Reviews – Page 5 – Chicago Theater and Arts

‘Beehive’ brings a dizzying decade to Marriott Theatre

“Beehive: The 60s Musical” ( Photo by Liz Lauren)

Five Stars

With all the great music venues in Chicago who would have predicted that one of the best pop concerts this summer would be at Marriott Theatre in suburban Lincolnshire.

Happening under the guise of one feminine hair style fad, “Beehive: The 60’s musical,” celebrates the multi-culture and frequent social changes of a tumultuous decade.

And it does so with terrific vocalizations and instrumentals.

The show stars six exceptional singers: Emma Grace Bailey (Marriott Theatre: The Music Man; Metropolis PAC: A Christmas Carol); Grace Bobber (Marriott Theatre: The Sound of Music, Paramount Theatre: Into the Woods); Lucy Godinez (Marriott Theatre: Big Fish, American Repertory Theatre: Real Women Have Curves); Miciah Lathan (Marriott Theatre debut; Black Ensemble Theatre: The Other Cinderella; Leah Morrow (Marriott Theatre: Madagascar; TV: Somebody Somewhere, neXt ); and Aisha Sougou (Marriott Theatre: Beautiful, University of North Carolina School of the Arts: Crow’s Nest).

Understudies are Bridget Adams-King, Clare Kennedy, Tiyanna Gentry, and Savannah Sinclair.

The band is onstage led by keyboardist Celia Villacres. Musicians include Karli Bunn, Stephanie Chow, Kellin Hanas, Camila Mennitte, and Lauren Pierce.

Created by Larry Gallagher, “Beehive” is basically a covers musical that includes such songs as “Walking in the Rain” (Mann/Spector/Weil) and “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” (Goffin/King) and “performances” of such stars as Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Tina Turner and Janis Joplin.

“The 1960’s was a decade known as one of, if not THE decade, that experienced the biggest shifts in music, fashion, culture and social evolution and revolution.” said director/choreographer Deidre Goodwin. “Beehive” is a love letter to the music of the 1960’s. It became a generation’s soundtrack for first loves, heartbreak, social awareness and growing up,” added Goodwin.

A packed house, Wednesday, appreciated the messages and music.

If not for the announced need to keep aisles clear for performer costume changes, the opening day crowd Wednesday, would have been dancing, shouting, clapping, and singing along those pathways instead of just shouting, applauding and rising from their seats.

Unlike “1776” which comes mid-August and “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” for December, Marriott Theatre has deviated from its usual fine but tried-and- survived musical show schedule to bring us this over-the-top pop concert.

Thank you, Marriott Theatre.

Details: “Beehive” is at Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, now through Aug. 11, 2024. Run time is 120 minutes with no intermission. For tickets and more information call (847) 634-0200 or visit www.MarriottTheatre.com.

Jodie Jacobs

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago

An artistic journey through Black history

Five performers in black leggings, T-shirts, and kente cloth dance in a line. The actor second from left plays a djembe.

“1619: The Journey of a People” at Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, Evanston. (Photos by Basil Clunie)

Recommended

“1619: The Journey of a People” by Ted Williams III is an entertaining and informative chronology highlighting essential events in the progression of the African American experience.

It uses music, dance and spoken word to craft an historical narrative that begins with the arrival of twenty slaves who landed on the North American continent roughly 150 years prior to our nation’s founding and continues through the most recent Black Lives Matter movement.

The performances are outstanding beginning with an all-cast stylized African dance routine. It’s punctuated with cries and whip sounds accompanied by the evocative complex drum beat of percussionist/actor Ozivell Eckford that sets the tone for the first part of the journey.

Interweaving traditional, pop, gospel, soul, hip-hop and rap, the musical styles change with each historic period represented.

The gospel-like version of the “Star Spangled Banner” performed by Simbryt Whittington Dortch was rousing and soulful as was her memorable heartfelt version of “Steal Away.”

Williams and Marchello Lee’s duet of “Booker T or W.E.B.” was a fast-paced explanation of the two men’s points-of-view on the actions needed toward progress.

