Recent Articles
“yo ho” And Off They Go…
By Wes Hessel with Flo Mano Babes with Blades’ production of the unique “yo ho” makes for an interesting tale, based on a true story of Anne Bonny (Rachel Sleek-Banuelos) and Mary Read (Sierra Buffman), two famous female pirates disguised as men named Mark and Andy, respectively, in the 18th century, who served under Calico […]
It’s All About “Good People”
By Wes Hessel with Flo Mano 4 Chairs Theatre’s production of David Lindsay-Abaire’s “Good People” at Theater Wit, directed by Lauren Berman and dedicated to her mother, is a poignant story based in South Boston about Margie (Jodi Kingsley in a strong performance), a single mom with a special needs daughter that juggles to make […]
“New Yorker” Cartoonist and Former “Late Night” Writer Featured At July 24th’s “Hitch*Cocktails”
By Wes Hessel Between drawing for “The New Yorker” magazine and recording his comedy podcast “But Also” with fellow former writer for “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”, Michael Cruz Kayne, while preparing for his upcoming appearance Friday, July 24th, at the fully improvised Hitchcock-inspired thriller known as “Hitch*Cocktails”, Asher Perlman spent some time talking […]
Hop On Up To Share “A Year with Frog and Toad”
By Wes Hessel with Beth Tomas Marriott Theatre for Young Audience’s production of “A Year with Frog and Toad” is enjoyable, fun musical bringing the books of Arnold Lobel to the stage. It starts with a simple yet beautifully appointed set in this great theater in the round – very fairy story-like and child friendly. […]
“If Ever A Wiz There Was…”
By Wes Hessel with Fran Besyk There is nothing like the classics, and certainly the stage version of “The Wizard of Oz” is one of them. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre gives us their marvelous production, which brings back so many childhood memories for the grownups, and starts new memories for the kids who go to […]
Things Can Happen Out Where It’s “Deserted”
By Wes Hessel with Flo Mano “Deserted”, by Melanie Coffey, had its world premiere at Redtwist Theater, directed by Laura Strum. Entering the long narrow theater, I was struck by the old wooden house on planks, with an unhinged screen door and windows on each side, part of Eric Luchen’s interesting set design. Meandering by […]
“Men of Soul” Celebrates 50 Years of BET Excellence
By Cate Rees-Hessel Jackie Taylor’s Black Ensemble Theater celebrates 50 years of incredible original musical entertainment with a stellar production of “Men of Soul”. Darryl Brooks has again created an amazing collection of popular music that is upbeat and well, very soulful. The set is simply elegant, with well crafted lighting and wonderful projections. I […]
Raise a Glass at “The Last Word”
By Wes Hessel with Flo Mano “The Last Word” at iO Theater is the brainchild creation of writer Declan Grogan. A hilarious interactive stage reading “blended with craft cocktails”, themed around “Chartreuse”, a French Alpine liqueur. The actors are given the script at the table reading, not knowing which character(s) they play… The story begins […]
Relive “The Last Five Years”
By Cate Rees-Hessel & Wes Hessel Oil Lamp Theater’s production of “The Last Five Years” sheds some light on the progression (or in some elements, regression) in a longer-term relationship. They start with an innovative set highlighted by a beautiful painted floor, and movable screen pieces which at times are backlit for shadowed segments by […]
Theater Legend Bill Pullinsi Is Fondly Remembered
By Cate Rees-Hessel Chicago theater innovator Bill Pullinsi was beautifully memorialized at the Broadway Playhouse on June 29th. The event was hosted by his son Jaime, and featured numerous speakers delivering tributes, including David Perkovich, Chuck Cilona, David Pomatto, Dennis Conway, Diane Stillwell, Ernie Lane, Greg Kolack, Iris Lieberman, Julie Jackson, Larry Adams, Larry Wyatt, […]
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