Chicago Theater Beat

Review: Elephant’s Graveyard (Red Tape Theatre)

Scotty Zacher — Thu, 17 May 2012 05:00:55 +0000

I highly recommend this whimsical memorial for its unexpected truths surrounding an execution... just be careful of where you sit.

Review: The Cripple of Inishmaan (Redtwist Theatre)

Scotty Zacher — Wed, 16 May 2012 03:42:24 +0000

Playwright Martin McDonagh imagines a day-in-the-life for the inhabitants of an Irish island in 1934. *The Cripple of Inishmaan* shocks and charms with equal ferocity.

Review: Living Large in a Mini Kind of Way (Teatro Luna)

Scotty Zacher — Mon, 14 May 2012 22:13:46 +0000

Based on real events from Diane Rodriguez’s own life, *Living Large* is a cautionary tale laced with hope - and an understanding of the value of forgiving ourselves. Highly Recommended.

Review: Jamaica, Farewell (Chopin Theatre)

Scotty Zacher — Mon, 14 May 2012 02:19:43 +0000

Performer/Playwright Debra Ehrhardt charmingly relays her coming-to-America story through *Jamaica, Farewell*, an entertaining one-woman journey to and from Jamaica. Recommended.

Review: [title of show] – Northlight Theatre

Scotty Zacher — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:10:27 +0000

*title of show* does have its share of catchy one-liners and catchy tunes, but in the end comes off smug and self-involved. Slightly Recommended.

Review: A Little Night Music (Writers’ Theatre)

Scotty Zacher — Sun, 13 May 2012 00:36:28 +0000

So many lovely moments embellish this well-felt, well-sung Night Music -- it’s easy and enthralling to sense the spell and see the smiles of this special summer night. Highly Recommended

Review: Her Naked Skin (Shattered Globe Theatre)

Scotty Zacher — Sat, 12 May 2012 20:55:44 +0000

Shattered Globe has created a heartfelt, informative story through this complex production; one that will leave you wondering about women’s roles in society, past and present. Highly Recommended.

Review: Little Shop of Horrors (Street Tempo Theatre)

Scotty Zacher — Fri, 11 May 2012 03:42:53 +0000

This version of *Little Shop of Horrors* foregoes any sanitizing and I wholeheartedly thank Street Tempo Theatre Company for such an honest and non-saccharine production. Highly Recommended.

Review: Encores – After the Theatre and Other Stories (Piven Theatre Workshop)

Scotty Zacher — Thu, 10 May 2012 20:08:52 +0000

Overall, *Encore...*, directed by Joyce Piven, is an intriguing, if uneven, hour of theater. Chekov’s stories have obvious potential for theatrical adaptation, and Piven Theatre Workshop has does an admirable job with the task.

Review: Devour (20% Theatre Company)

Scotty Zacher — Thu, 10 May 2012 18:32:17 +0000

Keith Parham's set design and Marie Quinn's sound design makes the fashion runway set look and sound like the place to be for a Couture Killer. *Devour* entertains with flair AND tells the inside story of a poor, little rich girl.