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The Legend Returned…
By Nick Nicholas with Wes Hessel Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández is a first-class ballet company whose repertory is focused on saving the richness of traditional folklore tales and movement across the many regions and states of Mexico. This exuberant group, with about 32 dancers on stage and a 10-man mariachi folk music […]
Any Dream Will Do
By Cate Rees-Hessel Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire began their fiftieth anniversary season with a stellar production of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s marvelous biblical musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”. I have had the pleasure of seeing various companies perform this show over the decades and Marriott’s production is my favorite. Aside from a brief disconcerting moment […]
“Cygnus” Looks at the Forming of One’s Truth
By D’Arcy Mies with Wes Hessel “Cygnus”, performed at Filament Theater by The Gift Theatre, is a very adult look at coping with trauma can be about picking your own perspective to avoid a more realistic truth. Three actors carry this hour and 45 minute no-intermission, no-reseating show. The set is contemporary-ish – the living […]
“Kitty James” is on the Trail of a Medallion and Love
By Nick Nicholas with Wes Hessel The Factory Theater, in its 30th year creating new plays and entertaining audiences in Chicago at 1623 W. Howard St., is paying homage to classic adventure films with a new play “Kitty James and Destiny’s Trail to Oregon” through March 29, written by Phil Claudnic and directed by Jennifer […]
Joffrey’s “Golden Hour” Sheds Much Light
By Flo Mano with Wes Hessel At the Civic Light Opera, the legendary ballet company opened with “Under the Trees Voices” – it is “golden”! Choreographer Nicolas Blanc created a hypnotic, mesmerizing interconnectedness of the dancers to the leaves that took center stage and communicated with their presence to the soothing score of Ezio Bosso. […]
Lincolnshire Marriott opens Golden Anniversary Season
By Cate Rees-Hessel Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire has opened their fiftieth anniversary season with the Andrew Lloyd Weber classic “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”. This musical is running through March 30th, and includes a brand-new pop-up Dream-themed eatery located in the Three Embers Restaurant for theater goers to enjoy. The remaining four productions for […]
“Waitress” Serves up a Slice of Theatrical Perfection
By Cate Rees-Hessel Paramount Theatre’s Jeff recommended, powerful production of “Waitress”, based on the film of the same name, is fabulous. It is brilliantly directed by Katie Spelman and the entire cast is outstanding. The three waitresses – Michelle Lauto (Jenna), Teressa LaGamba (Becky), and Kelly Felthous (Dawn) – have wonderful rapport, stellar vocals, and […]
Cirque du Soleil OVO – the Egg and I…
By Flo Mano with Wes Hessel This past weekend, Cirque du Soleil was at the NOW Arena with a revised version of OVO! This insect world is a movable feast of imagination for the eyes and the soul. The mind-boggling excitement of the artists create a magical kingdom-oasis of “awe” for the the inner child […]
”Dances from the Heart” is a Valentine to Love Through Movement
By Flo Mano with Wes Hessel The Saturday night before Valentine’s Day at The Atheneum, Dance Chicago celebrated their 30th season of ”Dances from the Heart” with a full house of young talent from many dance companies. Spanning an extensive breadth of movement types: ballet (of multiple sub-forms), classical Indian, comedy dance, flamenco, hip-hop, Irish, […]
The Face of Complexity Meeting Comprehension in Movement
By Flo Mano with Wes Hessel I’m still buzzing from Complexions Contemporary Ballet’s breathtaking performance! Thirty years have passed since the organization’s inception by founding Co-Artistic Directors Dwight Rhoden (Principal Choreographer) and Desmond Richardson. A milestone truly deserving of reflection. The dancers demonstrated an extraordinary level of skill and artistry, captivating the audience with their […]
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