This and That
Paramount Presents a “Beautiful” Musical
By Cate Rees-Hessel Paramount Theatre’s magnificent production of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” is extremely well done. The sets are classic and understated, the costumes charmingly period appropriate, and the acting is fabulous – the entire cast is outstanding. In the title role is the lovely Tiffany Topol – her voice is melodic and powerful. […]
“Judgement Day” Found to be Fabulous
By Cate Rees-Hessel with Wes Hessel Chicago Shakespeare’s stellar production of the very delightful artistic work Judgement Day, staring Tony and Emmy award-winning Jason Alexander, is a literal laugh-a-minute, side-splitting comedy. Mr. Alexander is absolutely brilliant with impeccable comic timing, believable tender moments, and enormous stage presence. A cute office moment with a mom, daughter, […]
American Blues’ “Reclamation”
By Cate Rees-Hessel American Blues Theater presents a powerful, significant, and historical production of “The Reclamation of Madison Hemings”. This well-written play by Charles Smith uses symbolism beautifully and artistically. I really loved the set, complete with a period wagon that the theater will be selling to some lucky patron at the end of the […]
Chicago Shakespeare Excels with “Richard III”By Cate Rees-Hessel
Just when you think that Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier couldn’t produce an even better show, they do just that, with an exemplary production of “Richard III”. The deeply emotional show is theater at its finest; this amazing institution takes Shakespearean classics and infuses them with innovative new life – “Richard” is certainly no […]
“Selling Kabul” Excels
By Cate Rees-Hessel Northlight Theatre’s production of “Selling Kabul” is a gripping theatrical masterpiece – Hamid Dehghani’s direction is magnificent. This Pulitzer finalist play by Sylvia Khoury tells the sad and frightening story of an Afghan, a former interpreter for the departed American forces, who must remain in hiding for the safety of his loved […]
Chicago Shakespeare Invites Audiences to “Illinoise”
By Cate Rees-Hessel Chicago Shakespeare at Navy Pier’s production of the edgy, energetic musical “Illinoise”, based on the Sufjan Stevens’ heralded album “Illinois”, has something for everyone. A wonderful set, complete with a changing, realistic billboard, and lots of footage and fun costumes help give this play its dramatic flair. The amazing live band, whose […]
“In the Heights” is Powerful
By Cate Rees-Hessel Marriot Theatre’s high energy production of “In the Heights” brings the audience into Washington Heights with eloquent ease – this is theater in the round as it’s very finest. It’s not an easy task to dress a set from various angles, but Marriot does it flawlessly, with extreme attention to detail throughout […]
“Emmet Otter” is Utterly Wonderful
By Anna Hessel The Muppets are in Chicago for the holiday season at the lovely Studebaker Theater – “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas” is on the marqee. Join Doc Bullfrog, Stinky Skunk, Penelope Possum, and a host of other adorable characters as Emmet and his mother participate in Waterville’s first ever annual talent show, which takes […]
American Blues Opens New Theater With an Old Favorite
By Anna Hessel American Blues Theater opens their brand new facility with the annual classic of “It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!”; this 1940’s era radio broadcast simulation has become an area holiday tradition. In fact, at twenty years-plus, it’s the the second longest-running holiday play in the Windy City. The permanent location is […]
“The Nutcracker” by Joffrey – Magical, Iconic, Breathtaking
By D’Arcy Mies With Wes Hessel Their version is set in Chicago in December 1892, five months before the opening of the Columbian Exposition of 1893. The music and basic story remain the familiar classics, but with a creative local historical twist. Projected images of the Exposition, newspaper headlines of the day, and so on, […]
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