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Lake Forest Theatre’s ‘The Secret Garden’ Is In Bloom

The Lake Forest Theatre’s new show The Secret Garden is the inaugural production for both this company as well as their newly renovated space (in the Nancy Hughes Theater in downtown Lake Forest.) With a new company and a new space comes a huge responsibility of starting off on the right foot and choosing the…

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Goodman Theatre’s ‘The Sign In Sidney Brustein’s Window’ Is A Piece Of Work

The Goodman Theatre’s new show The Sign In Sidney Brustein’s Window is not only their new production, but the centerpiece of a citywide celebration for Lorraine Hansberry. The playwright – famous for A Raisin In The Sun – was able to see Sign premiere on Broadway three months before her untimely death at age 34….

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Chicago Dramatists Theatre’s ‘American Beauty Shop’ Is A Win

When I go to the theatre, I want to feel. I want to laugh, to cry, be moved, be angry – I want to feel. With the World Premiere of American Beauty Shop currently playing at the Chicago Dramatists Theatre, there is one thing that I can assure you of. You will feel. Written by…

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Marriott Theatre’s ‘Evita’ Is A Solid Tour To Argentina

The Marriott Theatre’s new production of Evita will remind you of the great artistry that can be created by two musical geniuses like Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. This is the story of Eva Peron, the fierce, driven and manipulative young woman (which was in itself a huge obstacle at that time) who changed…

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Goodman Theatre’s ‘The Matchmaker’ Delivers Laughs And Chuckles

Hello, Dolly! is often the first thing that people think of when hearing of Thorton Wilder’s comedy The Matchmaker. And while the Goodman’s production of The Matchmaker is entertaining, the acting entrancing and the costumes rich with flavor, the piece is sometimes lacking the same charm as the musical. The Matchmaker is a story about…

Marriott Theatre’s ‘Cinderella… After the Ball’ Leads To The Real Happily Ever After

The Marriott Theatre’s World Premiere children’s production of Cinderella… After the Ball is a lively escapade for young and old alike. This musical tale is the story of what happens to Cinderella, her prince and her friends after the marriage proposal. Do they live happily ever after? And what does happily ever after really mean?…

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Goodman Theatre’s ‘Another Word For Beauty’ Hits And Misses

As the Goodman Theatre curtain rises in the Albert, the audience meets Ciliana, the narrator of Another Word For Beauty. She is older; she is spunky; she makes you laugh. And so it goes for a few minutes – until you aren’t sure what you are watching. Another Word For Beauty is a slice of…

Marriott Theatre’s “Spring Awakening” Is A Phenomenon

I have a personal code when it comes to standing ovations. I believe that standing ovations have become the norm and that shouldn’t be the case. You give a standing ovation when you cannot contain yourself in your seat. When you have connected so much with a show that you literally have to leap up…

Drury Lane Theatre’s “White Christmas” Is A Blast From The Past

Drury Lane Theatre’s “White Christmas” Is A Blast From The Past

It’s time to take a trip this holiday season – back to 1954 to be exact. Drury Lane’s production of White Christmas is like visiting a moment in time that some of us have never experienced and some remember fondly. Where hair was groomed perfectly, dresses floated on air and pinups were voluptuous. Where watching…