Chicago Lifestyle Podcast & Video Blog
The Ruffians Theater Company with director Halena Kays and choreographer Ariel Triunfo have devised a clever way to tell this story based on an actual tragic event. “Burning Bluebeard” literally comes alive in front of a scorched proscenium arch on a ruined stage – – …
It’s the 1940s and veteran detective Max Forthright is throwing a lavish party to celebrate the publication of his upcoming memoirs.Before long there is a shot and the discovery of a body causing the entire assemblage to turn to Max to identify the killer in “A Murder Most Novel.”Alex Butschli’s cleverly written and well-performed production is enjoyable lighthearted entertainment for all ages.
Country music has been described as three chords and the truth. The world premiere of Anthony Whitaker’s “My Life is a Country Song” presented by New American Folk Theatre has taken that adage to heart crafting a well-told musical tale of love, friendship, and personal triumph.
The cast of “ My Life is a Country song” includes Kelly Combs as Donna – Lena Dudley as Jackie – Charlie Irving as Alma and Kirk Jackson as Gary. Each of the actors play various instruments including, guitar, mandolin, autoharp, and percussion.
Jackie’s husband Freddy is played by Joey Harbert, the play’s musical director, doubling on keyboard with the aid of Noah Nichols on Bass and Isabella Snow on guitar.
“My Life is a Country Song,” is on the second floor at Chief O’Neill’s, 3471 N. Elston Ave., Chicago through November 21, 2019. Running time is 90 minutes with no intermission. For tickets and information visit newamericanfolktheatre.org.
To listen to the review use the audio player above.
To read the entire review visit ChicagoTheaterandArts.com
FOOD EXTRA
We grabbed a quick snack of appetizers at Cheif O’Neill’s prior to the event.
Be sure to tell your server that you are attending the play and they will see to it that you get served promptly.
I had the delicious mushroom soup which was creamy and earthy. The mushrooms are minced so do not expect big pieces of mushroom but you will get big flavor.
My companion had the chili which is perfect if you want a little more food but not looking to commit to a whole meal. A good variety of meat, veggies, and legumes but not very spicy which might be good for some and disappointing for others but still a good quick mini-meal.
We were given a small loaf of bread and butter to share which we washed down with a couple of Smithwick’s red ale-style beer. Purported to be the most consumed ale in Ireland. We both like something a little darker than a pilsner and Smithwick’s (pronounced Smitticks) has a pleasing somewhat grain flavored malty sweetness.
By the way, you do not have to commit to a full pint, Cheif O’Neill’s will serve you a half-pint if you ask.
Take a look at our other post if you’re wondering about the how Chief O’Neills got its name.
Before the age of TV and the Internet, people looked to the theater for entertaining political commentary the equivalent of Stephen Colbert, The Daily Show, or Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update. These three pithy well-performed one-act plays directed by Beth Wolf and presented by …
We created this visual video theater review to be more accessibility friendly for deaf or hearing impaired theatergoers. If you like the idea we will make more. An interesting, innovative and thoroughly enjoyable theatrical production, produced by Red Theater in Edgewater that leaves you wanting …
If you are not already a fan of Chicago Blues Legend Buddy Guy you are very likely to become one after seeing THE TORCH a new documentary directed by Jim Ferrell and distributed by IFC Films, set to premiere as the closing night presentation at the 55th Annual Chicago International Film Festival.
The nearly two-hour movie demonstrates Guy’s devotion to paying homage to those who preceded him such as blues greats like Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf as well as his passion for encouraging new talent, specifically young guitarist Quinn Sullivan who Buddy discovered in 2007 when the boy was just seven years old.
It might be said that Buddy Guy is something of a late bloomer winning eight Grammy Awards after the age of 55 but the truth is those rewards were late coming due in part to the short-sightedness of Chicago’s Chess Records who did not fully understand or appreciate who they had in their midst.
Born in Louisiana, he grew up picking cotton and playing music on a homemade instrument. At some point he got a real guitar and eventually was good enough to set off for Chicago.
