PICKSINSIX Review: THE NUTCRACKER

There is simply nothing more to say than the Joffrey Ballet's 2017 production of Christopher Wheeldon's The Nutcracker is a modern-day masterpiece. 

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You only have until December 30th to see it at the Auditorium Theater in Chicago. After that, you will have to wait until next year. Happy Holidays!

Listen to our 2017 podcast with Joffrey Artistic Director Ashley Wheater - Dreaming Big at the Joffrey.  PODCAST

Joffrey Ballet
presents
Christopher Wheeldon's
The Nutcracker
Auditorium Theater of Roosevelt University
50 East Congress Parkway

Website
Tickets
(312) 341-2300

 

Photos|Liz Lauren
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PICKSINSIX Review: A CHRISTMAS CAROL

"Founder of the Feast - Mr. Scrooge."

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What’s it about... this is the 40th anniversary production of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre, adapted by Tom Creamer and directed by Henry Wishcamper about the life and times of Ebenezer Scrooge and the very special Christmas eve journey he takes with three spirits who show him the errors of his way and a path to salvation.

Why You Should Go... Larry Yando is brilliant as Scrooge, transforming from miser to free spirit in a masterful performance. Ron Rains is a perfect fit for Bob Cratchit and steller turns by Ali Burch (Frida), Molly Brennan (Ghost of Christmas Past), a chilling Joe Foust as Jacob Marley, and Lisa Gaye Dixon (Ghost of Christmas Present) stand out in the sterling supporting cast.

Who to Watch and Wait For... Paris Strickland makes a very moving debut as the first female Tiny Tim... the entertaining party scenes with your hosts, Penelope Walker(Mrs. Fezziwig) and Jonah D. Winston(Mr. Fezziwig).

Music and Merriment is Everywhere especially in the strolling musical transitions provided by Justin Amolsch, Andrew Coil, Greg Hirte and Malcolm Ruhl. With one of the most impressive scenic and lighting displays you will ever see, this high-flying show is a surefire, whimsical adventure.

A Holiday Tradition... there is something very satisfying about returning to the Goodman Theatre during the holidays. For the young at heart, who may be experiencing Scrooge for the first time, it is a truly magical evening. For the rest of us, it is a chance to escape to another time and be reminded that, no matter what, we can all change for the better.

A Special Night... the opening night audience was filled with cast and crew members from previous productions in celebration of the 40th anniversary. The Goodman Theatre, like others throughout Chicagoland, are now taking donations for Season of Concern, to support those suffering from catastrophic illness.

Photos|Liz Lauren

Related: Listen to our 2016 PODCAST with Steve Scott

40th Annual Production
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Goodman Theatre
through December 31, 2017
170 North Dearborn
Chicago, IL 60601
Website
Tickets
(312) 443-3800

SEASON OF CONCERN
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PICKSINSIX Review: It’s A Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!

Meet: Clarence Odbody, AS2 (Angel Second Class)

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What’s it about... a rollicking 1940s staged radio version of Frank Capra’s endearing film classic that is sure to put you in the holiday spirit, no matter how much like Mr. Potter you may be feeling.

Why You Should Go... 2017 marks the 16th year that American Blues Theater has produced It’s A Wonderful Life: Live on Stage, and the first in their new home at Stage 773’s Thrust Stage on Belmont. Directed by Wendy Whiteside, Bedford Falls comes alive in a delightful production with a free-spirited, seasoned cast, and live music and Foley sound effects, all framed in a classic live radio show. You can send an audiogram to someone special, sing a holiday favorite and, after the 90 minute show, enjoy cookies and milk served up by the cast. The entire theater is awash in the warm and colorful tidying’s of the season courtesy of Grant Sabin’s festive set design, lighting by Katy Peterson and costumes by Christopher J. Neville.

