Inside PIPPIN: Filling the Space with Brenda Didier
Choreographer Brenda Didier talks spacial awareness, as she glides PIPPIN in Mercury’s new 65-seat Venus Cabaret.
Review: PIPPIN at Mercury Theater’s Venus Cabaret
There are many aspects to admire about PIPPIN, in the pursuit of an extraordinary life, currently on display at Mercury Theater’s Venus Cabaret space.
Review: HAIR at Mercury Theater Chicago
Brenda Didier’s production hits the bullseye, with musical arrangement by Eugene Dizon that takes advantage of the superhuman voices of the ensemble to create a blend of intimate vibrating harmonies and face-melting belts.
MARY POPPINS Sparkles on Southport
In the Mercury’s production, Walter Stearns directs the cast at a speedy pace but also creates moments of real connection and humor. Brenda Didier’s fantastic choreography sparkles, especially in the show-stopping “Step in Time” and energetic “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”
Chicago Heavy Hitters Join Theater Wit’s 10 OUT OF 12 Team
Martha Lavey, John Mahoney, Barbara Robertson and Peter Sagal will voice key pre-recorded roles. Lavey will voice the lighting designer, Robertson will voice the costume designer, and Mahoney will play backstage crew person #3. Peter Sagal will portray the sound designer.
Women Rule Porchlight’s IN THE HEIGHTS
Porchlight Music Theatre’s timely production of the 2008 Tony Award-winning musical IN THE HEIGHTS offers audiences the chance to experience this earlier work by HAMILTON creator Lin-Manuel Miranda (with book by Quiara Alegría Hudes) in a fittingly intimate setting.
Porchlight Revisits CHESS Can Handily Declare Checkmate
For musical theater die-hards (like myself), Porchlight Music Theatre’s concert reading of CHESS—a three-night-only engagement as part of the Porchlight Revisits series—is simply delightful.
Porchlight’s Memorable DREAMGIRLS Will Never Leave You
In Donica Lynn, Porchlight’s DREAMGIRLS has certainly found its own star. Lynn sings the hell out of the famous Act One showstopper “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.”