50 Years Later, ALVIN AILEY Continues to Explore the African American Experience

50 Years Later, ALVIN AILEY Continues to Explore the African American Experience

For more than 50 years Alvin Ailey has provided a platform for African American dancers to tell our stories and experiences that encapsulate the tumultuous battles and jubilant moments that life presents.

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Telenovela Comes to Life in DESTINY OF DESIRE

Telenovela Comes to Life in DESTINY OF DESIRE

Pictured: Ruth Livier, Ricardo Gutierrez, and Evelina Fernandez. Photo by Liz Lauren.  Review: DESTINY OF DESIRE at Goodman Theatre By Jonald Jude Reyes When you enter the Goodman’s Albert Theatre for DESTINY OF DESIRE, music greets you from a piano onstage. As other audience members begin to trickle in, actors appear...

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CIRCUS 1903 Brings the Golden Age of the Circus to Life

CIRCUS 1903 Brings the Golden Age of the Circus to Life

PIctured: Hammer Guys Photo credit: Mark Turner. Review: Circus 1903: the golden age of circus at The Oriental Theatre By Tonika Todorova When I was a kid, my grandfather took me to the circus every year. It was our thing. We always sat in the front row and ate cotton candy,...

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Interrobang’s FALLING Explores Themes of Unconditional Love and Surrender

Interrobang’s FALLING Explores Themes of Unconditional Love and Surrender

James Yost puts together all the puzzle pieces and under his direction this ensemble provides performances so plausible that I experienced being an interloper in the Martin family’s modest living room while feeling all their feels.

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THE HARD PROBLEM Explores the Nature of Existence and Consciousness

THE HARD PROBLEM Explores the Nature of Existence and Consciousness

Early in THE HARD PROBLEM, an adorable couple in bed, bathing in a post-coital glow, begins to discuss what other intellectuals might at such a giddy time: the brain, neurobiology, and the nature of consciousness. This juxtaposition of the fluidity of feelings and the absolution of the scientific method sets the tone for the rest of the play.

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THE KID THING Is an Invitation Worth RSVPing “Yes” To

THE KID THING Is an Invitation Worth RSVPing “Yes” To

The environmental and emotional intimacy of THE KID THING impacts the audience as we journey the ridges of these characters’ loops and lines.

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Sideshow’s TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION Asks Hard Questions

Sideshow’s TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION Asks Hard Questions

Perhaps it’s just art naturally reflecting reality, but in the short time since the election, there seems to be a refreshing and exciting move in Chicago theater towards work that expects an audience to think.

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At SPAMILTON, The Laughs Are Non-Stop

At SPAMILTON, The Laughs Are Non-Stop

Just as the ensemble laments that they want to be in “The Film When It Happens” so too should musical theater lovers and devoted “Hamilfans” want to be in the room where SPAMILTON happens. Click. Boom.

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THE MOST HAPPY FELLA Is a Celebration of Life

THE MOST HAPPY FELLA Is a Celebration of Life

Ah, Napa. What a place to be this month when it feels like the whole city is itching for a vacation. Luckily, if you go on over to the No Exit Café, you can easily take a two and a half hour trip with Theo Ubique’s THE MOST HAPPY FELLA.

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Packed with Talent, Kokandy’s THE WIZ Blows the Roof Off

Packed with Talent, Kokandy’s THE WIZ Blows the Roof Off

On a full moon night in Chicago, Kokandy Productions showed how brazen and talented their artists are as they blew the roof off Theater Wit with their revival of THE WIZ.

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