theater at its finest; this amazing institution takes Shakespearean classics and infuses them with innovative new life – “Richard” is certainly no […]

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“Selling Kabul” Excels

“Selling Kabul” Excels

| February 7, 2024

By Cate Rees-Hessel Northlight Theatre’s production of “Selling Kabul” is a gripping theatrical masterpiece – Hamid Dehghani’s direction is magnificent. This Pulitzer finalist play by Sylvia Khoury tells the sad and frightening story of an Afghan, a former interpreter for the departed American forces, who must remain in hiding for the safety of his loved […]

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Chicago Shakespeare Invites Audiences to “Illinoise”

Chicago Shakespeare Invites Audiences to “Illinoise”

| February 7, 2024

By Cate Rees-Hessel Chicago Shakespeare at Navy Pier’s production of the edgy, energetic musical “Illinoise”, based on the Sufjan Stevens’ heralded album “Illinois”, has something for everyone. A wonderful set, complete with a changing, realistic billboard, and lots of footage and fun costumes help give this play its dramatic flair. The amazing live band, whose […]

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“In the Heights” is Powerful

“In the Heights” is Powerful

| February 2, 2024

By Cate Rees-Hessel Marriot Theatre’s high energy production of “In the Heights” brings the audience into Washington Heights with eloquent ease – this is theater in the round as it’s very finest. It’s not an easy task to dress a set from various angles, but Marriot does it flawlessly, with extreme attention to detail throughout […]

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“Emmet Otter” is Utterly Wonderful

“Emmet Otter” is Utterly Wonderful

| December 20, 2023

By Anna Hessel The Muppets are in Chicago for the holiday season at the lovely Studebaker Theater – “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas” is on the marqee. Join Doc Bullfrog, Stinky Skunk, Penelope Possum, and a host of other adorable characters as Emmet and his mother participate in Waterville’s first ever annual talent show, which takes […]

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American Blues Opens New Theater With an Old Favorite

American Blues Opens New Theater With an Old Favorite

| December 20, 2023

By Anna Hessel American Blues Theater opens their brand new facility with the annual classic of “It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!”; this 1940’s era radio broadcast simulation has become an area holiday tradition. In fact, at twenty years-plus, it’s the the second longest-running holiday play in the Windy City. The permanent location is […]

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“The Nutcracker” by Joffrey – Magical, Iconic, Breathtaking

“The Nutcracker” by Joffrey – Magical, Iconic, Breathtaking

| December 17, 2023

By D’Arcy Mies With Wes Hessel Their version is set in Chicago in December 1892, five months before the opening of the Columbian Exposition of 1893.  The music and basic story remain the familiar classics, but with a creative local historical twist. Projected images of the Exposition, newspaper headlines of the day, and so on, […]

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“Daughter” is a Regimented Revelry

“Daughter” is a Regimented Revelry

| November 25, 2023

By Flo Mano with Wes Hessel It’s been half a century since Donizetti’s opéra comiques “The Daughter of the Regiment (La fille du régiment)” trooped onto the Lyric Opera stage – this production, befitting of the military company in question, is triumphant and robust. On the surface Donizetti’s little light lilt, about a Marquise’s foundling […]

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“Twelfth Night” in the Island Life…

“Twelfth Night” in the Island Life…

| November 25, 2023

By Anna Hessel Once again, Chicago Shakespeare brings us the very finest theatrical experience – their Caribbean-themed “Twelfth Night” is absolutely fabulous. The set is exquisite, as sand, wooden fencing, and palm trees transport the audience to the islands. The wicker sofa, chairs, chandeliers, as well as the beautifully lit arch upstage, are wonderful, too. […]

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“Reflections: Voices of the Underrepresented” Represents

“Reflections: Voices of the Underrepresented” Represents

| October 16, 2023

By Wes Hessel In an office building at 11 E. Adams St., on the east edge of the Loop is a hidden gem – a cozy, intimate concert venue likely unheard of by many. In its fifth year, Guarneri Hall seats 60 at most, and yet speaks volumes in the performances held within. The recital […]

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