A classic Western tale of loyalty and family, Shane makes its world premiere on stage, transporting audiences to 1889 Wyoming with rugged characters, a mysterious hero, and a young narrator who sees the adventure through very different eyes. Ever since the Western genre became popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s, it has been…
A one-of-a-kind theatrical experience that unfolds entirely in the moment, The Last Word combines improvisational storytelling, audience participation, and plenty of surprises with an unexpectedly moving story about how we choose to spend the time we have. I have always been a huge fan of improvisation. When I was in college, I was part of…
A loving send-up of a beloved musical, Vape! The Grease Parody takes the familiar world of Rydell High and gleefully pulls apart its characters, songs, and questionable choices to make an entertaining tale of its own. When it comes to Grease, I am among the people for whom the T-Birds and Pink Ladies are friends….
A sharp and deeply human comedy about class, friendship, and the choices we make to get by, Good People finds plenty of humor in difficult circumstances while gradually revealing the emotional weight beneath the surface. When I first came across this play, I began thinking – I have traveled quite a bit in my life,…
A bold and emotionally resonant a cappella musical, Octet blends breathtaking vocals, inventive staging, and surprising humor into an experience that feels wholly one-of-a-kind. I am a huge lover of Chicago theatre. And to be clear, I love them together and apart. I love theatre, but I also love Chicago, because we do things the…
A gleefully absurd new musical with razor-sharp comedy and an irresistible sense of fun, Iceboy! embraces theatrical nonsense with complete confidence, delivering one laugh-out-loud moment after another. If you know me well, you know that I am always up for a conversation about the changes and growth in musical theatre over the years. What went…
A quirky and imaginative comedy with an offbeat premise, moonwatchers pairs absurd humor with genuine warmth, creating an unpredictable and thoroughly entertaining ride. When I first watched the film The Martian, one musical scene stood out to me. On the space shuttle, the astronauts are each speaking to their families via video, and David Bowie’s…
An energetic look at the rise of a cultural icon, Heartbreak Hotel brings Elvis Presley’s story to life with standout performances, familiar historical moments, and a dynamic stage presence. I have to admit, I don’t know very much about Elvis Presley. He rose to fame before my time, so I know what most people know….
A character-driven and emotionally rich piece with moments of humor woven throughout, Kassandra at the Top of the World blends mythology and introspection to create an experience that feels both intimate and expansive. I have always been a huge fan of a Greek chorus. A small group of people sitting on the side of the…
