Chicago Theater Beat

Review: Mamma Mia! (Broadway in Chicago)

Scotty Zacher — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:23:53 +0000

If you are dying to see the brilliant interior of the Oriental Theatre, then I guess you may want to see this show. Otherwise, just go rent the mediocre movie. Spending your money on this will only encourage touring companies to produce more fly-by-night non-Equity drivel such as this. Not Recommended.

Review: The Feast: an intimate Tempest (Chicago Shakespeare and Redmoon Theater)

Scotty Zacher — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:19:55 +0000

With a better sense of balance between spectacle and story, The Feast: an intimate Tempest could be a successful riff on the classic story from the point of view of its most compelling character. Instead, the production’s emphasis on eye candy causes the script to fall flat. Slightly Recommended.

Review: Butch LaRue presents: Mexican, Jews and Muppets (Stage 773)

Scotty Zacher — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:49:01 +0000

If you are a fan of Mad Magazine or National Lampoon you will appreciate the spoofs and perhaps pick up a naughty thing or two. Butch LaRue is fresh, funny, and a bawdy good time. Forget about so called cold weather and go see it. The fresh laughs will do you good. Recommended.

Review: A Number (Backstage Theatre)

Scotty Zacher — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 22:50:45 +0000

At its core, Caryl Churchill's *A Number*, is about a father and his disjointed relationships with his sons. Churchill uses the issue of cloning to explore just how far a man will go for redemption and a chance at a fresh start. Recommended.

Review: Black Pearl Sings (Northlight Theatre)

Scotty Zacher — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:39:18 +0000

E. Faye Butler and Susie McMonagle are remarkable in their depictions of Pearl and Susannah, and the story holds up from beginning to end. Frank Higgins' *Black Pearl Sings* is historically important, and moving, in its depiction of two specific, individual women’s stories. This play will fill you with wonder. Highly Recommended.

Review: Race (Goodman Theatre)

Scotty Zacher — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:53:53 +0000

Director Chuck Smith steers his Mamet maiden voyage with utmost grace: despite the show’s racing pace, no beat is rushed and no double meaning ignored. This is also manifested in every production aspect, from Robert Christen’s startling light cues to Linda Buchanan’s stunningly realistic set. Highly Recommended.

Review: The Girl in the Yellow Dress (Next Theatre)

Scotty Zacher — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:20:06 +0000

Meant to be dysfunctional love, here we get ships passing in the night, after a clumsy collision. The fact that racial stereotypes and cultural insensitivity quickens the right emotions into the wrong ones isn’t news. Here it’s not much drama either. Not Recommended.

Review: The Drawer Boy (Filament Theatre Ensemble, The Den Theatre)

Scotty Zacher — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:50:09 +0000

Playwright Michael Healey's *The Drawer Boy* poignantly makes a case for a revisionist history to a painful past. A joint production of The Den Theatre and Filament Theatre, strong acting and vivid set makes the play even more effective. Recommended.

Review: Snow White (Emerald City Theatre)

Scotty Zacher — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:38:20 +0000

Emerald City Theatre puts a new spin on the classic tale, using a play-within-a-play structure to maximize the delight of its youngest viewers while keeping the elder folk entertained. *Snow White* is an exuberant treat of a fairy tale, not to be missed. Highly Recommended.

Review: Clutter (MadKap Productions)

Scotty Zacher — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 19:04:30 +0000

The focal point of this story is the jumbled mess on stage. Scenic Designer Andrei Onegin and Props Designer Mary O’Dowd have created a hoarder’s paradise. The initial visual the Collyer brothers' stash is gasp-worthy. Overall, *Clutter* entertains with visual filthy ick and sweet brotherly shtick!