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“Skates” Rolls Into Studebaker Theater By Anna Hessel with Wes Hessel

“Skates” Rolls Into Studebaker Theater By Anna Hessel with Wes Hessel

| June 23, 2022

“Skates” Rolls Into Studebaker Theater By Anna Hessel with Wes Hessel   The world premier of the brand new feel good, clean fun musical “Skates” by Christine Rea and Rick Briskin made its debut in the beautifully restored Studebaker Theater.  Let me start by saying I absolutely, positively, totally love this new ready for Broadway […]

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“Dreamer” Brings Message of Hope By Anna Hessel

“Dreamer” Brings Message of Hope By Anna Hessel

| June 21, 2022

“Dreamer” Brings Message of Hope By Anna Hessel   Ballet 5:8’s student production of the world premier, family friendly, “Dreamer” was certainly a blessing to anyone who watched it. This story of hope is a balm for weary souls in trying times- no matter what obstacles we face, God is in control to guide us […]

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Aretha, Risen By Sydney Milligan and Anna Hessel

Aretha, Risen By Sydney Milligan and Anna Hessel

| June 21, 2022

Aretha, Risen By Sydney Milligan and Anna Hessel   The Harris Theater at Grant Park was home to “Aretha Rising”, the Chicago Philharmonic’s salute to the legend Aretha Franklin.  Ms Franklin, who won a Grammy for her gospel album “Amazing Grace”, which includes a beautiful rendition of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”, was […]

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Joffrey Closes Season With A Classic By Sydney Milligan and Anna Hessel

Joffrey Closes Season With A Classic By Sydney Milligan and Anna Hessel

| June 14, 2022

Joffrey Closes Season With A Classic By Sydney Milligan and Anna Hessel   The world-renowned Joffrey Ballet closes this season with a stellar production of Don Quixote.  The scenic and lighting design by Jack Mehler is top notch and transports you right into Don Quixote’s 16th century Spain.  An amazing world of love, valor and […]

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“Two Trains Running” At Court By Anna Hessel

“Two Trains Running” At Court By Anna Hessel

| June 14, 2022

“Two Trains Running” At Court By Anna Hessel   Court Theatre’s exemplary production of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony nominated play “Two Trains Running”, set in my hometown of Pittsburgh, PA, circa 1969, showcases the genius of one of my favorite playwrights, August Wilson.  This is brilliantly directed by Court resident artist Ron “OJ” Parson […]

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“All’s Well” Indeed Is  By Wes Hessel

“All’s Well” Indeed Is By Wes Hessel

| May 12, 2022

“All’s Well” Indeed Is By Wes Hessel   ”All’s Well That Ends Well” by Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier is another great example of their excellent adaptations of the Bard’s work.  Chicago Shakes opted in this production for a minimalist stage, which gives emphasis to the intense acting going on out front.  A few […]

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“Quamino’s Map” Is Bound To The Right Things  By Sydney Milligan & Anna Hessel

“Quamino’s Map” Is Bound To The Right Things By Sydney Milligan & Anna Hessel

| May 3, 2022

“Quamino’s Map” Is Bound To The Right Things By Sydney Milligan & Anna Hessel   “Quamino’s Map” by Chicago Opera Theater is extremely well done.  The voices are strong and powerful, especially that of the soprano chorus, and tenor Juba Freeman, whose vocal prowess and flexibility are astounding.  There is also a striking violin solo. […]

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“Intimate Apparel” Wears It Well By Wes Hessel

“Intimate Apparel” Wears It Well By Wes Hessel

| May 3, 2022

“Intimate Apparel” Wears It Well By Wes Hessel   “Intimate Apparel”, as produced by the Northlight Theatre, is a soul-stirring, at times gut-wrenching, as well as humorous, play, following the life and work of Esther, which seems to be mostly the same thing.  Esther makes underpinnings for ladies in 1905 New York, whether they be […]

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May 2022 @ the Franklin Park Public Library

| April 16, 2022

Franklin Park Public Library District 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  10:00 AM – 9:00 […]

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April 2022 @ the Franklin Park Public Library

| April 16, 2022

Franklin Park Public Library District 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  10:00 AM – 9:00 […]

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