In Case You Missed It
Memorial Day Observance in Franklin Park
On Memorial Day I covered the Memorial Day Observance for People and Places Newspaper. I took photos of the event as well as some video clips.
“A Distinct Society” is a Distinct Success
By Anna Hessel Writers Theatre’s stellar production of “A Distinct Society” is extremely dramatic with sharp comedic moments, and has the most charming set. A realistic small library, complete with an adorable childrens’ area, brings the scene to life. Such amazing attention to detail with the props gives the illusion that the audience is in […]
Big River Runs Deep
By Anna Hessel Mercury Theater’s Jeff-recommended production of “Big River” tells the classic tale of Huckleberry Finn and Jim, as well as buddy Tom Sawyer. This musical, with its delightful sets, is a must-see. A wooden “raft” on wheels moves around the stage, allowing the audience to feel they are part of the journey. At […]
Paramount Rocks
By Anna Hessel Paramount Theater invites audiences to stick it to the man and live hardcore with their tremendous production, “School of Rock”. Audiences will remember the hit film starring Jack Black; the movie was great but I actually prefer the stage version – it’s fun and uplifting. Exquisitely directed by the incredible Trent Stork, […]
ABT On Point By: Anna with Wes Hessel
The world-renowned New York-based ballet corps was in Chicago for three performances this past weekend, and it was, as one would expect, exceptional. The first number was both classic and innovative, athletic with beauty and grace – an amazing piece of covorting and exuberance, with pretty costumes, understated and elegant. The second act contained two […]
World Premiere of Ballet 5:8’s Latest Work Coming By: Wes Hessel
Ballet 5:8, the women-led Chicago area troupe and school, will be performing for the first time their new original ballet, “BareFace”, adapted from the work of acclaimed author C.S. Lewis, at the Harris Theatre for Music and Dance in Chicago’s iconic Millenium Park. Done by their up-and-coming movement company, the production is a futuristic, female-oriented […]
Make No Mistake, See “Comedy of Errors”By Anna & Wes Hessel
Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s stellar production of “The Comedy of Errors” makes no mistakes – it is fabulous. This fitting finale for Artistic Director and company co-founder, the legendary Barbara Gaines, showcases her genius. Ms. Gaines, a winner of multiple Jeff Awards, has directed at the Royal Shakespeare Company at Stratford-Upon-Avon, not to mention nearly 70 […]
The Joffrey Lavishly, Passionately Dances “Anna Karenina”
By D’Arcy Mies with Wes Hessel Chicago’s own world-class dance troupe presents another magnificent production, this time an adaptation of the Tolstoy novel “Anna Karenina” by Yuri Possokhov. Debuted in 2019 to significant critical acclaim, Mr. Possokhov’s work is given the full passion and grandeur as only The Joffrey can. And the location of the […]
One Singular Sensation! By Anna Hessel
Drury Lane’s fabulous production of the Broadway classic, “A Chorus Line”, the story of hopefuls at an audition in 1975, has an absolutely outstanding cast, and is brilliantly directed by Jane Lanier. Of course, this magnificent theater puts their own innovative spin on the show, making it even more interesting. “A Chorus Line” is usually […]
“Andy Warhol in Iran” Takes Us Back – And Forward…By Anna Hessel and Wes Hessel
Northlight Theatre delivers an intense production of “Andy Warhol in Iran”. Based on an actual trip by the cultural icon in 1976 to take pictures of the Empress, the wife of the Shah of Iran, for a portrait to be painted, this absorbing theatrical one-act work is imagining of what could have happened in an […]
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