Open Forum
Chicago Shakespeare Excels with “Richard III”By Cate Rees-Hessel
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 […]
“Selling Kabul” Excels
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 […]
Chicago Shakespeare Invites Audiences to “Illinoise”
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 […]
American Blues Opens New Theater With an Old Favorite
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 […]
“The Nutcracker” by Joffrey – Magical, Iconic, Breathtaking
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, […]
“Twelfth Night” in the Island Life…
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. […]
Couple Gets “Welcome to Matteson!”
By Flo Mano with Wes Hessel Congo Square Theatre Company is part of a rolling world premiere of a dark comedy, “Welcome to Matteson!”, which the ensemble is presenting at Abbott Hall on Northwestern University’s Chicago Campus. A longtime resident couple, hosts another pair, recently relocated, for a dinner party – what’s really on the […]
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 […]
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