Facility Theatre presents thought-provoking 'Action At A Distance' - By Eloise Marie Valadez
'Action At A Distance' || An innovative theatrical work recently starred on stage at Facility Theatre in Chicago.
'Action At A Distance' || An innovative theatrical work recently starred on stage at Facility Theatre in Chicago.
**** Recommended A 17-year-old girl with an absent father rebelling against her controlling mother is not a new story. What makes "Hell’s Kitchen" different is the music and Alicia Keys! Not actually Alicia Keys, but you couldn’t prove it by the screaming fans in the audience. I would give an A++++ on the voices & music, the choreography too, but just a B- on the story but nobody cared because – Alicia Keys! 4 Spotlights
While all the productions Citadel Theatre puts on are terrific, I really hesitated to review this one. Another happy on-stage holiday story…ho hum! And it has nothing to do with the fact that I am Jewish! But…it is my job, so I reluctantly attended the preopening of “Miracle on South Division Street.” And… am I glad I did!
**** Highly Recommended I loved Writers Theatre’s production of "As You Like It," one of Shakespeare’s more complicated comedies. This delightful show was just what I needed! Shakespeare’s words and music are a natural fit in this enjoyable new adaptation by Shaina Taub and Laurie Wooolery. Kudos to Director Braden Abraham, Music Director Michael Mahler and Choreographer Erin Kilmurray, for bringing a new twist on an old favorite. Get your tickets for this terrific holiday show ASAP! 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Recommended I’d heard of Chicago Repertory Ballet, but I’ve never seen anything of theirs, so I was delighted to get an invitation to see "The Capulets" at the Ruth Page Center. "The Capulets" is a fascinating riff on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, a story ballet focusing on Juliet’s parents. The choreography was sensual, evocative and athletic. The execution was flawless, especially the swordplay! 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended The uber-talented Leslie Goddard returned to Theatre at the Center for another of her one-woman shows, "The Life and Legend of Lizzie Borden." Yes, indeed, it was Lizzie Borden herself, telling her story. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended The Towle Theater’s production of "Little Shop of Horrors" wowed northwest Indiana audiences for just two short weekends. What a shame! Although their space is tiny for a show of this size, they made it work using minimal props and scenery. I really enjoyed this one. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended After the opening performance of "Paranormal Activity" at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, a group of us were talking about the performance, which we had enjoyed. Somebody said that it had been way too long since we’d seen a good suspense-filled play – maybe since "Wait until Dark." At any rate, if you love shows about things that go bump in the night, you’ll love this one. 4 Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended Why revive "Sound of Music" for a national tour? Simply put – it’s one of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s classic musicals, it’s family friendly, the love story is timeless and it’s the 65th anniversary of "The Sound of Music" on stage. This production is enchanting. 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended The Q Brothers Collective – GQ, JQ, Jax and Pos – are back at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre with their unique take on Julius Caesar. "Rome Sweet Rome" is fresh, cheeky, fun and very original. Loved it! 4 Spotlights