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“Blue” at Lyric – Life, Loss, Lament
By Flo Mano with Wes Hessel The area premiere of the intense “Blue” at the Civic Opera House demonstrates the wide range of emotion that can happen in a life together as a couple and bringing your child up in the modern day. A man in his youth who then begins his career, meets a […]
Everything’s Better Under the Sea at Drury Lane
By Cate Rees-Hessel Drury Lane’s stellar production of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” is simply magnificent; the entire cast is completely superb. Chicago favorite and the master of artful inflection, Sawyer Smith, in the role of Ursula, is first rate, giving a flawless performance that alone is worth the price of admission. Sultry and fabulous, Sawyer […]
Auditorium Philms ‘Dracula’ Scary Good
By Nick Nicholas with Wes Hessel Auditorium Theatre hosted the latest in the outstanding Auditorium Philms Concert Series, scaring up “Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’” for the ghost and goblins time of year. Playing the complete film with the musical score performed live by the Chicago Philharmonic, audiences were at the edge of their seats for the […]
“Figaro” In Mozart’s Great Classic Comic Opera
By Flo Mano with Wes Hessel “The Marriage of Figaro” opened at the Lyric Opera to a full house – not a surprise, since it’s one of Mozart’s most popular operas. Under the eye of well-seasoned director Barbara Gaines (founder and former artistic director of Chicago Shakespeare Theater), it is a very energetic, comedic farce […]
Regional Premier of “Disney’s Frozen” Excels
By Cate Rees-Hessel Paramount Theatre’s production of “Disney’s Frozen, the Broadway Musical” is absolutely magical. From the moment the audience enters the lobby, the Broadway level experience begins. The snack counter is serving up three signature drinks, there are Frozen souvenir cups, and the main hall has a beautiful Christmas tree decorated in white ornaments. […]
“Dog Man” has Bark
By Flo Mano with Cate Rees-Hessel The Studebaker Theater was filled with excited young people waiting to see their favorite graphic novel character come to life, and they were not disappointed. The actors gave amazing performances, with stellar vocals, and well-choreographed dance numbers. The cast kept the suspense alive with creative, colorful props and a […]
I’m Dreaming of a “White Christmas”
By Cate Rees-Hessel Marriott Theatre’s production of “White Christmas”, the musical based on the classic film, is absolutely spellbinding. From the moment you walk into the theater, you are surrounded by the beauty of the holiday season. The theater is transformed into a cozy red barn adorned with pretty wreaths. The costumes are exceptionally stunning, […]
“Little Shop” of Theater Excellence
By Cate Rees-Hessel Although I have seen quite a few excellent stage productions of “Little Shop of Horrors”, this theatrical work is the first “Music Theater Works” show I have experienced, and to say I am impressed is a gross understatement. I loved the fresh elements brought to the table in this well-known older classic, […]
Afrika Dance Troupe Steps it Up at Auditorium
By Flo Mano with Wes Hessel Step Afrika’s stirring show October 19th at the Auditorium Theatre was the Chicago premiere for a wonderful presentation of the “Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence”. The multi-part work is a meditation on the movement of African-Americans after the Civil War and beyond from the South in search of better […]
“Arts in the Dark” Parade Glows
By Cate Rees-Hessel with Wes Hessel The tenth annual “Arts in the Dark” parade drew a fabulously large crowd on an unseasonably warm day. State Street in downtown Chicago was the location of this fun celebration. Crowds were treated to a number of interesting community groups promoting performing arts from various neighborhoods. African, Hispanic, and […]
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