Old-Fashioned Storytelling... judging by an informal poll, about half of the audience on opening night had never seen a live radio broadcast, which emphasizes the characters and the story. There is a poignant moment that honors a veteran or service organization at every performance adding to the heartwarming, family-friendly experience.

A Chicago Holiday Tradition... while the Bailey Building and Loan, 320 Sycamore and Martini’s Bar only exist in our imagination, experiencing the performance of the brilliant John Mohrlein in the dual roles of Clarence and Mr. Potter - his 16th consecutive year - is a Chicago holiday tradition not to be missed. The superb cast includes Zach Kenney and Wendy Whiteside as George and Mary, with Dara Cameron, Ian Paul Custer, James Joseph and Michael Mahler in supporting roles. Shawn J. Goudie creates a wide array of Foley sound effects.

The Background... in keeping with their mission to explore the American identity through the plays it produces and communities it serves, American Blues Theater has published and made available on their website, a smart, thorough Backstage Guide that provides over two dozen pages of background, interviews, historical facts and the text of Philip Van Doreen Stern’s The Greatest Gift, the story on which the film is based. BACKSTAGE GUIDE

Good News and More Good News... in addition to directing, Wendy Whiteside returns to the role of Mary Bailey for a 7th time this year through December 17th when Camille Robinson steps back into the role to complete the run through January 6th. Husband and wife, Mike Maher and Dara Cameron, return for their 5th season together, and Maher’s 7th overall, with a surprise of their own. They will be parents to a little Bailey in March 2018. Hot Dog!

Listen to our 2016 PODCAST featuring a conversation with Wendy Whiteside, Foley Artist Shawn J. Goudie and audio clips from the 2016 production. Lots of fun. Check it out.

Happy Holidays!

Photos|Michael Brosilow

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO
AMERICAN BLUES THEATER
through January 6th, 2018

Stage 773
1225 W. Belmont Ave,
Chicago, IL 60657
WEBSITE TICKETS
(773) 327-5252

PODCAST    ARCHIVE

 

PICKSINSIX Review: The Importance of Being Earnest

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"Ah! A life crowded with incident..."

What’s it about … Oscar Wilde’s hilarious unraveling of the double lives of two men who unsuspectingly propose to two women who will settle for none other than an ‘Earnest(ly)’ named gentleman.

How does the story unfold... With the aristocratic rogue Algernon Moncrieff(Steve Haggard) wondering where his next — and indeed, greatest — ‘Bunbury’ excursion will take him, his love-struck friend Ernest (Alex Goodrich) is forced to confide that he is in actuality ‘Jack’ Worthing in the country. There resides his lovely ward, Cecily Cardew(Rebecca Hurd), under the watchful eye of the matronly Miss Prism(Anita Chandwaney) and the well-intentioned Reverend Chasuble(Aaron Todd Douglas). After confessing his love and proposing marriage to Algernon’s cousin Gwendolen Fairfax(Jennifer Latimore), Jack is denied the privilege by her mother, the imposing Lady Bracknell(Shannon Cockran). Undaunted, he proceeds to hatch a plan to rid himself of his alter ego in the country, radify his lineage and thereby win Gwendolen’s hand. Things go quickly awry leading to an uproariously funny series of surprises with more than a few satisfying resolutions.

Who stands out... This is a superbly paced, colorful and visually stunning production with Wilde’s rich observations on society and stature streaming through Cockran’s blustering turn as Lady Bracknell who with Hurd and Latimore, are picture perfect. The contrast between Haggard’s dashing and clever Algernon and Goodrich’s staunch, be mused Jack, makes for a wildly entertaining evening. In the dual roles of Lane and Merriman, Ross Lehman performance is hilarious.

Brilliant design... The three compact acts have distinctly different textural and color patterns, lavish majestic columns and rich stone framework in a brilliant Collette Pollard design that with Mara Blumenfeld’s elegant costumes provides a fashionable turn-of-the-century backdrop in the Montcrieff study, the Worthing manor house garden and the morning-room at the Manor House.

