Review: In ‘Frida … A Self Portrait’ at Writers Theatre, an actress strives to become the painter
Vanessa Severo's solo show about the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo is most effective when it's about Severo's own journey to assume the role.
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Review: The arguments in ‘Debate: Baldwin vs. Buckley’ are startlingly current today
On Feb. 18, 1965, the famed Cambridge Union at Britain's University of Cambridge held a debate between James Baldwin, the illustrious American author, orator and civil rights activist, and William...
Jack Helbig, a caustic critic with a deep love for teaching and Chicago theater, dies at 66
His short reviews in such publications as Newcity and the Chicago Reader could be withering, but only if he didn't like your show. If he did, he was your champion.
Review: In ‘The Heart Sellers’ at Northlight, newcomers compare notes on their adopted homeland
In playwright Lloyd Suh's comedy, two recent immigrants in 1973 share impressions of their strange and fascinating new country.
Review: In the intense ‘A Slow Air’ at Steep Theatre, a conversation between siblings is backgrounded by a terrorist act
Scottish playwright David Harrower ("Blackbird") is known for plays that get their power from a stark and simple exchange of words.
Review: Hugh Jackman’s warm ‘From New York, with Love’ has Broadway songs and a star wanting to share the spotlight
His show at Radio City Music Hall has songs from “The Greatest Showman" to an Olivia Newton-John hit, plus Jackman himself inviting others to share the stage.
Review: ‘Avaaz’ is a laugh-out-loud funny primer on Iran at Chicago Shakespeare
Michael Shayan's show, in which he plays his own mother as she celebrates the Iranian New Year, has much akin to stand-up comedy and I mean that as a compliment.
David Schwimmer says he is ‘doubling down’ on Lookingglass Theatre
The famous ensemble member will be back at his home theater on Monday for a ribbon-cutting, has joined the theater's board and says he hopes to direct and act on...
Review: Simply put, Handspring’s ‘Life & Times of Michael K’ raises the art form of puppetry
Adapted from the novel by J.M. Coetzee, this powerful and moving play tells the story of an ordinary Black man in South Africa.
Review: ‘Fat Ham’ at Goodman Theatre makes Hamlet’s struggles real, set at a backyard barbecue
Playwright James Ijames' Broadway play is now getting its first Chicago-based production with an ensemble cast.