Recent Articles
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, […]
Pegasus Young Playwrights Finalists’ Works Soar
By Nick Nicholas with Wes Hessel Pegasus Theatre, housed at Chicago Dramatists, brought to fruition their 38th annual Young Playwrights Festival, a year long process where this arts group, in partnerships with teachers in creative writing classes, inspire, cultivate, and nurture young voices in penning new theater plays. The top three works chosen by the […]
BET Has Another Big “Hitt”
By Cate Rees-Hessel “Hitt Records” starts the 2025 season at Chicago’s stellar Black Ensemble Theater. Brilliantly written and directed by the talented Daryl Brooks, this production showcases two brothers and a nephew that run a vintage record store. Music history is front and center in the plot of this fun and upbeat musical. The set […]
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