The stage of The Goodman Theatre in Chicago is currently aglow with a soaring production of “The Color Purple: The Musical.” The production runs through Aug. 3 at Goodman's Albert Theatre.
‘Love's Labour's Lost” proves entertaining choice for outdoor theater viewing
Climb into this time machine and glide back to the 50’s and ‘60s with "Forever Plaid."
‘Dhaba on Devon Avenue’ an enchanting serving of food for the soul -- and potential second chances
Chef Neeraj’s world is closing in on him in more ways than one. And, despite his talented daughter and sous chef Rita’s tireless efforts to update and enhance the traditional Sindhi menu to revive their decades-old Devon Avenue restaurant in Chicago, Neeraj is having not having it.
Helen Shaw…You’re wrong! Prior to going to see this production at Theo Theater, I checked to see where it had played and looked at reviews. “Diana, The Musical” played in New York City just before the Pandemic closed down live theater. Helen Shaw, an NYC reviewer said this… “ “Diana The Musical” is almost as bad as her (Princess Diana) marriage!” I had low expectations after reading Ms. Shaw’s review. And, what a nice surprise… I loved it!
I’ve had encounters with a few senior residences. First my mother, then my mother-in-law and how far behind could I be? And so did Paul Stroili, the creator of this fun story. It was his inspiration to write “A Juke Box for The Algonquin”. His characters are looking for some extra excitement and especially desiring that old time rock n’ roll music.
So many theaters do the same old same old productions. Nothing against these but they just keep reappearing. I guess they prefer to go the safe classic route with tried and trues but a repeat every 5-10 years would be sufficient. So…my hats off to neighborhood theater Skokie Theatre for having the courage to try something out of the box.
I missed opening night but after I saw the show mid-run, I wanted to write this review and encourage all to see this lively production of “Guys and Dolls”. The storyline is simple, corny and fun. It’s the classic opposites attract spin with a couple of crises thrown in to get to a happy entertaining finish.
One set, two actors and three words describe “I and You”. It was amazing! Better yet…it’s a masterpiece. And Citadel Theatre gets a big pat on the back for playing it.
***RECOMMENDED*** "Hedda Gabler" In a punchy new adaptation by Mark O'Rowe, which feels both deferential to Ibsen's original text while also being extremely modern, several company members of The Artistic Home give credible performances under Monica's Payne's solid direction. 3.5 SPOTLIGHTS