A Wilde adventure... Writers Theatre has established an extensive audience engagement program initiative that provides discussion events with artists, educational outreach opportunities and many other activities for interested students and patrons.

What you may not know... Writers is also working with the Chicago Public Schools to conduct in-class student sessions and have made multiple performances available to students in support of their educational mission. A very worthy enterprise, indeed.

Photos|Michael Brosilow

WRITERS THEATRE
The Importance of Being Earnest
through December 23, 2017
325 Tudor Court, Glencoe

WEBSITE   TICKETS
847-242-6000
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PICKSINSIX Review: LIZZIE

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“Firebrand Rocks The House ... ‘LIZZIE’ SLAYS!”

What’s it about … even if all you knew was the infamous nursery rhyme, it would be enough to peak your curiosity about the debut production of Chicago’s newest Equity company, Firebrand Theatre. Residing in a place somewhere between rock musical and punk concert, a cast of four women and an on stage band tell the story of Lizzie, her sister Emma, girlfriend Alice and the housekeeper, Bridget, who all have a secret they have kept for a long time, 1892 to be exact.

Why you should go … Firebrand Theatre is the world’s first musical theatre company committed to employing and empowering women on and off the stage. It is the brainchild of co-founder and producer Harmony France, directed by Victoria Bussert and stars Camille Robinson, Liz Chidester, Jacquelyne Jones and Leah Davis at newly remodeled The Den Theatre's Bookspan Theatre at 1333 N. Milwaukee. 

Who did it and why ... the famous murder of Mr. Borden and his wife — not Lizzie’s mother, btw — made Fall River, Massachusetts infamous. And while it was never proved that Lizzie was behind it all, there is a lot of there there. To tell you more, might give it all away since there are some tantalizing surprises. 

Power-packed... Robinson, Chidester, Jones and Davis are non-stop terrific in a driving, pulsating performance. This is an ensemble effort, with an all-woman rock band.  

What to wait and watch for ... 'House of Borden' ... Chidester nails 'This Is Not Love' ... 'Sweet Little Sister' ... 'Somebody Will Do Something' ... 'The Dress' ... 'Questions, Questions' ... 'Will You Stay'

Plan ahead ... haze, strobe lights and "splash effect" warning in place, so don't wear white or sit up front. 

What’s next ... There’s a big buzz for Firebrand. After LIZZIE, the company presents Nine to Five opening April 7, 2018.

Photos|Marisa KM

FIREBRAND THEATRE
LIZZIE
through December 17, 2017
The Den Theatre's Booskspan Theatre
1333 N. Milwaukee Ave.
WEBSITE   TICKETS
773-697-3830

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PICKSINSIX Review: The Belle of Amherst

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“Words are my life.” E. Dickinson

What’s it about… the 1976 William Luce play is a conversation between the poet Emily Dickinson and the audience that comes to life in the extraordinary singular performance of Kate Fry, who asks, and answers, the questions: “I’m Nobody! Who are you? Are you – Nobody – too?”

Why you should go… Artfully directed by Sean Graney, Fry is delightfully engaging, embracing the beauty of nature, life’s complexity and our curiosity for and about Dickinson’s work.   

What stands out ... The scholarly interpretation of Emily Dickinson’s poetry and letters is the basis for what we know about her life and times. Fry’s thoughtful delivery, unfolding Dickinson’s inner thoughts on her destiny, “Words are my life.” … on the beauty of nature, “That must have been the sun” … her infinite ability to display childhood fascination, “I wish we were always children.” and hope, that is, “‘Hope’ is a thing with feathers - that perches in the soul.”

A poetic journey... there are four distinct movements within the full framework of the piece, tracing Dickinson’s early years and education, adolescence and family, love, and death. Dickinson’s world is a place where words matter and there is much clarity in the telling of this story, sprinkled with more than a bit of whimsy and wonder. Fry is as comfortable reciting the recipe for black cake as she is in absorbing editorial criticism or understanding the emotional complexities of love and loss. 

