Comments for Chicago Theater Beat

Comment on Review: Elephant’s Graveyard (Red Tape Theatre) by "Elephant's Graveyard" (Red Tape Theatre): Whimsical Memorial to Unexpected Truths | The Fourth Walsh

Thu, 17 May 2012 11:38:03 +0000

[...] Read the rest of my review at Chicago Theater Beat. [...]

Comment on The Addams Family: Lawry’s Spooky-themed dinner special by tete

tete — Wed, 16 May 2012 21:01:19 +0000

awwww they are soo awsome

Comment on Review: Hostage Song (Signal Ensemble Theatre) by AaronChgo

AaronChgo — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:05:31 +0000

“Bugging her eyes out?” You must have seen a different show. Maybe she opens her eyes wider at some times than at others. But that’s what eyes are for.

Comment on Review: The Cripple of Inishmaan (Redtwist Theatre) by "The Cripple of Inishmaan" (Redtwist Theatre): Masterful Storytelling by OUR Locals | The Fourth Walsh

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:23:04 +0000

[...] Read the rest of my review at Chicago Theater Beat. [...]

Comment on Review: Jamaica, Farewell (Chopin Theatre) by "Jamaica, Farewell" (Meadowbrook Entertainment): Jamaica to Miami -the hard way! | The Fourth Walsh

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:28:02 +0000

[...] Read the rest of my review at Chicago Theater Beat. [...]

Comment on Review: Her Naked Skin (Shattered Globe Theatre) by J.H. Palmer

J.H. Palmer — Mon, 14 May 2012 01:24:53 +0000

Thanks C.Z.! Glad to hear you enjoyed the play as much as I did.

J.H.

Comment on Review: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Marriott Theatre) by Jan Mraz

Jan Mraz — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:08:10 +0000

We are subscribers to the Marriott, but this is the first time we’ve brought our grandsons, 6 and almost 4, to the Children’s Theater. Wow! “Joseph” was fantastic, thanks to a wonderful cast! We came on May 12th, and we were thrilled with every moment! Well done!!!

Comment on Review: Her Naked Skin (Shattered Globe Theatre) by Cyzaeus

Cyzaeus — Sun, 13 May 2012 01:27:20 +0000

J.H. Palmer,
Thankfully you are a Chicago critic who gets it! This is exactly my take on the play when I saw it! Saw a couple of other reviews and wondered what show they saw!

Well done!
~ C.Z.

Comment on Review: Rent (About Face Theatre and American Theater Company) by Lauren Whalen

Lauren Whalen — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:59:45 +0000

Ashley, thank you for your feedback. I know not everyone felt the same way about this production, so it’s great to hear other perspectives.

I did feel Angel’s androgyny was interesting and worked well. I saw him as somewhat of a gender-bender, which wasn’t how I’d ever seen the character before. It was a challenge to the audience, but I liked it.

As I said in the review, the actors weren’t always the strongest singers. At some points that was very apparent, other times it didn’t matter so much to me. I’ve seen Rent done in the other extreme – by singers who weren’t as strong with acting – and I have to say, I preferred Cromer’s way. Rent characters can easily give way to caricature and I felt he avoided that.

The challenge with Rent is that it has such a strong fan base that any deviation may be met with resistance. I’m sure Cromer knew that going in, and I respected his deconstructionist interpretation, even though I also respect it’s not for everybody.

Comment on Review: Rent (About Face Theatre and American Theater Company) by Ashley

Ashley — Thu, 10 May 2012 22:39:35 +0000

Saw this twice to make sure I was seeing what I thought I saw. Unfortunately I was right. David Cromer failed RENT enthusiasts. His lack of direction in regards to character analysis and connection is obvious on stage. His choice of actors portraying some of the parts is horrendous. The person calling himself an “actor” portraying Angel is not worthy of being on any stage. He is messy, hard to understand, and cannot sing! This is a musical Mr. Cromer not a play. Rule 1: do not cast those not suited for a part. Angel’s lack of singing, inability to be feminine, and awkward stage presence ruined that part. Mimi was PHENOMENAL and I hope to see her someday in a large theater playing that part with a director that understand his/her job. Mark wasn’t anything worth commenting on…yet another actor asked to sing. Rule 2: if they can’t sing don’t cast them in a musical. Roger was good. I would like to hear him sing the part after learning to utilize his voice from a proper vocal coach. His potential is outstanding. As I said, I saw it twice to make sure I didn’t see an “off performance” or that my mind wasn’t playing tricks on me. My final thought – David Cromer failed in bringing RENT to the stage in a manor that will make it a success. Rule 3: if directing a musical, please make some artistic enhancements, but know when too much has been done. (i.e. NEVER change the show’s most popular song!)