Chicago Theater Beat

Review: Chester and the Unbearable Burden (Six Hours Short Productions)

Scotty Zacher — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 20:57:50 +0000

Ben Fort’s script wisely avoids the obvious jokes encompassing the Harry Potter franchise, aiming instead for a yarn that places itself in a slightly askew and a little more deviant world than the one we’ve come to love. Yeah, it’s fluff, but it’s adorably creative fluff. Recommended.

Review: Barnum (Quest Theatre Ensemble)

Scotty Zacher — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 03:28:34 +0000

The beauty of *Barnum* is that, despite the magnitude of its subject matter, it’s a relatively small-scale show, and is an ideal fit for small but mighty Quest Theatre Ensemble. Despite some lackluster elements, *Barnum* is presented with confidence and heart that would make the legendary entrepreneur proud.

Review: The Gingerbread House (Red Tape Theatre)

Scotty Zacher — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:23:03 +0000

Though a disturbying story, Scenic Designer Scott Davis and Projections Designer Mike Stanfill create a fairytale-like feel. Branches hang from the ceiling. Kaleidoscope imagery on the backdrops continue to transform. A forest morphs into a child’s silhouette. It’s powerful! The Gingerbread House lingers long after the last disconcerting morsel.

Review: Peter Pan’s Shadow Part 1: Neverland (Dream Theatre)

Scotty Zacher — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 20:17:23 +0000

Jeremy Menekseoglu’s script is as fascinating as its staging. Peter Pan’s Shadow is not a direct adaptation of Barrie’s work but a conscientious embodiment of the tale’s underlying themes. What happens when one decides not to grow up? How does that affect family, friends, would-be lovers? Highly Recommended.

Review: American Idiot (Broadway in Chicago)

Scotty Zacher — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:47:00 +0000

If Green Day's *American Idiot* were presented as a concert, we’d be raving its praises. This is music that touches the soul, performed with a fierce passion. It’s a shame the score is surrounded by such an uninspired story.

Review: Ameriville (Victory Gardens Theater)

Scotty Zacher — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:16:24 +0000

In his inaugural season, Artistic Director Chay Yew has brought an invaluable gift to Victory Gardens in the form of UNIVERSES. So memorable is their show *Ameriville*, it leaves less of an impression and more of an imprint. Highly Recommended.

Review: Residue (Buzz22 Chicago)

Scotty Zacher — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:14:02 +0000

Residue is a loud and somewhat forgettable comedy. Subtler direction may lend the characters more depth, which in turn would provide more weight to the piece. Still, it shows glimmers of creative growth from a young and very ambitious theatre company. Slightly Recommended.

Review: Androcles and the Lion (ShawChicago)

Scotty Zacher — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:11:29 +0000

One hundred years ago, Playwright George Bernard Shaw presented a satirical play based on a well-known fable. Now, ShawChicago presents a staged reading that befuddles the work - playing with multiple roles with no discernment from role to role, etc. Slightly Recommended.

Review: The Complete History of America, Abridged (Metropolis Arts)

Scotty Zacher — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:39:59 +0000

*The Complete History* starts off at full-speed, and the audience feed off the actors’ screwball energy and comedic enthusiasm, even when the jokes are stale. The 3 leads have great chemistry, and each one proves their comedic (and even musical) chops in almost every scene. Who knew 500 years of American history could be so fun?

Review: Hesperia (Writers’ Theatre)

Scotty Zacher — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:20:52 +0000

With a few more confrontational scenes, Hesperia could fulfill its potential - the actors and director are more than up to the challenge. Until then, like the sexuality of its religious characters, Hesperia feels repressed. Slightly Recommended.