“I Thought We Were Free” led by Shannon Stiles with backup vocals by Vanessa Love and Lucy Maura continued an energetic gospel vibe.

Lee’s choreography was expertly executed by dancers Love and Maura, the highlight of which was the visually stunning butterfly number featuring LED accented costumes by Cynthia Walls.

Action takes place in front of a 180-degree mixed media mural by Sholo Beverly reminiscent of graffiti art, blending a mélange of colorful muted images imbued with hidden messages.

The background is mostly in shades of blue, punctuated by areas of shocking red and white. Above that is a suspended array of sepia-colored broadsides and newspaper headlines proclaiming various momentous occurrences in African American history.

This production is jam packed with important information about individuals and events that shaped the history of black people in America, cleverly presented as a kind of Cliff’s Notes version of what you need to know to pass your high school black studies class.

It is not surprising that the author, Ted Williams III who also appears on stage, is himself a Poli-Sci teacher at City Colleges of Chicago.

As a theatrical production there may be more interesting ways to tell this story. Williams alludes to Alex Haley’s Roots, possibly the gold standard of black history presented in a creative context.

Indeed, this is not really a story at all but rather a multi-arts recital or cabaret show with a message. So, in this sense” 1619″ is not strictly theater but more of a performance arts review.

Ultimately, the result is a kind of pre-test fever dream full of fragmented pieces of information, names, places and events that will make you feel a need to pay attention to and take a lesson from.

However, that is not a bad thing. In fact, it is a very enjoyable, thought- provoking, ninety minutes or so that will have some of us “more chronologically experienced” members of the audience appreciating the number of events that have taken place within our own lifetime.

I really wanted to jump to my feet and join-in on “We Shall Overcome” to relive some of the excitement of the promise of potential unity that song evoked back-in-the-day.

I was happy to see a number of young people in the audience who will hopefully take away a snapshot of the bigger picture of the African American journey that might encourage them to want to know more and delve deeper into the causes and effects that have brought us to this particular moment in time.

Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre specializes in African American and African Diaspora-centered storytelling. The Noyes Cultural Art Center stage and theater is a perfect sized comfortable venue for this production.

DETAILS: “1619 the Journey of a People, ” is at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre Noyce Cultural Art Center Center, 927 Noyes Ave., Evanston through June 30, 2024. For more information call 847-866-5914 or visit fjtheatre.com

Reno Lovison

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago

The Tony Awards

Marking 77 years of recognizing exceptional excellence on Broadway, the Antoinette Perry Awards (“Tony”®Awards) were announced at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, New York City, June 16, 2024.

Hosted by Ariana DeBose, the show started out with Leading Actor in a Pla, won by Jeremy Strong in “An Enemy of the People.” Originally written by Ibsen, it is an impressive story about a person who would not go along with the people in power who promote an incorrect local history. It was impressively done in Chicago.

The following are the award winners:

Award	Winner
Best Musical	The Outsiders
Best Play	Stereophonic
Best Revival of a Musical	Merrily We Roll Along
Best Revival of a Play	Appropriate
Leading Actor in a Musical	Jonathan Groff (Merrily We Roll Along)
Leading Actress in a Musical	Maleah Joi Moon (Hell’s Kitchen)
Leading Actor in a Play	Jeremy Strong (An Enemy of the People)
Leading Actress in a Play	Sarah Paulson (Appropriate)
Featured Actor in a Musical	Daniel Radcliffe (Merrily We Roll Along)
Featured Actress in a Musical	Kecia Lewis (Hell’s Kitchen)
Featured Actor in a Play	Will Brill (Stereophonic)
Featured Actress in a Play	Kara Young (Purlie Victorious)
Best Direction of a Musical	Danya Taymor (The Outsiders)
Best Direction of a Play	Daniel Aukin (Stereophonic)
Best Book of a Musical	Shaina Taub (Suffs)
Best Original Score Written for the Theatre	Suffs (Shaina Taub)
Best Scenic Design of a Musical	Tom Scutt (Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club)
Best Scenic Design of a Play	David Zinn (Stereophonic)
Best Choreography	Justin Peck (Illinoise)

