Theater
Reviews of Chicago’s stage shows and news from the actors and actresses putting on the performances.
Hollywood’s go-to character man has a star turn in a world premiere of “Turret” — from an ensemble he says is still “willing to go anywhere and try anything.”
A Gary concert by the Jacksons, a Goodman play with an all-Iranian cast and an exhibit focusing on four Chicago artists are some of the entertainment highlights of the week ahead.
The Shindellas in concert, ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ the stage musical, and three world premieres at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago are among the highlights in the week ahead.
Definition Theatre and Timeline Theatre Company were each awarded $180,000; Chicago Children’s Theatre received $100,000 and Remy Bumppo Theatre Company $50,000.
It’s important to realize that this is not so much a version of Mozart’s opera but something new, with its own libretto adapted by Mary Zimmerman.
Magnificent Writers Theatre production of the Tony-winning show pulls you in to the characters’ world and you don’t want to leave.
Chance the Rapper, an investor in the project, will play an all-ages show Friday — the first major event at the restored theater.
Artist’s classic tunes deepen the characters in Conor McPherson’s melancholy musical now at CIBC Theatre.
Chance the Rapper at the Ramova and a Presidents Day celebration at the Chicago History Museum are among the highights in the week ahead.
For starters, there’s no fiddler.
Court Theatre production strikes ideal balance between personal stories and Sophocles’ views on family vs. law and other issues still relevant.
Star Katy Sullivan demonstrates extraordinary physicality in director Edward Hall’s imaginative, sometimes overwhelming production.
Mary Zimmerman’s ‘Magic Flute,’ a concert by Nashville’s Sarah Jarosz and the Chicago Botanic Garden’s orchid show are among the entertainment highlights in the week ahead.
The musical will be staged in the late singer’s hometown at the State Theatre.
The accolades mark the 50th anniversary of the Chicago theater awards, which recognize excellence in non-Equity productions on local stages.
Tight-knit Afghani family faces agonizing choices in wartime drama set in 2013.
Sufjan Stevens’ album becomes a highly emotional dance theater piece at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
Director Kenneth Prestininzi’s canny production is also tinged with a sliver of ominousness.
It’s evident from the thrilling opening sequence that director James Vasquez has captured the brimming, crowded heart of the musical.
The veteran TV actress delivers a hugely real and hugely personal — albeit mysterious — tale as she performs in the play at the Goodman Theatre.
‘Richard III’ at Chicago Shakespeare, Madonna at the United Center and ‘Circusville’ at Chicago Children’s Museum are among the highlights in the week ahead.
Director Justin Peck says it took some five years of lobbying for the singer-songwriter to allow use of music from his acclaimed 2005 set ‘Illinois.’
Rivera first gained wide notice in 1957 as Anita in the original Broadway production of “West Side Story.”
Composer Terence Blanchard’s work effectively pairs young and old versions of fighter Emile Griffith, who struggled with male identity and the aftermath of a knockout that proved deadly.
While Delany has carved out a successful career in film and television, new creative possibilities keep bringing her back to live theater.
“Hopefully he would say we got it right to a large degree. ... To show the humanity in him was important to the story,” Blanchard says of the late Griffith, the subject of his 2013 opera.
Current Managing Director/COO John Collins is set to take over as executive director beginning in September.
The ‘Illinoise’ musical, the boxing opera ‘Champion’ and a background singer’s headlining concert are among the entertainment highlights of the week ahead.
Director dado’s acute ear for finding humanity in absurdity is invaluable here.
A pair of uber-talented queens deliver a production that needs just a bit more polish.
For this revival, the company has brought back a fun, whimsical and heartwarming production of Rossini’s take on the classic fairy tale.
Porchlight Music Theatre’s production is an ideal escape from the winter blahs.