Engaging warmth... Much more scholarship has been created since Belle of Amherst first appeared on Broadway in the mid 70s. Scholars have debated whether or not the under-pinning of a relative lifetime of isolation and darkness is a fair representation of both Emily Dickinson’s lifestyle and her personality. There is a darker, more melancholy choice here that Fry skillfully avoids. This is an evening steeped  in engaging warmth, humor and verse. Arnel Sancianco's scenic design creates a picture within a picture of this isolation -- a crisp, bright sun room suspended within her aging home.   

The takeaway... There is but one image of a 17 year-old Dickinson. Fry’s remarkable portrait of the poet as artist and woman allows us another view of the many facets of her mysterious inner-beauty, elegance and intellect. 

Photos|Michael Brosilow

COURT THEATRE
THE BELLE OF AMHERST
through December 3, 2017
5535 S Ellis Ave.
WEBSITE   TICKETS
(773) 753-4472
 

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'THIS WONDERFUL LIFE' GIVING OUT WINGS!

THIS WONDERFUL LIFE

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What’s it about … The story of a man on a bridge, how he got there and how he found his way home.

Why you should go … If you are like me - and everyone else, except a young lady named Juliana in the opening audience last week - you have seen It’s A Wonderful Life before, perhaps many times before. Now comes the American Blues Theater Chicago premiere of This Wonderful Life, the terrific one-man show adaptation written by Steve Murray, directed by Carmen Roman and starring James Leaming playing for a limited run at The Edge Theater on North Broadway. Leaming, the original George Bailey in the American Blues long-running production of the 1940s radio play (which returns for its annual run on November 16th at their new home, Stage 773) has a coming home story all his own. After playing the role for 6 years, Leaming began a critically-acclaimed tour of this show in 2008, a production that has been seen on stages across the country. All points led to Chicago this fall, so Bedford Falls and over 30 of its lovable characters – and the not-so-lovable Mr. Potter – have now made a heartwarming return.

A one-man show … Leaming's brilliantly nuanced performance includes classic references and some truly inspired commentary on show elements that, judging from the audience reaction, are a bit of a revelation. Being an ardent fan of the film only helps to raise your appreciation for the ease in which Leaming creates multiple characters and shifts the ever-changing locales in a seamless tapestry of clever technical projections, lighting and sound effects that support his captivating performance.

The many faces and voices of Bedford Falls… this is a non-stop, steady, finely-tuned and superbly delivered gem. There is a blisteringly fast recap of the story at the top - a teaser of sorts - for the evening to come. Leaming’s George Bailey is warm and folksy, witty, shaken and scared. As Mr. Potter, he is strikingly diabolical, while the interactions in the characters of Mary, his mother and the other women’s roles are both tender and real.

What to wait for … No matter how many times I see it, it is hard to dismiss the well of emotions that bubble up in this story. On this intimate stage, with the exceptionally versatile Leaming leading the way, those endearing moments come alive. A truly moving performance. 

The takeaway … No man is a failure who has friends. So, take it to heart, gather everyone you know and make a date for This Wonderful Life, now playing in a limited engagement through November 26th.      

Photos|Michael Brosilow

AMERICAN BLUES THEATRE
THIS WONDERFUL LIFE
through November 26, 2017
The Edge Theater
5451 N. Broadway
WEBSITE   TICKETS
(773) 654-3103

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'NEWSIES' DELIVERS, WAY ABOVE THE FOLD!

NEWSIES The Broadway Musical

What’s it about ... a musical set in New York City and inspired by events leading to the 1899 newsboy strike. Meeting the challenge of bottom-line economics, orphan/artist Jack Kelly takes a stand against Joseph Pulitzer’s publishing empire leading a rag-tag band of newsies to organize as a union and, ultimately, to inspire everyone to unite in the common cause.