To understand the award process and who were competing visit 2024 TONY AWARD® NOMINATIONS | The American Theatre Wing’s Tony Awards®

Jodie Jacobs

‘English’ at the Goodman speaks eloquently about language and identity

Pej Vahdat, Sahar Bibiyan and Roxanna Hopen Radja in “English” at Goodman Theatre. (Photo by Liz Lauren)

Highly recommended

When you cannot adequately express yourself with the nuance and clarity of a native speaker, people do not realize that you are actually smart, funny, and kind. Instead, they only hear your imperfect pronunciation and limited vocabulary. You may be assumed to be inferior with little or nothing to offer.

Whether this is one hundred percent true or not, these are some of the fears that plague four adult students and their teacher studying for an English language proficiency exam in Iran.

Witty, insightful, cleverly written and produced, “English” is a Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Sanaz Toossi, directed by Hamid Dehghani and performed brilliantly at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre.

Roya (Sahar Bibiyan) is a youngish grandmother whose son is living in Canada. He wants her to be able to speak English with her granddaughter before she can rejoin the family.

Elam (Nikki Massoud) is a medical student whose insecurity about how people might perceive her heavy accented speech is stifling her progress.

Goli (Shadee Vossoughi) at eighteen is the youngest in the class, basically taking the whole experience in stride and doing her best to achieve her dream of passing the English exam that might be her ticket to a temporary work permit (green card) in America.

Instructor, Marjan (Roxanna Hope Radja) who had spent nine years living in Manchester, England, fears she is losing her proficiency advantage since returning to Iran. She spends much of her time leading the class through amusing word games while insisting that students speak only in English when in class and not lapse into Farsi when frustrated.

Omid (Pej Vahdat), the only male in the class, is the most proficient speaker. He draws ire from Elam and added attention from Marjan who is happy to have someone to speak with.

Pej Vahdat (Omid), left, and Iranian teacher Roxanna Hope Radja, (Marjan) in Goodman Theatre’s “English” by Sanaz Toossi. (Photo by Liz Lauren)

The set design by Courtney O’Neill immediately supports the voyeuristic experience, with the audience literally providing the third wall of the classroom as though we are peeking through a one-way glass. The window on the back wall provides a tantalizing glimpse of the outside world.

We all likely have some experience with immigrants who have learned English as a second language. Most of us have immense respect for their accomplishment and abilities.

Toosi takes this one step further by bringing us into the inner thinking of the members of this class. The show helps us to not only experience the frustrating process of learning a new language but also asks us to consider that language is not simply a matter of exchanging one word for another because your mother tongue is deeply related to your culture, personal identity and sense of self.

Feeling like you are not fully capable of expressing your deepest thoughts and emotions with utmost clarity is like navigating the world with one hand tied behind your back. Additionally, it may make some people feel as if they are rejecting their culture while others who achieve the elusive goal of total proficiency might feel a euphoric sense of accomplishment and pride at being able to straddle two worlds, indeed two ways of thinking.

Details: “English” is at The Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, Chicago, IL through June 16, 2024. Runtime is about 1 hour and 45 minutes with no intermission. For tickets and information visit goodmantheatre.org or call the box office (312) 443-3800 (noon to 5 PM).

Reviewer: Reno Lovison is a Chicago video marketing professional and volunteer ESL tutor.

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago

Chef Art Smith at Navy Pier

(Photo by Carole K. Brewer)

From the Reunion website:

“The food does not have to be elegant, complicated, or fancy. We find that busy people like simple food—the busier they are, the simpler the food. Our menu at REUNION is straightforward, down-home Southern food with a few more contemporary dishes.”

Agree, but it should taste good. And the restaurant interior should be a little more atmospheric than the standard food court inside Navy Pier.

Having followed James Beard awards and nominations for several years, I was looking forward to trying award-winning chef, Art Smith’s restaurant, “Reunion,” at the front of Navy Pier.

The outside wasn’t open when our group visited but it did look inviting. Inside, not so much.

The menu also looked inviting. But it did matter what you ordered as far as taste goes.

