Tom Williams and critic Al Bresloff discuss "Honus and Me" and "The Men And Their Music".
Listen: MP3

On this new segment, Tom Williams and critic Beverly Friend discuss High School Musical playing at the LaSalle Bank Theatre and also Joe, The Musical.
Listen: MP3

An Ideal Husband is one of the finest comedy’s Circle Theatre has mounted to date. Circle Theatre proves that non-Equity theatre companies can deliver lavish and intelligent productions of classic works. This show is a major achievement.
Listen: MP3

These newcomers are a talented group whose strong acting aptly gets Mastrosimone’s play across in a scary scenario that could be out of tomorrow’s headlines. I hope LoudByte Productions finds an audience—they deserve one for this strong show.
Listen: MP3

Talley’s Folly is a surprisingly intelligent work that is a romantic comedy—a love story about two aging singles with secrets who doubt they’ll ever find a mate. Set in 1944 at the Talley’s boathouse in Lebanon, Missouri, Talley’s Folly is a funny, thoughtful and heartwarming romance.
Listen: MP3

Emily Schwartz has a penchant for writing wacky, macabre and hilarious plays that almost defy description. She has talent and a fresh voice that allows her to write zany plays filled with sick and dark humor. Her latest, Mr. Spacky…The Man Who Was Continuously Followed by Wolves is a “Macabre Murder-Muzical” that is a tuneful and delightfully inventive summer treat.
Listen: MP3

Shattered Globe Theatre, a fine Equity theatre troupe, has another ambitious and engaging play at Victory Gardens Greenhouse Theatre “Hyde in Hollywood.” Hyde is an ambitious work that features smart use of new film footage that moves the story along and is certainly for film nerds and those who enjoy well acted theatre.
Listen: MP3

Bailiwick Repertory's "Jerry Springer - The Opera" is a master work combining the highest and lowest forms of culture—opera and day time television. The result is a hilarious, raunchy opera that becomes a high energy, well sung spoof of Jerry Springer. The show will quickly reach cult status. See this hit show that will sparkle throughout the summer.
Listen: MP3

"Arcadia" is Tom Stoppard’s whimsical masterpiece that is part comedy of manners, part scientific mystery, and part romantic drama. Court Theatre's thrilling production is so fast paced and marvelously acted that you'll have to get to Court Theatre to see why they are among the best theatre companies in Chicago.
Listen: MP3

Victory Gardens Theatre mounts a strong, beautifully written anti-apartheid play by South African playwright, Athol Fugard. Fugard has penned a masterwork filled with rich characters that play out tragically flawed but truthfully real people put into situations beyond their control. This is a brilliant show filled with powerful performances that will move you deeply.
Listen: MP3

Porchlight Music Theatre Chicago’s Ragtime is their finest work since their magnificent Sweeney Todd. Kudos to Porchlight Music Theatre for this triumph. Come and rediscover the epic saga of America and bring your teens so they can discover wonderful musical theatre. Porchlight’s Ragtime will move you with its stunning heart and honest emotional core. This is musical theatre at its finest.
Listen: MP3

Next Theatre has mounted British playwright Bryony Lavery’s Tony nominated drama, Frozen. This intelligent work contains an emotional rollercoaster filled with humanity, courage and compassion. See this terrific play.
Listen: MP3

Writers’ Theatre in Glencoe has mounted a movingly powerful Holocaust survivors’ story in The Puppetmaster of Lodz. The show is a beautifully written and patiently paced drama that delicately tells Finkelbaum’s passionate story. We are forever moved by this experience. Don’t miss this fabulous show.
Listen: MP3

Playwright Tony Fiorentino delivers a nicely written drama, Fraternal Instinct, that gives a fresh look at family dynamics.This psychologically complex story demonstrates how revenge can consume one into a drowning struggle that ultimately leads to self destructive behavior. Catch this riveting play.
Listen: MP3

Director William Brown’s imaginative concept of putting Oliver Goldsmith’s classic "She Stoops to Conquer" in the American Wild West in 1890. With a top Equity cast this production is a polished and delightful evening of theatre. This show is fun!
Listen: MP3

David Lindsay-Abaire’s wonderful play "Rabbit Hole", which makes its midwest premiere at The Goodman Theatre, is his finest work to date. It is a moving and sad work filled with complex characters trying to forgive themselves and each other for an event that couldn’t control. You’ll feel good about the power of the human spirit after seeing this production.
Listen: MP3

