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“East Texas Hot Links” Burns with Truth
By Cate Rees-Hessel “East Texas Hot Links”, the Pulitzer-nominated piece by Eugene Lee now playing at Court Theatre, is a riveting and serious drama, well executed, and fabulous. Moments of humor are effectively placed and appropriate. As we have come to expect of Court, the acting is sensational, each actor on the stage giving a […]
Mike Royko – the Legend, the Man, the Play
By Cate Rees-Hessel with Flo Mano Chopin Theatre presents “Royko: The Toughest Man in Chicago”, a one-man show written by and starring Mitchel Bisschop, and directed by Steve Scott. Eric Luchen’s set design includes video vignettes with images of the City of Big Shoulders, such as Billy Goat Tavern, the Cubs at Wrigley, and the […]
Be a Part of “The Audience” at Drury Lane
By Cate Rees-Hessel Drury Lane Theatre’s stellar production of “The Audience” is wholly fabulous. The set is elegant and charming, very realistic, with believable and well-placed props. An attractive on-stage screen facilitates some of the transformational costume changes by Her Majesty. Wigs are often switched to depict various eras, and there is never a hair […]
Full and Fabulous
By Cate Rees-Hessel The Oxford dictionary gives us the following definitions of “the full monty”: “The full cooked English breakfast” “The full amount expected, desired, or possible.” Or, as a British slang phrase of uncertain origin, “Everything which is necessary, appropriate, or possible; ‘the works’.” “Something that impresses you because it includes everything that you could […]
“1776” Excels at Marriott Theatre
By Cate Rees-Hessel Marriott Theatre’s production of 1776 is absolutely fabulous; I have had the pleasure of seeing this musical in the past, and Marriott’s version is the best I have seen. The set is understated, attractive, and realistic; completely period appropriate. Costumes, which have a realistically worn but high-quality look, are very well done, […]
“Lord of the Rings” – the Legend Becomes Electric
By Wes Hessel Two of the fantasy genre’s greatest authors were both at Oxford in the late 1920’s and good friends – C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien; Lewis is known for the seminal Narnia series, Tolkien for a book about a hobbit and the three volume sequel set which is known by that overarching title […]
“Peter and the Starcatcher” Alight With Fairy Dust and Farce
By Wes Hessel Watch Copley Theatre’s sensational production of “Peter and the Starcatcher”, and it’s easy to see why on Broadway the show won five Tonys out of nine nominations. Copley’s version is hilarious, heartwarming, and heartening – this prequel to the legend never grows up or old. For those who may not know, the story […]
“Beehive” is a Big Hit
By Cate Rees-Hessel Marriott Theater in Lincolnshire brings us another fabulous and upbeat production. “Beehive” is a salute to sixties music, all about empowering women, with its all female cast and honey of a band. The colorful, period appropriate costumes, including those beehive hairdos, and the whimsical set, complete with 1960’s memorabilia displayed in cubbies […]
“The Hot Wing King” Sizzles (only through July 21!)
By Cate Rees-Hessel Writers Theater’s production of the Pulitzer Prize winning drama “The Hot Wing King” is a fabulous adult show; relevant, heavy dramatic subject matter with moments of well-timed comedy. The all-male cast of characters is preparing for the Hot Wing festival in Memphis, while welcoming a somewhat troubled nephew into the fold. It’s […]
“Barbie” Movie in the Park Enjoyed By All
Schiller Park’s Recreation Department had a showing of the blockbuster “Barbie” this past Wednesday night in Stalica Park. Complementary glow sticks were handed out prior to showtime to the moviewatchers, and while the breeze made the lower temps a little cool, the acclaimed film delighted attendees young and young at heart.
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