Ill-prepared for the cold weather and with basically no money the nearly starving musician finally caught a break that led to appearances at various clubs around town.
Working as a tow truck mechanic while periodically sitting in as a session guitarist on few records, Guy first began to gain well deserved notoriety with the British invasion of the late 1960s after groups like The Rolling Stones made a pilgrimage to Chicago to see the great Blues musicians whose recordings they had listened to and whose sound they revered.
World-renowned rock and roll guitarists like Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, and Carlos Santana have all been inspired and influenced by Buddy Guy.
Guitar prodigy Quinn Sullivan a native of New Bedford, Massachusetts is given nearly equal time in this documentary as Guy’s protégé and some say heir apparent.
In 2008 just one year after the two met, Sullivan then not even nine years old performed a featured solo on the cut “Who’s Gonna Fill Those Shoes” in Guy’s Grammy-nominated album “Skin Deep.”
Since then the young man has been traveling the world playing concerts with his mentor sharing licks and getting valuable life lessons.
One bandmate describes Quinn as an “old soul.”
It is evident that there is a genuine rapport between the two virtuosos. At 83, Guy does not talk down to the younger Sullivan nearly 70 years his junior but rather treats him like a fellow professional. He expects much from the young musician who never fails to deliver.
So therein lies the title of this film THE TORCH demonstrating Buddy’s love for those who mentored him including the promise he made to keep the blues alive and doing so by actively “passing it on” to the next generation.
BELOW ARE A FEW YOUTUBE VIDEOS OF BUDDY GUY AND QUINN SULLIVAN
Quinn sings tribute to Buddy in Buddy Blues.
“The Merchant of Venice” is presented by Invictus Theatre Company in the words of William Shakespeare but with more contemporary staging. Anyone who watches Judge Judy knows that lending your deadbeat friend money that you don’t have then agreeing to put the cost on your …
Whether you plan to attend the Chicago International Film Festival or not Reno Lovison, Joanne Schochat, and Connie Wilson provide some insights into several films that are being presented including many of which will soon be available in wider release or will appear on PBS, …
Connie Wilson, reviewer for TheMovieBlog.com and author of IT CAME FROM THE ’70s: From The Godfather to Apocolypse Now, gives a quick preview of movies she has seen or has chosen to see at the Chicago International Film Festival running through October 27, 2019 at the AMC River East 21 on Illinois Street.
Some films Connie mentions include The Apollo, Clemency, Motherless Brooklyn, The Whistlers and a Chicago production The Girl on the Third Floor.
Spend a few minutes to get the inside scoop from an expert film reviewer.
Guest correspondent, storyteller, and radio personality Joanne Schochat provides tips for attending the Chicago International Film Festival. Joanne shares information about ticket buying, traveling to the theater, and how she selects and organizes the films she plans to view. She also shares a few of …
Chicago Producer Gigi Pritzker and Chicago Director Jennifer Reeder talk about the film festival and their films MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN and KNIVES AND SKIN from the red carpet at the 55th Annual Chicago International Film Festival running through October 27, 2019 at the AMC River East …
Love, lust, and the quest for power lead to despair and death in Giuseppe Verdi’s “Luisa Miller” at Lyric Opera Chicago.
A seemingly outlandish story based on the play “Kabale und Liebe” (Intrigue and Love) by Friedrich von Schiller none-the-less may resonate with modern audiences familiar with television programs like “American Greed” and “Dateline” which often tell tales of devious plots designed and perpetrated by individuals for the purpose of preserving financial power or exerting influence over those they purport to love.
“Luisa Miller” is at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Dr., Chicago through October 31, 2019. Running time is about two hours and forty-five minutes with one intermission. Tickets are available at lyricopera.org where you can also find information about discounted parking nearby or call the box office at 312-827-5600.
Listen to the entire review by clicking on the podcast link above or you can read the entire review at ChicagoTheaterandArts.com.
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