My friend and I ordered the three Chicken Sliders on the “First Bites” section of the menu because we hoped it would be a taste treat of Smith’s famous Southern Chicken. Except for the honey, the sliders were barely edible and not encouraging as to trying other chicken dishes.

However, another member of our group ordered the crab cakes, also on the “First Bites” menu. They were little but she declared them “spectacular.” Coming from the DC area where she gets Maryland crab cakes, that’s a high recommendation. She also liked that they were mostly crab and not mostly filling.

Would be happy to hear what you think if you have been to chef Art Smith’s restaurant at Navy Pier.

(Photo courtesy of Reunion website)

Navy Pier is at 700 Grand Avenue, Chicago.

For more information visit Reunion Restaurants.

Jodie Jacobs

Luck be a lady

Alanna Lovely and the company of "Guys and Dolls" at Drury Lane Theatre. (Brett Beiner)

Alanna Lovely and the company of “Guys and Dolls” at Drury Lane Theatre. (Photo by Brett Beine

Recommended

Frank Loesser’s songs make Drury Lane’s production of “Guys and Dolls” work as a night out.

And hearing Erica Stephan sing in the role of missionary Sarah Brown is worth the price of admission. She is particularly right at home in her tipsy Havanna foray as she rings out “If I were a bell.”

That’s the good news.

But nice as the ensemble with Nicely Nicely Johnson (Nkrumah Gatling) is in “Sit down You’re Rocking the Boat” near the end, the production left me wishing it had moved along with more excitement and vigor.

The book, by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows based on some Damon Runyon stories, pulls up Guys and Dolls’ memorable, (or at least familiar sounding to oldsters) characters as Nathan Detroit played by Jackson Evans, Sky Masterson interpreted by Pepe Nufrio and burlesque performer Miss Adelaide, perfectly taken on by Alanna Lovely.

Just as the songs such as “I’ve Never Been in Love Before” that Sara and Sky sing will sound familiar along with “Take Back Your Mink” and “More I Cannot Wish You.”

Pepe Nufrio and Erica Stephan stand on stage in 'Guys and Dolls.'

Professional gambler Sky Masterson (Pepe Nufrio) woos Sarah Brown (Erica Stephan), the prim Save-A-Soul missionary in “Guys and Dolls” at Drury Lane Theatre. (Photo by Brett Beiner)

Director/choreographer Dan Knechtges’ revival leans more towards “camp” than the classic musical comedy seen in the show’s past film and stage versions.

But this show does revolve around “the oldest established permanent floating crap game in New York.”

Details: “Guys and Dolls” is at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL through June 9, 2024. Running time: 2 hours, 35 minutes with one intermission. For tickets and more information visit Drury Lane Theatre.

Jodie Jacobs

For more shows around town visit Theatre in Chicago.

Sideshow in Lincoln Square

Is it a restaurant or an entertainment venue? Sideshow Gelato in Lincoln Square is a funky quirky fun experience.

On the surface this is a gelato shop with a variety of offbeat flavors that include pickle, ginger and Cheetos as well as more familiar flavors like crème brule, vanilla and chocolate as well as number of dairy free vegan options.

More importantly though this is an experience where the staff are also sideshow performers ready to entertain patrons with impromptu magic tricks or fire eating acts. There are also regularly scheduled performances in their little 30 seat theater.

We attended on Saturday afternoon with two young boys ages 7 and 10 who were delighted and amazed by master of ceremonies Sanjula who explained the history of sideshows after which he dangled a bowling ball from his pierced ears then laid on a bed of nails while the largest man in the audience stood on his belly.

Also onstage was comic sword swallower Cassidy Rose, and the Italian accented slight-of-hand magician Andrea.

Roughly 30 minutes this is one of the more unusual family friendly performance opportunities in Chicago.

Sideshow has been open for about a year. Though I live very nearby I finally made it over to see it and it was everything I hoped it would be. Silly, funky and fun. Full of cornball humor and astounding feats that explore the very boundaries of human physical endurance and mind-boggling illusions.

