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Oil Lamp Has Great Water Under “Abridged”
By Teresa Hellmann with Wes Hessel Oil Lamp Theater, in the charming town of Glenview, treated us to a delightful, fast-paced play, “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)”. Elizabeth Rentfro began the fast and furious farce with quick wit banter, preparing us for a fun show. She displayed a book – not a tablet, […]
Drury Lane Gives a “Beautiful” Start to the New Year
By Catherine Rees-Hessel Drury Lane Theater in Oakbrook Terrace starts 2025 with “Beautiful: the Carole King Musical”. This delightful show chronicles this incredible lady’s life and musical career from age sixteen, spanning through decades of some of the best popular music ever written. Once again, Drury Lane brings us excellence in musical theater; the acting […]
Theater is for Everyone
By Catherine Rees-Hessel Chicago Theatre Week 2025, a partnership of the League of Chicago Theatres and Choose Chicago in its 13th year, kicked off at the Black Ensemble Theater Monday, February 3rd. Speakers included BET’s own Producing Managing Director Darryl Brooks and Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. Although not present, Chicago Mayor Johnson and Governor Pritzker […]
“The Heart Sellers” is Heartfelt
By Catherine Rees-Hessel “The Heart Sellers” at Northlight Theater absolutely stole my heart – it is thoroughly delightful and empowering. This poignant comedic drama is set in the 70’s, with a realistic set and costumes, including two matching winter coats from Kmart. The play is a two woman one act featuring a pair of very […]
“Avaaz” Lights Up the Stage at Chicago Shakes
By Catherine Rees-Hessel Chicago Shakespeare’s stellar production of “Avazz” is an absolute winner – it shines with the brightness we have come to expect from this world class theater. The moment you enter the venue the excitement builds. The set is stunning, with crystal chandeliers, lovely vases, candles, and a beautiful pink curtain backdrop. Three […]
“Black Panther” Beats with Wakandan Life
By Nick Nicholas with Wes Hessel “Marvel Studio’s Black Panther in Concert” at the Auditorium Theatre was an experience which will never be forgotten, just as we will never forego the heroes in the comics we as children enjoyed that took us to fantasy places made real. The Chicago Philharmonic, along with Senegalese talking drum […]
Happy 50th, Marriott Theatre
By Wes Hessel & Catherine Rees-Hessel The 2025 season at Lincolnshire’s Marriott Theatre marks their fiftieth anniversary of excellence in musical theater in the round. This Chicagoland institution will feature a magnificent array of productions, opening with the Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber classic “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” in February; after Joe “Go, Go, […]
“JaJa’s…” is the Finest Weave
By Sydney Milligan with Wes Hessel Tony-nominated first-generation Ghanian-American playwright Jocelyn Bioh’s “JaJa’s African Hair Braiding” is a laugh-out-loud comedy centering around Black women, sisterhood, and the sacred space of the hair salon that provides a stirring commentary on immigration. Ms. Bioh’s writing is exceptional, her humor is superb; she brings this world and these […]
“The Smuggler” Sneaks Up on You in a Good Way
“The Smuggler” is an award-winning one-man show by playwright Ronán Noone, currently performing at the Jackalope Theatre in a tour de force brilliantly acted thought by thought, verse by verse, with impeccable timing and precision by Jackalope’s co-founding member, actor Andrew Burden Swanson. It wouldn’t be possible without the brilliant director Gus Menary who brought […]
“Too Hot To Handel” Preaches It
By Sydney Milligan with Wes Hessel “Too Hot To Handel” was in rare form at the landmark Auditorium Theatre. The show, which offers a most skillful and soulful jazz-gospel take on Handel’s “Messiah” oratorio, features a music ensemble comprised of guest artists from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra – including 5 saxophonists, 3 french horn players, […]
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