Equus, at The Actors Workshop Theatre, is a glowing example of “storefront theatre” at its zenith. This production unfolds as one of most chilling and breathtakingly powerful dramas seen on a Chicago stage in years!
Listen: MP3

Remy Bumppo think theatre, a Chicago treasure of excellent theatre, has mounted a flawless production of George Bernard Shaw’s social commentary on women’s role in society and the hypocrisy of Victorian England.
Listen: MP3

Signal Ensemble Theatre's latest, The Weir, is a beautifully written Irish drama by Conor McPherson that features some of the finest ensemble performances seen on stage in quite awhile. This play will make you feel good to be a part of human race as you share the basic goodness of people. And also, who doesn’t like a thrilling Irish ghost story?
Listen: MP3

James E. Grote and Lifeline Theatre have mounted an impressive production of Daniel Mason’s novel, The Piano Tuner. Scenic designer Alan Donahue together with Joshua Horvath’s sound design and Kevin D. Gawley’s lighting made The Piano Tuner into a sprawling saga of one man’s journey toward enlightenment and self-fulfillment.
Listen: MP3

Theatre at the Center’s production has a stellar cast of old-time Candlelight Dinner Playhouse actors who offer an emotional show that delivers the ironic Jewish humor and the pain of living in a rural village. "Fiddler on the Roof" is quite true to the original as it lets the material shine.
Listen: MP3

American Theater Company’s Damon Kiely has reinvented the old chestnut, Oklahoma from a slick Broadway show into a gritty, no fringe, and folksy chamber piece. Come and rediscover Oklahoma—the people’s folk operetta. You’ll be glad you did—and—you’ll still leave the theater humming the melodies.
Listen: MP3

Shattered Globe Theatre presents Arthur Miller’s 1969 tragic-comedy, The Price. This relatively unheralded gem is another powerful Miller family drama about the shattered American dream and the effects of economic woes on family dynamics. The Price is one of the finest acted plays seen on a Chicago stage.
Listen: MP3

The non-for-profit New York theatre company, Roundabout Theatre, presents a national tour of the classic court room drama, Twelve Angry Men. It is a timely, riveting drama with a veteran cast that will get you thinking about your preconceptions and stereotypes.
Listen: MP3

The House Theatre of Chicago has advanced their theatre craft with a most engaging and intelligent new fable. This smart, well crafted show may be the finest work The House has mounted to date as their ensemble gives new meaning to daring collaborative efforts. The Sparrow truly soars!
Listen: MP3

Uma Productions' outstanding production of Irish master playwright Brian Friel’s Faith Healer is a flawless work. Under Mikhael Tara Garver’s tight direction, this production of Faith Healer astonishes us with its emotional wallop.
Listen: MP3

The play is a masterpiece of writing by John Patrick Shanley and Cherry Jones performs a tour de force. This is one of the finest plays of the last decade. Don’t miss this gem.
Listen: MP3

Chicago Shakespeare Theater has completed a new, epic musical that soars as an artistic achievement of the first order! See this spectacle now before it becomes a smash on Broadway. Kudos to Chicago Shakespeare Theater for developing this gem, 2007 is off to a fine start.
Listen: MP3

The Hypocrites have mounted a powerfully wrenching production of Tennessee Williams’ 1955 Cat On A Hot Tin Roof. They once again offer an engaging show that will amaze you with its intensity.
Listen: MP3

The All Night Strut! has emerged as the most expensive show ever at Marriott Theatre. It is also one of the finest shows they have ever mounted! It is a fabulous, eye-popping, toe-tapping, well sung burst of energy!
Listen: MP3

The Snow Queen combines a varied score of folk songs with amazing visual design and exquisite puppets and comes up with a sweet refreshing new musical. This is enchanting theatre that charms us all.
Listen: MP3

Return of Congo Square's critically-acclaimed production which is an annual holiday tradition in many cities. Musical is a testament to the power of gospel music, telling the story of the Nativity through a combination of African American scripture, poetry, dance and song.
Listen: MP3

Goodman Theatre once more sets the standard for holiday fare with their magnificent production of the Dickens’ classic. If your wondering which holiday shows to see, definitely pencil in A Christmas Carol—it simply is the premiere holiday show in Chicago—that’s why it has lasted 29 years!
Listen: MP3

