What's happening on the arts scene – on stage, in museums and at fairs and festivals
4 stars Going to Marriott Theatre for “Million Dollar Quartet” is like going to an amazing concert. Some of the story-line is there on how and why future pianist extraordinaire Jerry Lee Lewis, the already famous Elvis Presley, the growingly popular Johnny Cash and the originator of “Blue Suede Shoes,” singer Carl Perkins, had all … Continue reading “A million dollar evening’s worth”
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Go to Paramount Theatre’s ‘Million Dollar Quartet’ if you love Johnny Cash. Go if you appreciate really good boogie piano. Or go if you are interested in the Sam Phillip’s Sun Studio’s handling of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis. It’s nice to have the show back in the … Continue reading “A million dollar group jams at Paramount”
(Kieran Mcabe, Jed Fedder and Shaun Whitley) 4 Stars After seeing “Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story,” an extraordinary musical production that opened at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, June 28, it’s hard not to think of Don Mclean’s version of ” American Pie” (see Rolling Stones and the “Day the Music Died) . Of course, … Continue reading “Marriott keeps the music alive”
3 1/2 stars Director Scott Weinstein has chosen a cast that works together beautifully in Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey’s hit musical, “Grease,” a two-hour snapshot of late 1950’s Chicago-area (William Howard Taft High School) teenagers dealing with peer pressure, physical attraction and values. Named after youth who called themselves greasers, the musical looks … Continue reading “‘Grease’ returns to the not so golden high school days”
Did you have a favorite show seen this season, that’s season defined by the Equity Jeff Awards eligibility rules as Aug. 1 to July 31. If it was a touring production presented by Broadway in Chicago it can make this publication, Chicago Theater and Arts,’ top ten list but it wouldn’t have been eligible … Continue reading “Jeff Awards nominations are announced”
Go as a couple or go as friends but just do something appealing. Either way works if you want to share good food or a really nice experience. Our three suggestions combine food with a fun evening. Dinner and a Show Three Embers, Lincolnshire Marriott’s upscale restaurant has a Valentine’s Day Dinner … Continue reading “Three Valentine’s Day ideas”
Some very fine performances and productions were honored at the 50th anniversary of the Jeff Awards Oct. 22 at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. As an example, American Blues Theater’s “Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story” received the most awards: Production – Musical -Midsize, Director Lili-Anne Brown, Principal Performer in a Musical Zachary Stevenson, Music … Continue reading “Thoughts on the Jeff Awards”
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Chicago audiences may remember how in “Million Dollar Quartet,” a musical about an historic moment in recording history, Elvis Presley was unhappy with his agent and RCA Victor. He wanted to be back in the understanding arms of Sun Records’ Sam Phillips. We don’t see everything that led up to that notable time, … Continue reading “Elvis is back”
RECOMMENDED Maybe audiences watching the deeply felt new mother issues playing out at Northlight Theatre’s “Cry It Out” remember when, about a decade ago, such child-parent support concerns as maternity/paternity leave and day-care availability were in the news. Companies even were rated as best to work for regarding those benefits. Those worries are potently brought … Continue reading “Metzler play spotlights new mom struggles”
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Refresh your memory. How rock ‘n roll was changed by the guy with the big glasses from Lubbock, Texas is worth the trip back in time when taken there by the American Blues Theater’s “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story.” “Buddy” tells the tale of singer/songwriter Buddy Holly and the Crickets through an … Continue reading “The Buddy Holly Story – How Rock Got Rollin’”