Reviews – Page 9 – Chicago Theater and Arts

Treat yourself to a joyous experience with ‘The Sound of Music’

Addie Morales leads the von Trapp children in "Do Re Mi" in The Sound of Music at Marriott Theater Lincolnshire (Photo courtesy of Liz Lauren and Marriott Theatre) — Addie Morales leads the von Trapp children in “Do Re Mi” in The Sound of Music at Marriott Theater Lincolnshire (Photo courtesy of Liz Lauren and Marriott Theatre)

4 Stars

Wow! “How (do) you hold a moonbeam in your hand?” It’s what I felt I learned walking out of Marriott Theatre Linconshire’s “The Sound of Music.”

It’s been a while since I have left a show thinking it was perfect. With so many factors to consider from vocals, acting and dance to script and music, some elements tend to outshine or are weaker than others.

But upon leaving opening night of Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire’s “The Sound of Music,” April 20, 2022, the word that came to mind was “perfect.”

Of course, given the show’s emotion-packed music by Richard Rogers and the on-point, memorable lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, the “Sounds” of music set the perfect tone.

Addie Morales, L, and Daniella Dalli in The Sound of Music at Marriott Theatre

Add to that there is the clever dialogue of Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse who wrote the show’s book based on “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp,

But good as the basics are, there still are a production’s many elements. When going into a show that has been famously portrayed in movies and on soundtracks, audiences can be excused from recalling how in the 1965 movie, Julie Andrews portrayed Maria.

In her debut Marriott role, Addie Morales created her own version of Maria.

Morales who played Eva in Drury Lane’s “Evita” and Maria in “West Side Story” on stages across the country, was exactly what some of us would expect a young girl to look and act like who thinks she want to be a nun. But her star turns are when she joyously leads the van Trapp children in songs.

Which brings us to the seven children, each with their own personality.

They are amazing from Campbell Krausen as Lisel, Brody Tyner as Friedich, and Milia Liss as Louisa to Archer Geye as Kurt, Omi Lichtenstein as Brigitta, Olivia O’Sullivan as Marta and Reese Bella as Gretl. Mention must also be made of Emmet Smith, Lisel’s love interest. He is just right at the bicycle-riding telegram delivery boy, Rolf Gruber.

Daniella Dalli who has performed in national tours of “The Phantom of the Opera” and regional tours of “Les Miserables” has the vocal chops to get “bravo” and long applause in her Marriott debut as The Mother Abbess.

Erik Hellman and Addie Morales in The Sound of Music at Marriott Theatre

The rest of the cast are strong actors. Erik Hellman, a Steppenwolf and Court Theatre regular, makes his Marriott debut as Captain Georg von Trapp and Heidi Kettenring, a familiar name to local audiences (23 Marriott shows) plus Goodman, Shakespeare and other Chicago stages, portrays Elsa Schrader who hopes to capture Captain von Trapp.

Rob Linley who has done national tours of “Phantom” is Max Detweiler, the show arranger who brings the van Trapp Singers to an important festival.

Insightfully directed by Nick Bowling with artistic lead Peter Marston Sullivan, set design by Collette Pollard, charming choreography by William Carlos Angula, period costume design by Sally Dolembo, lighting design by Jesse Klug, and music led by Patti Garwood, the production team also worked its “perfect” magic.

There are so many memorable songs but the one audiences are humming after intermission and at the end of the show is The Mother Abbess and nuns” “Climb Every Mountain.”

DETAILS: “The Sound of Music” is at Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire now thru June 5, 2022. Run time: 2 1/2 hours. For tickets and more information visit The Sound of Music | Show (marriotttheatre.com)

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago

Jodie Jacobs

Expect more music and less talk from the GRAMMYs

Grammys 2022 Duncay April 3. (Grap;hic courtesy of Grammy Awards in conjunction with CBS) — Grammys 2022 April 3. (Grap;hic courtesy of Grammy Awards Recording Academy)

7 p.m.CT on cbs

See the CBS list of nominsee

With 85 categories the Recording Academy’s 64th Annual Grammys Awards that kick off at 7 p.m. CT, April 3, may be a long night. But hey, if looking at the list of nominees it should be a night of top-notch recording artists. The best list of nominees is at CBS which is doing the broadcast. Visit THE GRAMMYs®️ News on CBS.

After its January spot and LA’s Cryp;to.com Arena was canceled due to COVID concerns, the ceremony will now be at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Nominations of eligible artists, recordings and compositions from Sept. 1, 2020 to Sept. 30, 2021 were announced on virtual livestream Nov. 23, 2021. and 30, 2022.

The 2021 Grammys host, comedian Trevor Noah, will host the 2022 ceremony. Expect him to have a lot to say about who received the most nominations. Jon Batiste led with eleven, followed by Doja Cat, H.E.R., and Justin Bieber each with eight each, then Billie eillish and Oivia Rodrigo, each received seven nominations.

Ellish who has another record of the year, song of the year and pop solo performance is among the night’s performers. But also listen for songs by the late Stephen Sondheim.

What to watch for: Tony Bennet at 95 who has taken home 19 Grammys may be recognized for his album with Lady Gaga, ” Love for Sale” or for their pop duo piece “I Get a Kick out of You.”

Get ready with food and drinks and enjoy!

Jodie Jacobs

Fascinating Shakespeare authorship becomes historical fiction

There have been numerous takes on who wrote the plays and other works attributed to William Shakespeare.

None that I’ve seen have attributed them to a woman until Deena Lindstedt recently published her book, Lady of the Play.

Although listed as a “Historical Fiction Novel,” and not annotated with scholarly references, Lindstedt makes an interesting case that a well-educated, well-born, highly imaginative woman wrote “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

The seed for this striking deviation from standard thinking came when Lindstedt who had retired from a long-time career in workers’ compensation claims administration to develop writing and research skills at Marylhurst University, wrote a senior paper titled “Shakespeare, Perhaps a Woman.”

Lindstedt delivered the paper at the Shakespeare Authorship Symposium at Concordia University in Portland, OR in 2011. Extensive research of the era eventually led to Lady of the Play, published by Wings ePress Books, October 2021.

In Lady of the Play, readers are introduced to Elizabeth Trentham who become a maid of honor in the court of Queen Elizabeth I and married Edward deVere, the seventeenth Earl of Oxford.

The book reveals how the couple may have merged two words to come up with the name Shakespeare as a pseudonym for the works they may have authored.

Interesting as the story of Elizabeth Trentham is, it is just half the tale developed by Lindstedt. She melds the Elizabethan time with the problems besetting current characters as they attempt to prove what may be an earthshattering discovery.

Together, the old and new tales are well-meshed into a fascinating, enjoyable read.

Note: Deena Lindstedt also wrote Deception Cove in 2010 and is working on Betrayal Bay as the second book in her Meredith Maxwell mystery series. For more information visit www.deenalindstedt.com. (Lady of the Play can be found on Amazon and Barnes and Noble).

Jodie Jacobs

La Cage Aux Folles a glorious spectacle of sight and sound

Ginger Minj and Jason Richards in Music Theater Works La Cage (Photo by Brett Beiner) — Jason Richards and Ginger Minj in Music Theater Works La Cage (Photo by Brett Beiner)

Four Stars

Prepare for great music, lots of Laughs and gorgeous costumes as Music Theater Works takes you to the swanky nightclub of La Cage Aux Folles in St. Tropez.

Winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book, La Cage brings an outstanding night of musical theatre to the Performing Arts Center in Skokie with a few surprises throw in!

Based on the hit French farce that also inspired Hollywood’s “The Birdcage,” this Broadway smash features a hilarious book by Harvey Fierstein and a score by the king of show tunes, Jerry Herman (Hello, Dolly! and Mame).

From the moment you enter the theatre, you’ll be immediately transported to La Cage’s elegant St Tropez nightclub, complete with “women” in cages welcoming you, an onstage bar and tables surrounding the stage.

Opening on Broadway in 1983, La Cage broke barriers by becoming the first hit Broadway musical centered on a gay relationship.

Society has come very far from the times when this play opened. Today, gender roles have never been a more contemporary issue.

The plot centers around Georges, the owner of “La Cage,” and his long-time lover, “Zaza.” When their son, Jean- Michel, announces his engagement to Anne, the trouble begins, especially when they find out her father is a very conservative government official, running for office.

Ginger Minj as Zaza in Music Theater Works La Cage. (Photo by Brett Beiner)

With plenty of audience interaction, the musical is filled with not one, but two show-stopping hits you’ll be humming as you leave the show.

“I Am What I Am” is the perfect anthem for everyone – live your own life and do not make excuses for being true to yourself. The cast belts it out loud and clear. “The Best of Times” is another powerful ballad that will leave you breathless.

The production stars RuPaul’s Drag Race headliner, Ginger Minj, as Albin, and he/she is beyond fabulous. She sings, acts and creates a great performance with a touch of whimsy. And oh, those exquisite wigs designed by David Ian Grant!

Jason Richards makes his Music Theater Works debut as Georges. He’s got a great voice and excellent stage presence as both the emcee of his club and his role as husband to Zaza. He demonstrates a sense of vulnerability, afraid to hurt his lover.

Standouts also include Dane Strange as Jacob who keeps the audience in stitches with his antics and Caron Buinis, with her strong operatic voice.

(Top row, L to R) Daniel Hurst, Brian Selcik, Jordan Taylor and Gabe Kohlbeck (Photo by Brett Beiner)

Kudos to project runway designer Justin LeBlanc for his costumes that are over-the-top sparkly, flashy and gorgeous. And to choreographer, Christopher Carter, whose dance moves especially for male bodies, is fabulous. Artistic director Kyle Dougan directs the show with passion and purpose.

As with many shows of this type, the dancers are so graceful it’s hard to believe their gender.

This is the first show of the season for Music Theater Works. The rest of the season includes “The Little Mermaid (March 10 – April 3) Zorro (August 11 -21), Camelot (October 20 – November 13) and White Christmas (December 15 – January 1.)

