“Noises Off” is a hilarious farce of British wit and slap stick humor. A well done production set turns as if it is a “lazy susan” between the three acts provides the audience a view of the goings on shenanigans during a play production. You can only pray this is not typical of most plays.
**** Highly Recommended Although "Noises Off" is the funniest farce ever written, I was really surprised to hear that Steppenwolf was bringing it back. Maybe I’m being a tad judgmental here, but "Noises Off" didn’t seem ‘edgy’ enough for Steppenwolf. On the other hand, as I heard people talking during intermission, I realized there are a lot of young people who have never seen a production of this absolutely hilarious show – and were loving it! It was obvious the cast was loving it too – overacting their hearts out! I loved "Noises Off", you will too. 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended Chicago Shakespeare’s "Henry V" is a fast moving action-filled production. It is martial, violent, nationalistic and very loud, but it still manages to include a bit of comic relief as well as moments of introspection. I remember the first time I saw "Henry V," back in 2014, I said it was like watching the Military Channel, all war, all the time – and I just couldn’t get involved. This production had me from the moment the ensemble cast marched into the Courtyard Theatre singing "A Pair of Brown Eyes" (by the Pogues) – and as the Chorus, deliver the Prologue – until the Chorus returns at the end. 4 Spotlights
*** Recommended Court Theatre’s first production of the fall season, "East Texas Hot Links" is a difficult play to describe or categorize. Although it has some funny moments, drawing some loud guffaws from the audience, the story ends on a tragic note which definitely drew gasps. It is well acted but it was very difficult to understand the dialect, especially if English is not your first language. 3 Spotlights.
This reviewer was mesmorized as all the musicians not only supplied great orchestration but, acted and sang amazingly. This unusual musical prodcution is the brainchild of Preston Max Allen. He worked on it for ten years, adding, deleting, and tweaking until he felt comfortable. Preston created the story, music and lyrics. If the unique production does not impress you, the musical numbers will.
Sandy Rustin, the playwright, just pulled off a first in neighborhood Chicago theater. She was instrumental in bringing her 2023 sexual farce stage play directly from Broadway to neighborhood Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest. Ms. Rustin grew up in Glenview and went to Northwestern University. She was influenced by Noel Coward’s “Private Lives” and Bernard Slade’s “Same Time Next Year” but creates her own unique story in “The Cottage”. It is recommended by this reviewer.
**** Recommended Towle Theater’s latest production, "Slow Food," is a stupidly funny little comedy about a restaurant patron’s worst nightmare, a passive-aggressive waiter. It’s totally predictable yet laugh-out-loud funny. The talented cast makes the most of the story. Don’t miss this one. 3 ½ Spotlights
**** Recommended I knew about Mike Royko, but only in a visceral way. I’ve never lived in Chicago – except for two years in a college dorm – so I can’t say I knew a lot about him. That said, I thought that "Royko: The Toughest Man in Chicago," an anecdotal portrayal of a fearless journalist, written and performed by Mitchell Bisschop and directed by Steve Scott, was fascinating. 4 Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended Janet Ulrich Brooks performance as Queen Elizabeth II in Drury Lane Theatre’s production of "The Audience" was a tour de force. You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy this historical drama, but it’s fun to imagine being in the room and listening in on conversations in the Audience room. The set was gorgeous, the costumes – especially that iconic white ball gown and crown – were authentic. The only criticism I have to offer – I had a hard time hearing some of the dialogue. 4 Spotlights
“Bob, could you review the opening night of “South Pacific” at The Skokie Theatre?
“I’ve seen it 1000 times (I never exaggerate) from NYC to Chicago and you want me to see it again?”
So, on September 6, I went to see the opening of “South Pacific” for the 1001th time, and I am glad that I did. I am, again, reminded why this show is in its 77th year, has received 10 Tonys and is one of only two musicals to receive a “Pulitzer Prize”.
