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"The Cripple of Inishmaan" (Redtwist Theatre): Masterful Storytelling by OUR Locals

#107. The thing about the Irish is we enjoy a good story.  The bigger the yarn, the bigger the appeal.  We amuse ourselves and each other with vivid tales of things that actually happened, could have happened or we wanted to happen. And we find stories are best told with a pint of humor and... Read more »
By Katy Walsh,
today at 9:15 am
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"Jamaica, Farewell" (Meadowbrook Entertainment): Jamaica to Miami -the hard way!

#106.  I’ve only been to Jamaica once.  It was for a wedding.  The beaches were beautiful.  The people were friendly.  The locale was postcard perfect. Jamaica IS an enchanting place to visit.  But getting out of there?!  It was a nightmare, man!  Our Apple vacation was overbooked.  The airport shut down by 9.  We were... Read more »
By Katy Walsh,
Monday at 7:20 am
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"A Little Night Music" (Writers Theatre): Isn't it bliss? YES, yes it is!

"A Little Night Music" (Writers Theatre): Isn't it bliss? YES, yes it is!
Isn’t it rich?  Are we a pair?  Me here at last on the ground  You in mid air…  Where are the clowns? #105.  The familiar Judy Collins‘ chart-busting song “Send in the Clowns” was written by Stephen Sondheim for his 1973 musical premiere.  As a pop song, I’ve always thought it was a very sad... Read more »
By Katy Walsh,
May 11, 2012 at 5:27 pm
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Off Book Chats Up The Factory, Lifeline, Chicago Shakes, Theater Wit, Goodman and More!

Today, Chicago Theatre Off Book is reviewing exciting offerings from local theatre companies: “The Iceman Cometh” at Goodman Theatre,“Pride and Prejudice” at Lifeline Theatre, “Tigers Sit Still” at Theatre Wit, and “Timon of Athens” at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.  Then, we chat with Scott Oken, Artistic Director at The Factory, director of “White Trash Wedding and a Funeral”, Mike Beyer, Ensemble member at The Factory, writer of “White Trash Wedding and a Funeral”, and Debra Ehrhardt, “Jamaica, Farewell” one woman show at Chopin Theatre.  And... Read more »
By Katy Walsh,
May 11, 2012 at 2:15 pm
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"Devour" (20% Theatre Company): Couture Killer, is she or isn't she?

Kim and her Kardashian sisters. Paris and Nicki Hilton.  Ivanka Trump.  People magazine has snapshots of them. TMZ keeps tabs on them.   The world watches these gals have drinks, affairs, and breakdowns.  These ladies are all famous!  Not for their contributions to the betterment of humankind but because they’re rich or – more importantly –... Read more »
By Katy Walsh,
May 10, 2012 at 2:20 pm
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"RENT" (American Theater, About Face Theatre): Pay Up and Get Your Bohemian On!

"RENT" (American Theater, About Face Theatre): Pay Up and Get Your Bohemian On!
#103.  I’ve seen the movie RENT.  I’ve listened to my friends belt out RENT show tunes at Sidetracks.  And I’ve certainly known my share of artists struggling to pay the rent.  American Theater Company, in conjunction with About Face Theatre, presents RENT.  It’s East Village in NYC circa 1990.  A bunch of bohemians are living... Read more »
By Katy Walsh,
May 8, 2012 at 12:16 pm
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"Her Naked Skin" (Shattered Globe): Thought-provoking Herstory Lesson

"Her Naked Skin" (Shattered Globe): Thought-provoking Herstory Lesson
#102.  I find it fairly incomprehensible that less than 100 hundred years ago women didn’t have the right to vote.  Literature from the time period always boggles my mind.  Men and women’s opinions of female inferiority is disheartening.  The extreme measures used by suffragettes to instigate an evolution of thought is admirable.  The inhumane measures... Read more »
By Katy Walsh,
May 7, 2012 at 2:21 pm
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"Hostage Song" (Signal Ensemble): Hostage + Song = Masterpiece

"Hostage Song" (Signal Ensemble): Hostage + Song = Masterpiece
#101.  How does it feel to be a hostage?  Our viewpoint is contrived from media manipulation.  Initially, CNN showcases an emotional message from the hostage’s parent on the hour.  FOX News broadcasts a well-coiffed politico addressing the nation’s response. The terrorists release threatening public service announcements on the Internet.  As the captivity is prolonged, American... Read more »
By Katy Walsh,
May 6, 2012 at 11:02 am
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"CATS" (Broadway in Chicago): Les Mouserables

"CATS" (Broadway in Chicago): Les Mouserables
Reviewed by Richard Malone The reviewing of “CATS” is a difficult matter.  If you aren’t familiar with this musical, it is sort of Andrew Lloyd Webber version of “Animal Kingdom” revolving around an annual conflagration cats, the Jellicles, at their annual ball.  Old Deuteronomy (Nathan Morgan) is the respected, wise old leader, and each year... Read more »
By Katy Walsh,
May 6, 2012 at 8:38 am
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Treasured Stories By Eric Carle: Something to Squeal about!

Treasured Stories By Eric Carle: Something to Squeal about!
#100. “Shut off your cell phone” is a familiar announcement.  But what happened next was a complete surprise.  The nice lady told the audience if they wanted to tell the story along with the narrator to go ahead.  “This is a no shushing show.” Chicago Children’s Theatre hosts Mermaid Theater of Nova Scotia presenting an... Read more »
By Katy Walsh,
May 5, 2012 at 7:14 pm
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