Why you should go ... the hit Disney Broadway Musical NEWSIES (Alan Menken music, lyrics by Jack Feldman and book by Harvey Fierstein), moves into the Marriott for a holiday run with a terrific, high-energy ensemble. Director/Choreographer Alex Sanchez expertly combines Kevin Depinet’s imaginative stage design, Jesse Klug’s lighting and Sally Dolembo’s costumes with power-packed performances under the superb musical direction of Ryan T. Nelson. It all adds up to a rhythmic, rough house wallop from beginning to end.  

What stands out ... rising up from the stylized urban street scenes, brothels, sitting rooms and theaters of the day, Patrick Rooney gives a multi-layered gem of a performance as Jack Kelly. The story unfolds in Jack's burgeoning love for Elizabeth, played beautifully by Eliza Palasz, his brotherly bond with Crutchie, a moving turn for Matthew Uzarraga and his face-offs with Kevin Gudhal's stirring offering as Joseph Pulitzer. The union organizer Davey (Nick Graffagna), his little brother, Les (a wily Carter Graf) and the amazing Stephanie Pope as Medda Larkin are perfect.   

What to watch and wait for ... the exceptional vocal balance of the 19-member ensemble, enhanced by Patti Garwood's top flight musicians, gives this production a full, rich tone. A rugged New York landscape, constantly in motion, propels the story forward, high praise to Ravenswood whose scenic abilities shine. In every borough, all night long, Newsies delivers, way above the fold.

Moments to remember ... Rooney soars in ‘Santa Fe’ … Palasz in ‘Watch What Happens’ and together with Rooney ‘Something to Believe In’ … free-wheeling dance numbers are aplenty including a rousing opening ‘Carrying the Banner’… ‘The World Will Know’… ‘Seize the Day’ … Pope’s ‘That’s Rich’ and Uzarraga’s quiet ‘Letter from the Refuge.' I’ll wager you will be humming 'King of New York’ on the way home after this rollicking night of family entertainment.

The takeaway ... It is hard to imagine that there was a time when headlines were posted on a public board, or that news only came out in the paper. One has to think that the young newsies of this era had some genuine influence over the dialogue of the day and their story reminds us that there are many ways to inspire the masses and confront injustice. The lesson about how to reach a common ground of understanding might have been lost if not for this action-packed  turn-of-the-century tale now playing at the Marriott.

Photos|Liz Lauren

NEWSIES The Broadway Musical
through December 31, 2017
MARRIOTT LINCOLNSHIRE
Ten Marriott Drive
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
847-634-0200 (Box Office)
TICKETS
WEBSITE  

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DREAM FREAKS FALL: "That Checks Out."

THE SECOND CITY:
DREAM FREAKS FALL FROM SPACE

What's the logline … I have a friend who watered a plant, sent their baby crowd-surfing to see Waldo and Sherlock Holmes, in the middle of a laugh circle and it all turned out to be six degrees of separation.

What does that mean … If it sounds like a comedy, you would be right. Hilarious!

Why you should go … Nobody anywhere does it better than The Second City when it comes to comedy. This is a lightning quick, multi-talented and versatile cast including Ryan Asher, Tyler Davis, Kelsey Kinney, Jeffrey Murdoch, Tien Tran and Nate Varrone. The venerable institution that has made their style of improv comedy a brand name, incorporates fresh, topical material, songs and audience engagement to make Dream Freaks Fall From Space a super hit!

What’s the takeaway … if you spend time trying to decipher a hidden meaning in all this, you may lose the pure joy in the experience. It’s all for fun and fun for all, changing as we change, reacting to our reactions and letting us inside for a bit to be part of the story.

So, where are the stories … in a haunted house … on a Lyft ride … at children’s story hour with Mother Grouse … in a funeral home … in the middle of an inquisition with Sherlock Holmes ... at sewer prom. Trust me, before long you’ll be saying “That checks out!”

A little bit of history … revel in the walk through the historic arches from North Wells and then upstairs. After that, you’ll be part of the legacy of The Second City. Go forth, be amused and bring a friend, who watered a plant …

Photos|Todd Rosenberg

THE SECOND CITY PRESENTS
THE 106TH MAIN STAGE REVUE
DREAM FREAKS FALL FROM SPACE
1616 North Wells
(312) 337-3992(Box Office)
WEBSITE
CAST

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"Flying like a bird. Like electricity."

BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL

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What it's about ... based on the 2000 film and with music by Elton John and book and lyrics by Lee Hall ... as everyone in a small mining community in Northeastern England faces a protracted and hostile strike, a boy discovers a passion for dance and against his father's wishes, trains for an audition at the Royal Ballet School. 

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Lots of firsts ... the first production of Porchlight Music Theatre's 23rd season in their new home at Ruth Page Center for the Arts with the largest cast ever in company history. This is a big, bold move for one of Chicago’s most ambitious musical theatre companies. If Billy Elliot is any indication of what is to come, the future is very bright indeed for the organization headed by Artistic Director Michael Weber and Executive Director Jeannie Lukow. 

"Electricity" performed by Lincoln Seymour

What stands out ... director and choreographer Brenda Didier has assembled an exceptional cast of talented kids, headed by newcomer Lincoln Seymour in the title role (alternating with Jacob Kaiser), whose enthusiasm and presence explodes off the stage. The joy that exudes from all that energy is infectious.

Who to watch for ... Shanésia Davis is perfect in the role of Mrs. Wilkinson … Sean Fortunato (Dad) ... Iris Lieberman (Grandma) … Adam Fane (Tony Elliot) … Peyton Owen is an engaging Michael ... Nicole Cready (Mum) … along with the supporting cast of miners, merrymakers and dance students who keep this show on its toes.

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What to wait for ... Davis 'Shine' ... Lieberman 'Grandma's Song' ... Owen and Seymour 'Expressing Yourself'... the Ensemble 'Merry Christmas Maggie Thatcher' ... Seymour 'Electricity'

The takeaway ... hold on for the big finish. It’s a wow!

Photo Credit: Michael Courier
Video Courtesy of Porchlight Music Theatre

Porchlight Music Theatre's
BILLY ELLIOT The Musical
Now extended through November 26th
Ruth Page Center for the Arts
1016 N. Dearborn St.
Chicago
WEBSITE
TICKETS
773-777-9884
ARCHIVE 
PODCAST (Brenda Didier) 

 

"What do you see in it?"

HARD TIMES

What it's about ... an inspiring adaptation, originally staged in 2001, of the Charles Dickens classic by Lookingglass Artistic Director and Ensemble member Heidi Stillman, who also directs this story about the life and times, and the great divide between the upper class and working class of Coketown, a mining community in the grip of a powerful and arrogant owner who maintains benevolent control until the innocence of circus arts begin to turn widespread despair into hope.

Just the facts ... in and among Mr. Bounderby’s social circle is the upper crust Gradgrind family, a teacher, whose students include his daughter, Louisa, on whom Bounderby has affections, and wayward son Tom, and Sissy, a young girl raised in the circus who is taken in as a ward after being abandoned by her father, a circus clown. The story centers around Louisa’s evolving education and the unravelling of Stephen Blackpool, a common laborer whose morality transcends everyone else. As fate steps in, Blackpool becomes the unwitting victim of the power and greed of those who wish only to hide their darkest secrets from view at the expense of all others. All is not lost as love triumphs, and light, in the smoke-filled recesses of Coketown, ultimately shines through.