"Meet Me in St. Louis" is a joy to behold. Circle Theatre’s production is pleasant, tuneful with ambitious dances that give the musical zestful energy. This show is for families and works as a nice holiday treat.
Listen: MP3

Rebecca Gilman's smash hit thriller focuses on a successful single New York reporter who seems to be failing at the dating game. Her world slowly begins to turn upside down when a blind date's persistence turns into obsession.
Listen: MP3

Stephen Schwartz's tuneful pop-flavored Broadway hit is now playing at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts Oriental Theatre. The lavish sets, costumes and special effects are truly spectacular and enhance an enchanting source subject. You'll be hard pressed to see your entertainment dollar better spent on a Chicago stage.
Listen: MP3

Stephen Sondheim groupies and theatre fans will enjoy this revue of early Sondheim tunes at the No Exit Cafe. The sassy, witty and often biting lyrics are delivered with style and verve in this intimate, cabaret style setting. This is terrific date night fare.
Listen: MP3

Black Ensemble Theatre has mounted a fabulous new revue at the Black Orchid nightclub, an energetic, stirring toe-tapping tribute to the sixties soul singers. It is heartwarming to see teens paying homage to the wonderful talents of the classic era. Sixties soul never sounded better!
Listen: MP3

Raven Theatre has the chutzpah to tackle the toughest shows that most theatre companies stay far away from. This stunning work shakes up audiences every time its performed. American Buffalo is a major triumph. Don’t miss this timeless classic.
Listen: MP3

Profiles Theatre "FAT PIG" by Neil LaBute offers a snapshot of the influence of a person’s weight on relationships. This important contemporary play is a smart, telling drama that is a powerful and realistic look at discrimination in our body conscious society.
Listen: MP3

American Theater Company’s "The Dark at the Top of the Stairs" by William Inge is a gem of a play. This brilliant production smoothly engages us from the start and never lets us go. This is among the finest shows of the season, don’t miss it.
Listen: MP3

Gore Vidal's "The Best Man" is another tight exquisite Remy Bumppo Think Theatre production. Vidal’s play offers a cautionary tale on the nature of the human quest for power. This is one of the finest political plays and one of the best productions of the year.
Listen: MP3

Director David Cromer’s tight and emotionally wrenching production is a showcase for some immense talents. Shattered Globe Theatre once more demonstrates why they are one of Chicago’s finest Equity theatre companies. This is a terrific play.
Listen: MP3

One Theatre Company's "Lend me a Tenor" is a fun show that quickly engages us and takes us on a hilarious ride through old-time comedy. This rib-tickling comedy by Ken Ludwig is guaranteed to have audiences teary-eyed from laughing.
Listen: MP3

Long Day’s Journey Into Night is a major achievement for The Gift Theatre Company. Eugene O’Neill would tip his hat to this production, it’s that good. It's a wonderful evening complete with beautiful language played marvelously in an intimate setting.
Listen: MP3

Timeline Theatre's "The General From America" sheds some light on one of the least known events from the American Revolution as we see how Benedict Arnold can make such an uncharacteristic decision to betray his country. This is first class theatre.
Listen: MP3

The newly formed RiMeChi Theatre Company tackles the terse, physically and emotionally draining play "Orphans". This is a black comedy fable with heart as we see the three lost souls struggling like the Dead End Kids to survive. "Orphans" is wonderfully acted and is an emotionally wrenching piece.
Listen: MP3

Leaving Iowa, playing at the Royal George Theatre, is a worthy nostalgic ode to the good-hearted, patriotic average American small town father bent on getting his daughter and son to enjoy the yearly road trip in their station wagon.
Listen: MP3

The initial offering from the University of Chicago grads who founded The Broken Compass is based on the company’s mission statement: “most exciting art arises from a process of continual experimentation. No preconceptions or pre-formulations…”
Listen: MP3

Red Jacket Theatre has a worthy show full of deliciously physical action. Andrew Perez is a playwright with a new voice and an absurdist leading that promises to offer plays with intensity.
Listen: MP3

Eclipse Theatre continues its season of ‘one playwright-one season’ with Rebecca Gilman’s controversial show. Kudos to Eclipse Theatre for mounting this cautionary look into the unspoken cancer of white liberal racism. Let the debate begin.
Listen: MP3

