An eclectic Chicago oriented podcast covering performing arts, neighborhood news, movies, books and business showcasing multicultural and age diverse people. We want to give you an idea of what we enjoy, and what we experience living in "The Windy City."
West Side Story presented at the North Shore Center for Performing Arts by Music Theater Works in Skokie, IL (Chicago suburb) is a recommended, enjoyable, solid production at a great venue with strong musical and dance performances all around. Listen to this podcast theater review by Reno Lovison to learn more about the history and intent of this now classic Bernstein and Sondheim production.
HAIR The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical - - is it a nostalgic romp or does it have relevance to a contemporary audience? Whether you intend to see this production or just want to know more about this historically pivotal musical I think you might find this theater review and commentary interesting and useful.
Have you ever heard the name or term Scaramouche ? Maybe you remember it in the bohemian rhapsody or maybe you’ve seen the 1952 film? This may not have the scale of many modern blockbusters and might seem a bit old-school to some but this world premiere musical by Kingsley Day is a well-conceived, well written production with a good balance of drama and humor that includes thoughtful and…
The challenge of Putting a Price on Loss . A widowed father is informed that his child has been killed during a protest, forcing him to consider whether a cash settlement can possibly soothe his grief – in the process, we witness how public institutions and policies, in an attempt to remain impartial, reduce tragedy to a transaction that ignores the emotional needs of individuals. The world…
Montrose Beach in Chicago was raised from landfill. Cricket Hill has a surprising origin story. The Dock was once a Cold War command center and the quiet bird sanctuary nearby grew out of land that once held radar towers and housed military personnel. Montrose Harbor is a reminder that places evolve, they carry layers of history — some visible, some buried, some forgotten — and all of them shape…
Set circa 1927 -- at the height of the Great Migration, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is rooted in personal trauma, systemic racism and economic exploitation. Ma Rainey is the leading artist of a struggling Chicago based blues label..Four of her backing musicians sitting in a rehearsal hall of the recording studio examine their lives while waiting for the prima donna to perform. In true blues tradition…
Journey to 1850s Dublin where faith, repression, and desire intersect. When a formerly enslaved African‑American woman and her companion arrive for a ten‑week stay, their presence disrupts the household’s carefully maintained façade. What follows is a revealing examination of integrity, sexual power, and the quiet bargains people make to reconcile their beliefs with their actions. This U.S.…
A thoughtful review of Itamar Moses’ The Ally at Theater Wit — a sharp, timely drama about identity, activism, and conflicting truths. This episode explores the play’s themes, performances, direction, and why one “good deed” spirals into chaos. Perfect for listeners interested in Chicago theater and contemporary social issues. #chicagotheaterreview #chicagotheater #israelpalestine
Blending spooky folklore with offbeat humor, White Rooster by Matthew C. Yee a world Premiere at Lookingglass Theatre is a haunting tale of grief, family and the messiness of moving on. Chicago Theater Review by Kim Campbell.
This campy, opera style, cabaret performance mostly in drag is oddly compelling. The unconventional storyline comprised of seven sexually ambiguous individuals has the show living up to its tagline of a queer extravaganza . Thompson Street Opera Company is worth keeping an eye on. Their recent premiere production of Off-Nights at the Sometimes Café at Bramble Arts Loft in Andersonville was a short…