Opinions
Giordano Dance Chicago Energizes the Auditorium By Sydney Milligan and Wes Hessel
Giordano Dance Chicago Energizes the Auditorium By Sydney Milligan and Wes Hessel The beginning of the first act by Giordano Dance Chicago was filled with a lot of vocalizing, and a ton of angsty stomping, thrashing, and headbanging – a very avant garde piece. Then there was a beautiful pas de deux titled “All […]
“Skates” Rolls Into Studebaker Theater By Anna Hessel with Wes Hessel
“Skates” Rolls Into Studebaker Theater By Anna Hessel with Wes Hessel The world premier of the brand new feel good, clean fun musical “Skates” by Christine Rea and Rick Briskin made its debut in the beautifully restored Studebaker Theater. Let me start by saying I absolutely, positively, totally love this new ready for Broadway […]
“Dreamer” Brings Message of Hope By Anna Hessel
“Dreamer” Brings Message of Hope By Anna Hessel Ballet 5:8’s student production of the world premier, family friendly, “Dreamer” was certainly a blessing to anyone who watched it. This story of hope is a balm for weary souls in trying times- no matter what obstacles we face, God is in control to guide us […]
Aretha, Risen By Sydney Milligan and Anna Hessel
Aretha, Risen By Sydney Milligan and Anna Hessel The Harris Theater at Grant Park was home to “Aretha Rising”, the Chicago Philharmonic’s salute to the legend Aretha Franklin. Ms Franklin, who won a Grammy for her gospel album “Amazing Grace”, which includes a beautiful rendition of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”, was […]
Joffrey Closes Season With A Classic By Sydney Milligan and Anna Hessel
Joffrey Closes Season With A Classic By Sydney Milligan and Anna Hessel The world-renowned Joffrey Ballet closes this season with a stellar production of Don Quixote. The scenic and lighting design by Jack Mehler is top notch and transports you right into Don Quixote’s 16th century Spain. An amazing world of love, valor and […]
“Two Trains Running” At Court By Anna Hessel
“Two Trains Running” At Court By Anna Hessel Court Theatre’s exemplary production of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony nominated play “Two Trains Running”, set in my hometown of Pittsburgh, PA, circa 1969, showcases the genius of one of my favorite playwrights, August Wilson. This is brilliantly directed by Court resident artist Ron “OJ” Parson […]
“All’s Well” Indeed Is By Wes Hessel
“All’s Well” Indeed Is By Wes Hessel ”All’s Well That Ends Well” by Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier is another great example of their excellent adaptations of the Bard’s work. Chicago Shakes opted in this production for a minimalist stage, which gives emphasis to the intense acting going on out front. A few […]
“Quamino’s Map” Is Bound To The Right Things By Sydney Milligan & Anna Hessel
“Quamino’s Map” Is Bound To The Right Things By Sydney Milligan & Anna Hessel “Quamino’s Map” by Chicago Opera Theater is extremely well done. The voices are strong and powerful, especially that of the soprano chorus, and tenor Juba Freeman, whose vocal prowess and flexibility are astounding. There is also a striking violin solo. […]
“Intimate Apparel” Wears It Well By Wes Hessel
“Intimate Apparel” Wears It Well By Wes Hessel “Intimate Apparel”, as produced by the Northlight Theatre, is a soul-stirring, at times gut-wrenching, as well as humorous, play, following the life and work of Esther, which seems to be mostly the same thing. Esther makes underpinnings for ladies in 1905 New York, whether they be […]
“In Every Generation” Exceedingly Exceeds Expectations By Anna Hessel With Wes Hessel
“In Every Generation” Exceedingly Exceeds Expectations By Anna Hessel With Wes Hessel Victory Gardens Theater’s “In Every Generation” is a play perfect for the Passover season, but you certainly don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy this stellar production. Beautifully written, it chronicles the lives of a Jewish family over the years, celebrating holidays […]
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