What stands out ... Dickens compellingly rich characters spring to life in Stillman’s absorbing production,  which reunites many original cast members with gloriously talented actors who have extraordinary circus and acrobatic skills. The aerial artistry, staged seamlessly with the story in sweeping fashion by Sylvia Hernandez-Distasi, is flawless. The versatile set by Dan Ostling, allows our imagination to trip from classroom to sitting room, from the squalor of a shabby apartment through a busy street to the grandeur of an elegant dining room, and back again, in the blink of an eye, enhanced impeccably by Mara Blumenfeld’s costumes, lighting by Brian Sidney Bembridge and sound by Andre Pluess.

Who to watch ... David Catlin, returning to the roles of Sleary and Stephen Blackpool, Raymond Fox, back as Mr. Gradgrind, and, Louise Lamson, who created the role of Louisa but here plays Rachael, are inspiring to watch together, contributing mightily to the vibrant textural and visual masterpiece. Troy West, once again the irascible Bounderby, brings a chilling level of obstinate authority that is perfectly aligned with the powerhouse performances of Cordelia Dewdney, a sultry Louisa, and Amy J. Carle, the diabolical Mrs. Sparsit. The entire ensemble is superb in multiple roles, however, this story unfolds early on through the eyes of Sissy, played exquisitely by Audrey Anderson, an extremely versatile and captivating newcomer in a breakout role. There is no doubt you will be seeing a lot of performances by Ms. Anderson on and above many stages, but don't miss this one. It’s a gem.

A moment or two to savor ... if you have ever been transfixed by a roaring fire and wondered what you see in it, there is a beautiful moment between Ms. Dewdney and JJ Phillips where the answer is revealed. You will also be in awe of the multi-talented Raphael Cruz right at the top.

Why you should go ... Lookingglass Theatre Company is celebrating their 30th season and an on-going association with The Actors Gymnasium, collaborating to develop engaging, story-centered ensemble productions. Hard Times, first created and produced in 2001, is now presented for the first time in their home since 2003, Chicago’s landmark Water Tower Water Works. A perfect holiday treat for the entire family.

Photos|Liz Lauren

LOOKINGGLASS THEATRE COMPANY
HARD TIMES
through January 14, 2018
821 N Michigan Avenue (at Pearson)
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 337-0665
TICKETS
WEBSITE  

 

"We are not done, young man!"

QUIXOTE: ON THE CONQUEST OF SELF

What's the buzz ... the highly-anticipated U.S. Premiere at Writers Theatre, written by Mónica Hoth and Claudio Valdés Kuri, who also directs a new English translation by Georgina Escobar, starring Henry Godinez.

What’s it about … this is a grand story of episodic adventure of chivalric truths and knights-errant, all of which explode out of the pages of a book, written in two parts with seventy-four chapters about the life lessons realized by one man at significant points in his journey..  

Why you should go ... there is and will remain a lot of curiosity about Quixote: On the Conquest of Self and how it unfolds, and rightly so. This is a masterful evening of theatre at which all you need to know is provided for you in the magnificent performance of Mr. Godinez who throughout the long format, one-act piece brings the story -- and some unsuspecting audience members as characters -- to life. Part narrator, historian, interpreter, impassioned lover of Dulcinea and a courageous warrior whose ultimate existence depends on our ability to keep his story alive.

What stands out ... all great fictional stories require our imagination and we are best served when the story is compellingly told by a consummate storyteller. Sanja Manakoski has created an ingeniously adaptable costume design. The look of this starkly staged production is beautifully enhanced by the lighting of Alexander Ridgers.

What is the takeaway ... we all have a story to tell and only we can tell it. The only true failure is not to have tried. There is much more.

It all sounds rather secretive ... and it is. Fight the urge to find out more about this production in advance. Be prepared to be awestruck and moved, but not surprised by the talents of one of Chicago's most accomplished actors. You will be very glad that you did.

Photos|Michael Brosilow

QUIXOTE: ON THE CONQUEST OF SELF
WRITERS THEATRE
325 TUDOR COURT, GLENCOE, IL 60022 (MAP)
BOX OFFICE (847) 242-6000

WEBSITE
TICKETS
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