Kate Fodor delivers a gem with 100 Saints You Should Know at Steppenwolf Theatre. This is a powerful, moving work that will haunt you long after the show ends. It is a Highly Recommended piece of marvelous theatre.
Listen: MP3

Cirque Du Soleil sure knows how to produce spectacular performance art event. This is a visually stunning show that will leave you impressed as you witness many of the finest artists in the world doing their specialties in amazing feats of heart-stopping skill. Corteo is a wonderful show that stretches circus into a theatrically engaging event.
Listen: MP3

The Theatre At the Center's latest show is pure Chicago, pure 1950’s Catholic school, and pure heartwarming crowd pleaser. This is a true classic Chicago style musical with a classic boy meets girl, boys falls in love, boy loses girl, boys wins girl back story. Realism and comedy are nicely presented without offending anyone in this surprisingly strong Broadway musical.
Listen: MP3

Bruce Norris and Steppenwolf Theatre in collaboration with director Anna D. Shapiro have produced another terrific and quirky play that is full of biting humor and dazzling characters in a provocative story that reveals the contradictions inherent in human response to a crisis.
Listen: MP3

The Artistic Home mounts another terrific ensemble piece with Romulus Linney’s Unchanging Love that is his American take on Chekhov’s “In the Hollow.” This is a compelling family saga where greed, cruelty and compassion clash with compassion and innocence.
Listen: MP3

The Goodman Theatre's "The Dreams of Sarah Breedlove" contains telling speeches that paint an emotional view of the struggles of Black women in the early 20th Century. This show is wonderful storytelling.
Listen: MP3

Trap Door Theatre specializes in avant guarde, experimental and obscure European plays that are an acquired taste. Their latest, "Request Programme", is unique theatre, so different, yet so psychological, that it speaks for the multitudes of lonely, lost souls. Less is, indeed, more.
Listen: MP3

The Water Coolers: An Office Musical at the Lakeshore Theater is a humorous, light-weight show filled with slickly polished scenes and tuneful songs that satirizes the trials, tribulations and joys of office work. Political correctness and obsession with Palm Pilots are highlighted but no cheap shots are taken in this family friendly show.
Listen: MP3

Movin’ Out is a feast for Billy Joel fans as well as for dance show enthusiasts. It isn’t a musical, it’s a jukebox danscial or a 21st Century ballet. Whatever you might call it, Movin’ Out is a breathtakingly exhilarating show with toe-tapping tunes and slick dynamic dancing. This show is fun.
Listen: MP3

M. Proust is a major triumph for Mary Zimmerman, for About Face Theatre and director Eric Rosen. This is a flawless, totally engaging and richly psychological explanation of the obsessive relationship between Celeste Albaret and Marcel Proust. It is a theatrical treat of the first order.
Listen: MP3

Black Ensemble offers one of their finest productions to date with Don’t Make Me Over (In Tribute to Dionne Warwick). Using her familiar formula that has a narrator, Ms. Divine tells Warwick’s story through short antidotes and summaries of her musical achievements that allows this tribute to shine through the songs.
Listen: MP3

The Actor’s Workshop Theatre's play showcases Martin McDonagh’s brash humor, rich language, and inventive storytelling in an emotionally realized production. This fast-paced show captivates audiences from the start and transforms us into the bleak world of rural Ireland.
Listen: MP3

Theo Ubique Theatre Company's production contains clever, bouncy tunes and funny situations to please those who enjoy vintage Broadway musicals. This play contains so many energetic and enjoyable moments that it makes this rarely produced show worth catching.
Listen: MP3

Half and Half at the Victory Gardens Theatre is a smart telling comedy that is actually two interconnected one acts about married life. Set in a working kitchen the play covers one family living in the same Rogers Park house first in 1970, then in 2005.
Listen: MP3

Lifeline Theatre’s snappy adaptation contains the flavor and spirit of Dorothy Sayers’ novels. This enjoyable show keeps audiences wondering ‘who-dun-it’ with terrific ensemble work, impeccable British accents, and a marvelous set. Gaudy Night unfolds as a slick, polished, and refined production.
Listen: MP3

Bohemian Theatre Ensemble gives an ambitious production filled with wonderful singing, clever dancing and heartwarming characters. This show is a major summer hit! Side Show has a rich score with telling lyrics filled with many powerful ballads and entertaining songs.
Listen: MP3

