Chicago Theater Beat

Review: Bombs, Babes and Bingo (Mortar Theatre)

Scotty Zacher — Sat, 26 May 2012 01:57:34 +0000

The structural premise of this play is clever: the first and last scenes are always the same, but in between, bingo balls dictate the sequential order of the inner scenes - so no show is ever alike! Recommended.

Review: Who Do We Think We Are? (Second City)

Scotty Zacher — Fri, 25 May 2012 01:44:28 +0000

This is the 100th revue Second City has staged. If the show is any indication, the next 100 will continue to keep Chicago firmly ensconced as an improv epicenter that’s second to none. Recommended!

Review: Life Is a Dream (The Building Stage)

Scotty Zacher — Thu, 24 May 2012 22:12:11 +0000

The cast and crew clearly have a blast putting this all together, which makes it hard not have a great time. It’s an interactive, busy experience - whether you’re jamming with the band, having a beer and a laugh with the cast, or simply enjoying an unusual telling of an old story, this night at the Building Stage is a dream you won’t forget!

Review: Bodies (MPAACT)

Scotty Zacher — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:10:41 +0000

Carla Stillwell’s brilliant new work *Bodies*, presented by Chicago's MPAACT, is about the nature of family obligations, secrets, and the emotional labyrinth that is the Black church in America. Highly Recommended.

Review: The Marvin Gaye Story (Black Ensemble Theater)

Scotty Zacher — Tue, 22 May 2012 17:38:53 +0000

Though the timeless score of Marvin Gaye’s music beautifully illustrates his artistry, Jackie Taylor’s script lacks context and tends to leave the entertaining production incomplete. Still, because of the show's enthusiastic and talented ensemble, the show is recommended.

Review: In the Continuum (Pegasus Players)

Scotty Zacher — Tue, 22 May 2012 01:04:29 +0000

Director Ilesa Duncan skillfully weaves the stories of two woman - from different parts of the world - dealing with HIV. The audience is left to decide for themselves exactly how to feel about these issues, but cannot help feeling deeply moved by the manner in which they are presented. Highly Recommended.

Review: Bang the Drum Slowly (Raven Theatre)

Scotty Zacher — Mon, 21 May 2012 21:45:40 +0000

Bang the Drum Slowly is the perfect summer bromance for guys and the gals that love them. Highly Recommended.

Review: Arcadia (New Leaf Theatre)

Scotty Zacher — Sun, 20 May 2012 00:34:39 +0000

After performing for Chicago for 10+ years, New Leaf Theatre will permanently go dark on June 16th. With Tom Stoppard's *Arcadia*, New Leaf is leaving us with a dignified and profound finale. Highly Recommended.

Review: Kin (Griffin Theatre)

Scotty Zacher — Sat, 19 May 2012 21:21:41 +0000

Griffin Theatre's Midwest premiere of *Kin* uses quiet moments, thoughtful dialogue and a skilled ensemble to explore one couple’s seven year-long relationship. With excellent casting, staging and production elements, *Kin* is a definite must-see. Highly Recommended.

Review: Incendiary (Wishbone Theatre Collective)

Scotty Zacher — Sat, 19 May 2012 19:05:17 +0000

In *Incendiary*, Adam Szymkowicz has written a slavishly stylized film-noir homage that manages in only 90 minutes the unlucky feat of being almost all style and no content. Not Recommended.