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"Androcles and the Lion" (ShawChicago): Talented Lion is Too Big for Its Cage!

ShawChicago presents Androcles and the Lion.  The Romans like a good game.  The coliseum packs the spectators in to watch death by lion. The prey is Christians.  When the Christians decide to not fight back, the sport loses its competitive edge.  The martyrs are ruining the entertainment value.  Caesar doesn’t know what to do.  The... Read more »
By Katy Walsh,
Monday at 5:36 pm
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"Bachelorette" (Profiles Theatre): Mean Girls Grown-up, Coked-up & F#cked-up!

"Bachelorette" (Profiles Theatre): Mean Girls Grown-up, Coked-up & F#cked-up!
#26.  I have been Maid of Honor – 4 times.  I have been a bridesmaid – 3 times.  I have been overweight – all the time. Profiles Theatre presents the Midwest premiere of Bachelorette.  Becky is getting married.  Her Maid of Honor decides to throw a wedding eve bash in Becky’s suite.  She invites Katie and Gena to... Read more »
By Katy Walsh,
February 5, 2012 at 3:20 pm
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"HESPERIA" (Writers Theatre): Promised Land within a Gated Community

"HESPERIA" (Writers Theatre): Promised Land within a Gated Community
#24.  I’m in the closet about religion.  Sixteen years of Catholic education has taught me that spirituality is best actualized on Sundays, DHO (days of holy obligation) or at home.  I’ve sat through lively dinner parties where conversation topics are intellectual, financial, political or sexual… but never spiritual.  People in my circles don’t talk about... Read more »
By Katy Walsh,
February 4, 2012 at 9:13 am
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Off Book chats with Victory Gardens' Chay Yew, Chicago Dramatists'Jon Steinhagen and Much More!

  Chicago Theatre Off Book is reviewing exciting offerings at Next, Court, Chicago Shakes, and Lyric.  In addition, we chat about world premieres with Jon Steinhagen, playwright for Chicago Dramatists and Raven Theatre  and new Artistic Director Chad Yew at Victory Gardens.  And of course, we have two new Got A Minute? segments from local playwrights.  Have a listen!  Plus, don’t forget to pick... Read more »
By Katy Walsh,
February 3, 2012 at 2:27 pm
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THE GOG/MAGOG PROJECT (Steep Theatre): Salinas IS The Man!

#23.  Reality shows?!  I don’t get the appeal.  Why would someone want their life to be on display?  Especially knowing viewers are rooting for their demise?  They are *constantly on*. Every little gesture or uttering has the potential to be observed, scrutinized, and misperceived.  Why do it?  Is it for the money, the fame or... Read more »
By Katy Walsh,
February 3, 2012 at 7:05 am
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"DISGRACED" (American Theater Company): MUST SEE!

#22. When I was in Morocco, I was sensitive to the Muslim culture.  I stayed covered up.  I didn’t wear a burka but I did wear long sleeves, pants and a scarf around my neck.  One day on a crowded street, I got separated from my group.  A young local confronted me hissing and shrilling... Read more »
By Katy Walsh,
January 31, 2012 at 9:03 pm
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"Motion" (Signal Ensemble): A Winner!

#21.  Next Sunday’s Super Bowl officially ends the football season.   The last tailgate party will be pulling out of the lot.  Suddenly, fans will find time on their clock as they get benched.  Where can diehards go for a post-season football fix? Signal Ensemble Theatre presents the world premiere of Motion.  Diane is the new GM for... Read more »
By Katy Walsh,
January 31, 2012 at 2:13 pm
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"The Houdini Box" (Chicago Children's Theatre): Marvelously Magical!

#19.  I’m a big fan of magic!  It’s an inarguable explanation for anything.  What makes my computer work?  Magic! How did she know to call?  Magic! Where did that cookie go?  Magic!  I could have gotten a liberal arts degree at Hogwarts.  I’m completely satisfied with *magic* being the answer to any question. Chicago Children’s... Read more »
By Katy Walsh,
January 29, 2012 at 3:34 pm
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"Time Stands Still" (Steppenwolf Theatre): Not Quite Picture Perfect!

"Time Stands Still" (Steppenwolf Theatre): Not Quite Picture Perfect!
#20.  A starving child and vulture photograph has haunted me for 25+ years.  The photographer captured a startling image.  The bird was waiting for the kid to die.  The prize-winning picture was truly thought-provoking.  It illustrated severe hunger in far corners of the earth. The powerful imagery also made people question if a vulture took the... Read more »
By Katy Walsh,
January 29, 2012 at 9:17 am
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"RACE" (Goodman Theatre): Envelop-pushing, Thought-provoking, Stomach-churning Earful!

"RACE" (Goodman Theatre): Envelop-pushing, Thought-provoking, Stomach-churning Earful!
#18.  I’ve had to fire two people in my career.  It’s always difficult.  The ick factor is a chart buster.  On one of the occasions, my former employee tried to sue me for racial discrimination.  He had no case and it was dismissed.  But the idea still haunts me.  How are my actions and words... Read more »
By Katy Walsh,
January 28, 2012 at 10:50 am
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