Recent Articles
“Flying Lovers…” Has Wings
By Cate Rees-Hessel Northlight Theater’s production of “The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk” is experimental theater at its finest. This stirring production makes me very proud of my Jewish heritage. It tells the poignant story of renowned artist Marc Chagall and his beautiful wife Bella, played (and sung) perfectly by Jack Cahill-Lemme and Emma Rosenthal, respectively. […]
“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 […]
October 2024 @ the Franklin Park Library
We are located at 10311 Grand Avenue in Franklin Park, IL and offer a range of services and programs for children, teens and adults. Further information is available at www.fppld.org or by calling 847-455-6016. Unless otherwise noted, registration is required for ALL library programs. Hours of Service: Monday-Wednesday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday & […]
September 2024 @ the Franklin Park Library
We are located at 10311 Grand Avenue in Franklin Park, IL and offer a range of services and programs for children, teens and adults. Further information is available at www.fppld.org or by calling 847-455-6016. Unless otherwise noted, registration is required for ALL library programs. Hours of Service: Monday-Wednesday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday & […]
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 […]
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