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“Bee” There or Be Square
By Wes Hessel Even before my years of reviewing, I had heard of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”, though I had never had the chance to see it. Being many theater groups produce it, I presumed it to be a new modern classic – that doesn’t even begin to cover the great humor […]
Weighty “Winning Works”
By Flo Mano with Wes Hessel The Grainger Academy of The Joffrey Ballet has its 15th anniversary celebration of “The Winning Works”, featuring five world premieres at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) from March 14th to 23rd. This year’s anniversary competition has resulted in the selection of exceptional artists whose works embody a pioneering […]
“The School for Scandal” is in Session
By Catherine Hellmann with Wes Hessel Written in 1777 by Richard B. Sheridan (no, that is not a typo for the year), “The School for Scandal” has “social elite who put today’s worst social influencers to shame,” according to the press release. Idle Muse’s exuberant new production makes this old-fashioned comedy of manners a very […]
A Stage Big Enough for Us All
By Nick Nicholas with Wes Hessel “Teatro La Plaza’s Hamlet”, at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, is a profound piece of performance, art, theater, protest, seminar, confession, social testament manifesto, and activism of persons born with that one extra copy of chromosome 21 we call Down Syndrome. Written and directed by Chela De Ferrari, it has […]
Elvis Has Just Left the Building
By Cate Rees-Hessel Black Ensemble Theater never disappoints – I have never attended one of their productions that I did not absolutely love, but “Elvis Presley Was A Black Man Named Joe” is my favorite. This touching and heartfelt musical is by far one of the best theatrical works I have ever seen on stage. […]
Uptown Soul Brings Bold
By Nick Nicholas with Wes Hessel “Uptown: A Celebration of Motown and Soul” was a concert event by the band Uptown – they are an stunning American music band from New York City. Three world class soloists – Ali, Alfred, and Derrick – came together and put on a show that brought the house down […]
Guys and Dolls Excels
By Cate Rees-Hessel Music Theater Works’ production of the classic “Guys and Dolls” is an upbeat and fun show. The set design by Ben Lipinski is completely charming – the moment you walk into the house you are in mid-century modern New York City. Neon signs to the right and left of the stage realistically […]
Get on the Bus…
By Nick Nicholas with Wes Hessel Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire’s children’s offering for spring brings an beloved classic book series to life – “The Magic School Bus: Lost In The Solar System” is live on stage. This show has a lot of magic going, with performers of high caliber who can act, sing, and dance in […]
Chicago Tap Very Live at the Den
By Nick Nicholas with Wes Hessel Chicago Tap Theatre at the Den was a ideal marriage – their most recent performance in a breathtaking old Chicago style theatre complex stepping back in time with so much architectural detail and a lounge right next to it, in an arts performance entertainment neighbourhood nestled in what may […]
Team Deakins Speaks on Latest Endeavors
By Nick Nicholas with Wes Hessel “Team Deakins”, the power film cinematography couple comprised of Sir Roger Deakins and his wife James Ellis, are taking on new ventures of a podcast dedicated to cinematography, and a book of still photographs with original prints by Sir Roger. The pair spoke in a more than 30 minute […]
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