The Good Thief by The Gift Theatre is part truth, part Irish blarney with gobs of subtle Irish humor and loads of truth thrown in. It's a tale of a crime gone terribly wrong that leads to a near death experience and years of physical and emotional damage.
Listen: MP3

Henry IV, parts 1 and 2, is a major triumph for Barbara Gaines, for Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and for the talented Chicago cast. Artistically, the two-play cycle is a magnificent achievement showing the cooperation, reverence, and respect by the veteran actors for The Bard’s work.
Listen: MP3

Sweet Smell of Success, is a thoroughly smart and winning production that is now presented with a more consistent tone than ever before.Kudos to the creative team and cast at Circle Theatre for making this post-Broadway regional premiere a success that is truly entertaining.
Listen: MP3

No one adapts Charles Dickens’ novels as wonderful as Lookingglass Theatre company. Their present Dickens’ work "The Old Curiosity Shop" is a sensual triumph featuring exquisite lighting, sets, and costumes that propels us back to the Victorian England in the 1830’s.
Listen: MP3

Funeral Wedding (The Alvin Play) is a Victorian gothic style dark comedy that is a strange, intoxicatingly likable, and thoroughly entertaining show. It evokes the ever-appealing styles of Edward Gorey, Tim Burton and Charles Addams. Catch this little gem to discover excellent Chicago store front theatre at its best.
Listen: MP3

FIORELLO! adds to the luster of Timeline Theatre’s reputation as a marvelous chicago theatre troupe by mounting an exquisite production of an almost forgotten Broadway musical.
Listen: MP3

The Clean House at the Goodman Theatre unfolds as a fable-like treatment of modern American culture that is part comedy of manners, part surrealistic fantasy, and part humorous domestic relationships.
Listen: MP3

City Lit Theater, the jewel of Edgewater, specializes in "literature theatre including stage adaptations of literary material” with two one acts that are re-imagined as psychological dramas. Kudos to City Lit Theater for offering us such polished work. Once you see this fine show, you’ll go to the bookstore for more of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories.
Listen: MP3

The Theatre at the Center in Munster, IN should be proud of this energetic, finely crafted mounting of a truly great musical. Take a ride to see this gem and bring someone who has never seen this landmark show with you. It just may get them to appreciate the Broadway musical art from.
Listen: MP3

Monty Python's SPAMALOT is an in-your-face comedy sure to please everyone. The trip is a hilarious treat of a first class Broadway musical that everyone from teens to seniors will enjoy.
Listen: MP3

Provision Theater's The Spitfire Grill is an up lifting folk musical that is a well sung little folk operetta telling an inspiring story of redemption and the hopes and dreams of small town America.
Listen: MP3

The world premiere of playwright John Kolvenbach’s "Love Song" is a major achievement that combines rich, raw, rancorous humor. Steppenwolf’s "Love Song" is a sweet, gentle play that is a comedy chuck full of fantasy, romance featuring a memorable character or two.
Listen: MP3

Chicago has another “hot” musical that will leave everyone glowing. Drury Lane Water Tower Place holds a spelling bee eight times per week that is hilarious, charming, empathetic and pure fun. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is as near a perfect a musical comedy as one could imagine.
Listen: MP3

Angels in America: Perestroika, is a totally engrossing play chuck full of powerful themes presented in a highly stylized production that will stimulate thought, move you, and shake you up like few other plays can. This amazing journey will ultimately leave you with the hope that reconciliation will make America a better place.
Listen: MP3

Porchlight Music Theatre has assembled another gem of a musical with their marvelously sung The Secret Garden. This emotional and thoroughly haunting musical is a three hanky show that equals Porchlight’s highly acclaimed Sweeney Todd and once more demonstrates Walter Stearns’ deft directing talent.
Listen: MP3

Signal Ensemble's latest work is a stylish, sophisticated and pleasant production by Oliver Goldsmith. She Stoops to Conquer continues to the please audiences with its over-the-top quirky characterizations and plot twists.
Listen: MP3

Writers’ Theatre’s production aptly explains the difference between the Orthodox and the Hassidic traditions of Judaism in a first-class adaptation of Chaim Potok’s best selling novel. We learn about the Hassidic and the Modern Orthodox Jewish traditions, about the Talmud, the Gematriya and the Zionists.
Listen: MP3