Put your cellphones down and enjoy a live show. Step right up. Don’t delay. Perfect for young and old. The faint of heart should be sure to bring a strong companion to hold you tight as you witness the unbelievable, the uncanny, and the utterly absurd from sideshow performers who make you question their life choices and preferred career path.

Sideshow Gelato is located at 4819 N. Western Avenue (just north of Lincoln Square and a short walk from the Western Brownline CTA stop.) Open Thursday through Sunday check their website for performance times. Visit sideshowgelato.com.

Reno Lovison

Nine to Five: A Retro Romp or Cautionary Reminder?

RECOMMEND

Three overworked, underpaid and unappreciated 1970’s era office secretaries seize the opportunity to kidnap and blackmail their domineering misogynist male boss in an effort to change the power dynamic and improve their working environment.

“9 to 5: The Musical” playing at the Metropolis Theater in downtown Arlington Heights is a kind of women’s lib version of “How to Succeed in Business.” The story is based on the popular 20^th Century Fox (non-musical) picture starring Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda.

Dolly Parton is responsible for the music and lyrics including the perennial favorite 9 to 5 theme song from the movie. None of the songs for this production stray far from her introspective country style.

In this version, Doralee (Janelle Sanabria) firmly has her roots in the over-the-top persona of Dolly Parton featuring big boobs and big hair with a large dose of southern charm. Sanabria has captured the essence of this Parton inspired pivotal character who has been accused of sleeping with the boss and as a result is alienated from her coworkers.

Violet (Melissa Crabtree) is tired of being overlooked for her much deserved promotion, while new hire Judy (Savannah Sinclair) a recently divorced woman with no work experience is just trying to find her way in this strange new environment.

The tyrannical and chauvinist boss, Mr. Hart (David Gordon- Johnson) takes every opportunity to demean and make sexual advances towards virtually every woman within his domain in an effort to maintain his authority and the male dominated power structure.

While his wife is away on a four week cruise the trio of women manage to hog tie and subdue Hart in his home. Signing his name to numerous memos, they manage to dispatch his trusted administrative assistant Roz (Dani Goldberg) on an extended journey of her own while they commence making much appreciated changes and improvements to staff morale and office productivity.

Goldberg gets to enjoy the spotlight while professing love for the boss in a humorous campy (and very tame) striptease number.

Musical Director Harper Caruso and orchestra, though out of sight, keep the tempo upbeat and energetic. This is a fast-paced romp full of vintage technology allusions and office space humor. Director Landree Fleming and the entire cast does a great job of keeping the story moving forward through several full company musical numbers featuring choreography of Jenna Schoppe assisted by Quinn Simmons which is executed admirably.

The scenic design of Eleanor Kahn is minimal but effective. The very high backwall makes the workers feel small and insignificant in relation to the big corporation they represent. The array of LED fluorescent style fixtures suspended overhead were appreciated and did not go unnoticed further contributing to the sense of place.

Keep in mind that the premise of this show was conceived more than 30 years ago when the idea of a somewhat violent workplace takeover by disgruntled employees, involving a gun, might be considered so outlandish as to be humorous. It was a grim dark humor fantasy. In this case it all works out fine for everyone with little or no harm done.

The point being made is that women are an integral part of the workplace, capable of higher order thinking and not simply flesh and blood machinery. It may be difficult for some younger people today to consider how prevalent this thinking was prior to the 1980s and that the glass ceiling for women was very real.

This show on some level seems archaic and simply a retrospective romp but it also serves as a cautionary tale, a reminder that chauvinist and misogynist thinking still prevails in some circles and there are those who would love to turn back the clock.

DETAILS: “9 to 5: The Musical” is at the Metropolis, 111 W Campbell St., Arlington Heights, IL 60005 through May 26, 2024. Runtime is about 2 hours with one intermission. For tickets and information visit metropolisarts.com or call (847)577-2121.

