Conquering nations can be a riot

Conquering nations can be a riot

A laugh-out-loud comical attack of geopolitical humor invades Lookingglass Theater in “Iraq but Funny.” Playwright / performer Astra Asdou recalls the history of the Assyrian people through this semi-autobiographical story of five generations of the women in her family. The production has an improvisational vibe, 

Generational Blues – American Blues Theater – Chicago

Generational Blues – American Blues Theater – Chicago

Feeling controlled by outside forces, two people on the opposite ends of life are each trying to manage their own destiny in the Chicago Premiere of Charles Smith’s “Golden Leaf Ragtime Blues” at American Blues Theater. Isolation is a concern that often goes unaddressed. Details: 

New neighbor draws suspicion

New neighbor draws suspicion

The world premiere of Neighborhood Watch at Jackalope Theatre is a humorous look at what can happen when curiosity leads to suspicion. Recommended. “There is a lot to enjoy in this sitcom style production that relies heavily on broad humor and predictable stereotypes.” Written by 

Robot Revolt in Edgewater – R.U.R. Theater Review Chicago

Robot Revolt in Edgewater – R.U.R. Theater Review Chicago

What if robots take over the world? What would be their relationship to humans? Would it be a carefree utopia with happy automatons cheerfully laboring away while people enjoy a life of leisure or will the robots develop ideas and aspirations of their own, eventually 

Galileo declares Earth revolves around Sun in play by Bertolt Brecht in Chicago

Galileo declares Earth revolves around Sun in play by Bertolt Brecht in Chicago

Trap Door Theatre presentation of “Galileo,” stays close to the heart of Bertolt Brecht’s script but is a revised challenging and thought-provoking interpretation. Fragments of the original dialogue featuring translation by Charles Laughton are there but the production has been reshaped and reimagined by director 

Visit to GeNarrations Storytelling and Writing Program in Rogers Park

Visit to GeNarrations Storytelling and Writing Program in Rogers Park

Goodman Theatre’s GeNarrations program is a FREE storytelling program that engages adults aged 55 and over in writing and performance workshops that nurture the creative spirit. This cohort was invited to attend Goodman’s current production of Betrayal starring Helen Hunt after which participants were then encouraged 

Friendship can be an art – Theater Review of ART by Remy Bumppo at Wit Theatre

Friendship can be an art – Theater Review of ART by Remy Bumppo at Wit Theatre

Long term friendships can be complicated and messy. Honesty can be dangerous and revealing. A fourteen-year friendship between three friends explodes over the purchase of an expensive modernist painting. Art, presented by Remy Bumppo Theatre Company is at the Wit Theater, 1229 W. Belmont, Chicago 

BERLIN – Podcast Theater Review of World Premier in Hyde Park

BERLIN – Podcast Theater Review of World Premier in Hyde Park

Berlin is a case study of how things can go wrong when a country has suffered losses and trauma. As its citizens and leaders slowly turn away from collaborative solutions and towards stark divisions in power and a dark fascist vision, slow motion disaster unfolds. 

Introspective & Hilarious Wedding Party Revelations – Five Women Wearing the Same Dress – Theater Review

Introspective & Hilarious Wedding Party Revelations – Five Women Wearing the Same Dress – Theater Review

A group of bridesmaids find reasons to bond in “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress” produced by Saint Sebastian Players. The bonding ritual begins with the common agreement that the dress chosen by the bride is perfectly ridiculous. The bond is further forged by the 

A Tale of Political Horror | Theater Review | Shattered Globe Chicago

A Tale of Political Horror | Theater Review | Shattered Globe Chicago

This well-conceived stage version of “A Tale of Two Cities,” Charles Dickens’ expose of the French Revolution by Brendan Pelsue and directed by Mikael Burke is cleverly performed and seems a little too close to home in today’s political climate.

Live at Mr. Kelly’s | Film Review | Podcast

Live at Mr. Kelly’s | Film Review | Podcast

Beginning in the 1950s and ending in the 1970s Mr. Kelly’s on Rush Street was the premiere Chicago nightclub featuring some of the most popular entertainers of the period. The Newberry Library at 60 West Walton Street, Chicago is launching a new exhibit on March 

Humorous take on Not-for-Profit Hell

Humorous take on Not-for-Profit Hell

“The Whole Seamus Thing” at Bramble Lofts in Andersonville through April 19, 2025 Review by Reno Lovison – Highly Recommended Playwrights: Ben Auxier and L.C. Bernadine | Director: Spencer Huffman Cast: Alexander Attea, Ben Auxier, Gabriel Fries, Olivia Lindsay, Lydia Moss Publicity photo by George