Noises Off at Steppenwolf -Theater Review

Noises Off at Steppenwolf -Theater Review

Kicking off this popular Chicago ensemble theater company’s 49th season a rather incompetent troupe of actors are expertly portrayed by a considerably expert cast, in Steppenwolf’s revival of Michael Frayn’s classic comedy “Noises Off,” directed by Anna D. Shapiro. A co-production with Geffen Playhouse. Featuring ensemble 

“Inherit the Wind” revives fundamental conflicts at Goodman Theatre | Review

“Inherit the Wind” revives fundamental conflicts at Goodman Theatre | Review

The Goodman Theatre reminds us that the more things change the more they remain the same in this production of the classic courtroom drama, “Inherit the Wind.”

Small town school teacher Bertram Cates is on trial for breaking a state law that prohibits the teaching of evolution.

The prosecution is aided by the bombastic self-important fundamentalist bible thumping Matthew Harrison Brady while Cates is represented by famed Chicago lawyer Henry Drummond, a clever defense attorney known for taking on difficult and controversial cases.

Beethoven’s love story of Fidelio speaks to a modern audience.

Beethoven’s love story of Fidelio speaks to a modern audience.

Lyric Opera of Chicago presents Beethoven’s message of freedom of expression in this captivating, new to Chicago, contemporary production of Fidelio.  It’s interesting to see how easily this 18th Century music transforms to modern times. It’s and story of good triumphing over evil but most 

South Pacific at Skokie Theatre | Podcast Review

South Pacific at Skokie Theatre | Podcast Review

This timeless classic amounts to an enchanting evening that deserves to be seen and heard. Whether you are experiencing it the first time or you are coming from a place of nostalgia, the musical South Pacific includes some of the best and most recognizable tunes 

Wells and Welles Podcast Theater Review

Wells and Welles Podcast Theater Review

A war of words. In 1938 twenty-five-year-old Orson Welles became famous after his radio play interpretation of “A War of the Worlds” shook the airwaves, purportedly nearly causing national panic. The book’s seventy-five-year-old author H.G. Wells was not amused at how his intellectual property was 

Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil – The Musical.

Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil – The Musical.

“Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” is the best musical I have seen in years.  Opening night was one to remember. John Berendt, the author of the best-selling book, was on hand for the curtain call and to see this new musical version 

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 

Podcast Review – ENGLISH at Goodman Theatre

Podcast Review – ENGLISH at Goodman Theatre

When you cannot adequately express yourself with the nuance and clarity of a native speaker, people do not know that you are actually smart, funny, and kind. Instead, they only hear your imperfect pronunciation and limited vocabulary. You may be easily assumed to be inferior 

Theater Review of JUDGMENT DAY & Interview with creators of Little Orphan Boy The Musical

Theater Review of JUDGMENT DAY & Interview with creators of Little Orphan Boy The Musical

Comedy in May. Reno Lovison reviews Judgment Day. “This world premiere comedy is a thought provoking and thoroughly entertaining production with several guaranteed laugh-out-loud moments.” Also a restaurant review of Offshore Rooftop Bar at Navy Pier. Purported to be the nation’s largest rooftop venue. Excerpt 

9 to 5 the musical – Retro Romp or Reminder?

9 to 5 the musical – Retro Romp or Reminder?

PODCAST THEATER REVIEW by RENO LOVISON In this musical comedy, three overworked, underpaid and unappreciated 1970’s era office secretaries seize the opportunity to kidnap and blackmail their domineering misogynist male boss in an effort to change the power dynamic and improve their working environment. The 

Chicago Happenings Now & Coming April 2024 and Beyond

Chicago Happenings Now & Coming April 2024 and Beyond

An update of a few events we enjoyed recently with a look to what’s happening soon including an excerpt of Rikki Lee Travolta’s interview with Evan Jackson, artistic director of “What the Weird Sisters Saw” a retelling of Macbeth from the Witches’ point of view 

Oh What A Night – Jersey Boys @ Mercury Theater Chicago

Oh What A Night – Jersey Boys @ Mercury Theater Chicago

Jersey Boys features 30 musical numbers while walking us through the life and times of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons a New Jersey based rock and roll quartet that appealed largely to blue collar teens nationwide in the 1960s with songs like “Sherry” and