Goodman Theatre's Romance is a courtroom drama gone crazy that ends up a farcical satirical tirade mocking the judicial system, judges, world politics, homosexuals, religious prejudice, ethnic hatred and, of course, lawyers.
Listen: MP3

Urinetown at the Mercury Theater is a fresh hilarious spoof of Brechtian ‘epic’ theater, of political theatre and a Weillian stretch of operatic from. The result is a fresh, original colorful surprising musical proving once again that almost any topic is grist for the mill of talented musical composers and lyricists.
Listen: MP3

Loose Knit is a smart, satirical comedy of manners. It is amazingly balanced and ultimately delivers a fresh perspective on personal fulfillment and the angst suffered by both men and women. Actor's Workshop Theatre's Loose Knit will leave you in stitches.
Listen: MP3

Dealer’s Choice is a brilliant script full of witty, wisecracking drama that relentlessly probes the tortured souls of its six very distinctive characters. Poker players, gamblers and those who love a well-acted, crisp, razor-sharp dialogue will cherish this show.
Listen: MP3

Chicago Dramatists has an outstanding world premiere that's complex, yet smoothly flowing; Playwright Lydia R. Diamond weaves three stories into a seamless drama that quickly hooks us and keeps us fully engaged.
Listen: MP3

Court Theatre’s take on the Tennessee Williams classic evokes the desperation and gloominess of the infamous family. It's an evocative look into the world of agony and longing while the riveting emotions build in this sad recollection.
Listen: MP3

The Clearing by Helen Edmundson that was inspired by the ethnic cleansing in Bosnia. With a nice assortment of traditional Irish folk music to set the mood on a fairytale set, Gift Theatre presents a romantic drama that is a balanced look at the revengeful practices of the English government toward the Irish after their defeat in the 1653.
Listen: MP3

Mamet’s ode to the theatre is a nostalgic passing of the mantel. The Goodman Theatre has an excellent piece to anchor the Mamet Festival which runs for the next seven weeks. This two-hander backstage comic drama has a marvelous set that reverses the stage where we see the makeup table, the kitchen and the wings with the stage, curtain and the stage lights facing us giving us a glimpse into the actors real world.
Listen: MP3

Theater WIT has an ode to vaudeville, chuck full of cornball humor, goofy sight gags, funny rhymes with old time soft-shoe dances. This delightful and hilarious trip along the vaudeville circuit is very enjoyable.
Listen: MP3

Profiles Theatre has mounted an intelligent, comical show set in the confines of an automobile. Neil LaBute’s latest work cleverly uses the front seat of a car as a platform for personal confessionals. This is a collection of six short plays is a voyeuristic peek into each couple’s lives as they travel towards their inevitable destinations.
Listen: MP3

Mary Arrchie Theatre Co presents a dark dramatic noir classic featuring five desperate, insane characters each struggling with their own demons. Killers, by John Olive, unfolds as a look back into the nasty world of 1950's pulp novels.
Listen: MP3

Trap Door Theatre's latest production is the Midwest Premiere of Polish playwright Janusz Glowacki. A surrealistic, dark comedy with hints of Chekhov that is fully farcical, bitingly satirical, and manically zany ... yet very satisfying.
Listen: MP3

Hypocrites Theatre in association with Bailiwick Repertory. This brilliant, complex, benumbing political drama is a true epic as it scales time, space while including three storylines with several dozen characters.
Listen: MP3

Prop Theatre aptly captures the real Mayor Richard J. Daley who was the last big city political boss (Mayor of Chicago 1955-76) who ran the last of the strong Democratic ‘machines’.
Listen: MP3

New Leaf Theatre creates a stylistic multi-media romantic comedy with a refreshingly different take on the classic ‘boy-meets girl’ show
Listen: MP3

Janus Theatre Company presents the powerful, heart-wrenching saga of the horrible hate crime against Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming in 1998
Listen: MP3

Thoroughly Modern Millie is a fun show full of outstanding dancing, energetic performances with lots of laughs. Considered as one of the lightest shows ever to win the Tony Award for Best Musical, Millie delights us with two and a half hours of songs, dances, and more laughs than anticipated.
Listen: MP3

Nina Simone: The High Priestess Speaks is a quality, musically rich show that captures the personality and the distinct style of the complex self-named ‘High Priestess,’ Nina Simone .
Listen: MP3

Apple Tree Theatre in Highland Park once more offers a cute choice, Charles Busch’s wacky boulevard comedy The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife. This terrific comedy is part NYC shtick with hints of Woody Allen and Neil Simon and part fable that delivers its smart humor through a host of eccentric characters.
Listen: MP3

Private Lives is a terrific production combining outstanding work from the four actors with intelligent direction by Alison C. Vesely with Noel Coward’s sophisticated wit, fluid language and smart, quirky plot.
Listen: MP3

Steep Theatre finds plays that champion “Everyman” theatre. Their latest find is a gem from the gifted British playwright, Jez Butterworth. The Night Heron is a hybrid work full of ambiguity as it is part religious allegory, part murder mystery, and part psychological drama.
Listen: MP3

Enchanting, charming, warm and pleasant describe the World Premiere of Loving Repeating now playing at the Museum of Contemporary Art in a co-production with About Face Theatre.
Listen: MP3

The Cradle Will Rock is a satire of the human frailty that leads some to sell out for money, power, prestige or a stint on a reality TV show. White Horse Theatre Company is emerging as a potent producer of musicals. This production showcases their vision as they magnificently nail this vintage musical.
Listen: MP3

The Theatre Building Chicago’s Stages program has nurtured many fledgling musicals over the last several decades and their latest offering contains the material about an African-American legendary entertainer. Josephine Tonight! is a showcase production well along its journey that could easily lead to a successful Broadway run.
Listen: MP3

Next Theatre sure lives up to their mission statement “devoted to socially provocative, artistically adventurous work” with influential British playwright Caryl Churchill’s new play, A Number. This chilling two-hander is destined to be one of the most talked about works of the year. It sure is one of the year’s best productions.
Listen: MP3

Teatro Vista Theatre With a View, the only Latino Equity theatre company in the Midwest, offers a treat for theatre patrons with Jorge Ignacio Cortinas’ Blind Mouth Singing now in a World Premiere at Chopin Theatre.
Listen: MP3

Once more Timeline Theatre proves that they mount excellent, thought-provoking theatre. Their latest, Guantanamo is a documentary style piece written from spoken interviews complete with photo slide show documentation by English writers Victoria Brittain and Gilliam Slovo focusing on five British citizens who spent 2 or more years detained and imprisoned by the United States military at Guantanamo, Cuba without due process of law.
Listen: MP3

Who says history can’t be fun? Not Lifeline Theatre. Company member John Hildreth has adapted the 1943 coming-of-age novel, Johnny Tremain, by historian Esther Forbes, into a pleasant, light-hearted tale of the American Revolution set in Boston from 1773 to 1776. Peopled by the likes of Paul Revere, Samuel Adams and John Hancock, Johnny Tremain (Geoff Button) is the fictional silversmith apprentice turned horse boy who helped the Sons of Liberty spy on the British military during the opening salvos of the American Revolution.
Listen: MP3

A review of the show Fences which is playing at the Court Theatre. The Court Theatre specializes is producing classic theatre and August Wilson's Fences qualifies as classic despite its 1985 vintage.
Listen: MP3

Director Rick Snyder and his design team have mounted a set that becomes a time-warp back into 1950’s with a roadside diner complete with the aromas of ham and eggs! Inge’s talent lies in his ability to create well-rounded small town common folks. Director Rick Snyder and Writers’ Theatre have cast a terrific ensemble each of whom land their characters with realism and depth.
Listen: MP3

A Review of Grace which is playing at the Northlight Theatre In Skokie. Written by Craig Wright (known for the HBO series Six Feet Under) the show attacks and questions religious fanaticism, blinding faith and the zealot’s penchant to attempt to convert everyone in their path to their religion.
Listen: MP3

A Review of A Red Orchid Theatre show The Sea Horse. The theatre finds quirky, obscure plays that necessitate strong actors and deft direction. Their latest gem, The Sea Horse, is a bawdy, battling and intoxicating two-hander. The realistic, detailed set depicts a raunchy, seamen’s bar in Southern California, The Sea Horse where hard drinking, hard fighting merchant sailors come to quench their thirsts. The only thing lacking with the set is the smell of stale beer.
Listen: MP3