Reno Lovison

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago

Evidence indicates ‘Judgement Day’ a hilarious success

Jason Alexander (left) is attorney Sammy Campo trying to get into heaven and Daniel Breaker, right, is the well-meaning Father Michaein, in Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s “Judgment Day” by Rob Ulin. (Photo by Liz Lauren)

Highly Recommended

Scurrilous self-serving scumbag attorney Sammy Campo (Jason Alexander) seeks redemption after an encounter with an angel (Candy Buckley) during a near-death experience, in “Judgment Day” at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

Hoping to earn enough points to offset his past indiscretions and avert the torments of Hell, Campo is aided by Father Michael (Daniel Breaker) an anguished, faith challenged, Catholic Priest.

While his skeptical secretary Della (Olivia D. Dawson) does her part to help find charity cases for him to represent, Campo himself attempts to make amends with his estranged wife (Maggie Bofill) and son (Ellis Myers).

Guided by the premise that he will be judged by his deeds rather than what he actually believes Campo and Father Michael begin to explore the essence of morality, what it means to be a good person, and the very fundamentals of faith.

This is what sets up the primary conflict in the story as both Campo and Father Michael, with guidance from local Monsignor (Michael Kostroff), struggle to accomplish their task to do good, but in a way that is not in conflict with their understanding of Catholic doctrine.

Playwright Rob Ulin has skillfully wrapped this rather weighty philosophical discussion inside a fast-paced scenario of virtually non-stop humor. The joke riddled dialogue belies Ulin’s more than 30-year career in the world of television sitcoms learning at the knee of legendary writer/producer Norman Lear.

Jason Alexander in spite of his impressive accomplishments is still best known for his role as the morally ambiguous George Castanza from TV’s “Seinfeld” which undoubtably informs this role. Campo on some level is everything George, who was always looking for an angle, hoped he would grow up to be.

Ulin’s potty mouth dialogue and off-color humor both implied and explicit tumble effortlessly from Alexander’s lips with a naturalness that is funny and acceptable in a way that actually endears you to a character that should be reviled.

Instead, we find ourselves rooting for the underdog and cheering on his success in spite of what are still some otherwise underhanded means to an end.

This world premiere comedy is a thought provoking but thoroughly entertaining production with several guaranteed laugh-out-loud moments from a very capable cast.

DETAILS: “Judgement Day” is at Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier through May 26, 2024. Run time is 2 hours including an intermission. For tickets and more information visit chicagoshakes.com.

Reno Lovison

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago

Oh Baby

Pam (Katie Engler), Arlene (Julie Bayer) and Lizzie (Madison Jaffe-Richter) (Photo by North Shore Camera Club)

Highly Recommended

Combine perfect casting with the keen insight of director Scott Shallenbarger and you have the superb production of “Baby,” now on stage at Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest.

A high-energy musical that appeared on Broadway in 1983-84, “Baby” explores how three different-aged couples, one in college, one in their thirties, and one who are older with kids in college, react to news that their two-member family might become three.

Lizzie (Madison Jaffe-Richter) and Danny (Ben Ballmer) live together in a basement apartment on a college campus. Instead of suffering from the flu, Lizzie finds out she is pregnant.

Pam (Katie Engler) and Nick (Mark Yacullo) are desperate to have a baby. After missing her period she’s hopeful until she learns the pregnancy diagnosis is a mistake.

Arlene (Julie Bayer) and Alan (Joe Lehman) are in their 40s and are ready to downsize from their large, older home when Arlene learns during a check-up she is pregnant.

With music by David Shire, lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. and a book by Sybille Pearson who developed the story with Susan Yankowitz, the show and songs reflect what the couples want from life.

The whole cast is excellent but kudos particularly go to Ballmer who totally fits his college-age musician role and to Engler who appears so physically fit that if she does get pregnant would undoubtedly give the sports ball baby present she received to her kid, a boy or girl.

Best of all, “Baby” likely will get at least a few members of the audience thinking about love and what they want from life.

DETAILS: “Baby” is at Citadel Theatre, 300 s. Waukegan Rd., Lake forest, IL, now through May 19,2024. Run time: 2 hours, 20 minutes with one intermission. For tickets and information visit Citadel Theatre.

Jodie Jacobs

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago