Review “Hell’s Kitchen” (Broadway in Chicago): Alicia Keys’ Music and Dance Extravaganza!

Thursday, November 13, 2025 Permalink 0

Broadway in Chicago presents the North American Tour of HELL’S KITCHEN, the hit Broadway musical From Grammy Award-winning Artist Alicia Keys.            Seventeen year old Ali lives in Hell’s Kitchen. She is being raised by Jersey, a hard-working and protective single mom. It’s the 90s and the multi-ethnic neighborhood is home to ...

Review “The Mark” (Babes with Blades): Fighting for Power

Babes with Blades presents the World Premiere of THE MARK from its new works festival, The Fighting Words Festival. The future is divided. The military oppress. The laborers submit. Raina works for her dad at the district bakery. They fulfill ration orders for the community. When soldiers harass a local woman, defiance bubbles up in Raina. ...

Review “The Sound of Music” (Broadway in Chicago): A Perfect Escape From Tyranny

Thursday, October 23, 2025 Permalink 0

Broadway in Chicago presents THE SOUND OF MUSIC. Maria is torn between the freedom of expression and the life of a cloistered nun. Although she grew up singing in the mountains, Maria feels her destiny lies in God’s service at the Abbey. The sisters disagree. They believe the fun-loving postulant isn’t quite right for the devout ...

Review “Paranormal Activity” (Chicago Shakespeare Theater): STAGED FRIGHT!

Chicago Shakespeare Theater and American Conservatory Theater, by special arrangement with Paramount Pictures and Melting Pot in co-production with Center Theatre Group, presents the North American premiere of PARANORMAL ACTIVITY. Lou and Jimmy recently moved to London. They are looking for a fresh start after Lulu’s ‘difficulties’ in Chicago. As the couple settle into their new ...

Review “Rome Sweet Rome” (Chicago Shakespeare Theater): Fast, Furious and Hilarious!

Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents ROME SWEET ROME. Caesar rules! His military prowess and ambitious calculus has garnered Rome and himself riches and power. Lately, his governing style has shifted from democracy to dictatorship. He’s forced the government to name him ‘Emperor for Life.’ He’s also erected a huge statue to himself of himself. And if that ...

Review Disney’s THE LION KING (Broadway in Chicago): Always a Guaranteed Amazing Experience!

Saturday, October 4, 2025 Permalink 0

Broadway in Chicago presents Disney’s THE LION KING for a three week limited engagement. The show starts with the iconic cry of Rafiki (played by Mukelisiwe Goba) gathering the herds to welcome the new lion cub, Simba. Throughout the theatre, elephants, giraffes, gazelles, birds and others parade onto stage to “Circle of Life.” This first 15 ...

Review “Blood Countess” (Idle Muse Theatre Company): Bloody Intriguing!

Idle Muse Theatre Company presents the World Premiere of BLOOD COUNTESS. In the 1600s, Hungary was in a decade long war with the Ottoman Empire. The Turks occupied a large segment of the country. As other nobility unite in defense of the country, Erzsebet Bathory manipulates, coerces and begs her son to remain home to protect ...

Review “Mr. Wolf” (Steppenwolf Theatre): Engaging Theatrical Storytelling!

Tuesday, September 23, 2025 Permalink 0

Steppenwolf Theatre presents the Chicago premiere of MR. WOLF. A fifteen year old girl believes she is a prophet. MR. WOLF is engrossing! Upon arrival, the stage is set for mystery. Projection Designer Rasean Davonte’ Johnson overlays the image of a farmhouse in front of a darkened interior with lamp lights providing a glimpse into life inside. ...

Review “Wish You Were Here” (Remy Bumppo Theatre): Do I Stay or Do I Go?

Monday, September 22, 2025 Permalink 0

Remy Bumppo presents the Chicago Premiere of WISH YOU WERE HERE. It’s 1978. Protests are escalating in Iran. Revolutionists are overthrowing the Pahlavi Dynasty. The reign of Ayatollah Khomeini as Supreme Leader is fast-approaching. Meanwhile in the Iranian suburbs, five friends have gathered to celebrate Salme’s wedding. They tease and pluck as they prepare her for ...