DETAILS: “La Cage” is playing at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd in Skokie through April 3, 2022. Runtime: 2 hours and 40 minutes with intermission. For Tickets, go to musictheaterworks.com/la-cage-aux-folles/.

Important Notice: All guests will be required to wear face masks regardless of vaccination status and show their vaccination cards.

Mira Temkin

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago

‘Come From Away’ reaches beyond the skies

Marika Aubrey leads a group of female pilots in “Come from Away.” (Photo by Matthew Murphy.)

4 Stars

Based on true events, this Tony award-winning musical tells the story of 7,000 airline passengers from 38 planes that were stranded in the town of Gander, Newfoundland, Canada after Sept. 11, 2001.

The people of the small town stepped up to the plate to house, feed, clothe and care for these frightened international travelers who had no idea when they’d be going home.

Written by Tony® nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and directed by Tony-winning Best Director, Christopher Ashley, this uplifting, high-energy musical goes straight to the heart. Many of the original Broadway cast have reprised their inspiring roles in Chicago.

The audience watches as cultures clash and uneasy alliances grow into lasting relationships. It is joyous in the face of tragedy.

Band performs front and center and behind the scenes in “Come from Away.” (Photo by Matthew Murphy) — Band performs front and center and behind the scenes in “Come from Away.” (Photo by Matthew Murphy.)

The cast members all play a number of roles, while a talented band of musicians rotate in and out throughout the play, led by members of the original show. Together, they create a powerful, commanding presence of storytelling.

Kudos to Marika Aubrey who plays American Airlines captain, Beverly, and others who have the best song in the play, “Me and the Sky.” She captivates the audience with her journey when there were no women in the cockpit through the ranks to piloting an airplane and then becoming a flight instructor. She is outstanding with strong vocals and believable character portrayals.

Stand outs also include Julie Johnson as Gander resident, Beulah, and Julie Knitel as Gander broadcaster Janice.

Scenic design by Tony Award Winner Beowulf Boritt navigates around seats in an airplane to seats at a table to create an innovative setting.

Even more heartwarming was the response of the passengers, who upon finally getting to leave, contributed thousands of dollars to the community. When returning home, the grateful passengers continued to send money, flowers, food and gifts.

In the story, the impact worked both ways as Newfoundlanders discovered how empty their lives felt after the passengers went home.

Cast of “Come from Away” celebrates 10 years later. (Photo by Matthew Murphy.)
Band performs front and center and behind the scenes in “Come from Away.” Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Ten years later, the crew and passengers reunite in Gander to celebrate the lifelong friendships and strong connections they created in spite of the terrorist attacks. As Claude the mayor professes, “Tonight we honor what was lost, but we also commemorate what we found.”

On opening night, the entire audience was on their feet for a standing, well- deserved ovation.

DETAILS: “Come from Away” is playing at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph, Chicago through March 6, 2022/ Run time: 100 minutes without intermission. For tickets, go to broadwayinchicago.com.

Mira Temkin

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago

Five fun Mardi Gras ideas to ‘let the good times roll’

The bar at Storyville a new Chicago restaurant and bar with New Orleans vibes (J Jacobs photo)

Maybe you know that Mardi Gras, the French words for Fat Tuesday, is the day before Ash Wednesday. But what matters to Mardi Gras observers is that New Orlean celebrates the festival in colorful, carnival style with food and events that aren’t just one day but go on for almost three months. After set aside in 2020 and 2021 during COVID, in New Orleans the celebration started Jan.6 and ends March 1, 2022.

In Chicago, Mardi Gras celebrations mean enjoying Cajun and other seafood dishes, King Cakes and Hurricane drinks, wearing and collecting strings of beads and listening to jazz and local bands all of February and early March.

So, laissez le bon temps rouler with food, drinks and music Feb. 25 through March 5.

Join the Bar Crawl Saturday, Feb. 26, 3 to 10 p.m. Different price points. Details and reservations at Official Mardi Gras Bar Crawl

Do Sunday Funday Feb. 27 with beads, masks DJ on the roof of theWit, 201 N. State Street, Chicago, from 1 to 7 p.m. Tickets SundayFunday.

Fat Cat Restaurant and Bar is doing a Mardi Gras Crawfish Boil and celebration on Fat Tuesday, March 1 from 4 to 9:30 p.m. Fat Cat is at 4840 North Broadway,Chicago. Dinner for two is $75. Reservations highly recommended.. Visit Fat Cat for more information and reservations.

Storyville, a new River North Cajun bar and restaurant with strong Big Easy vibes willl featuring a Crawfish Boil, beads and King Cake slices for Fat Tuesday. Storyville is at 712 N Clark St. Chicago. For more information or reservations visit Storyville. h

Fatpour in Wicker Park is holding a Mardi Gras brunch for $35 on Saturday, March 5 wih live Blues by Keith Scott, beads, traditional “N’Awliins breakfast items and drinks. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Fatpour is at 2005 W. Division St., Chicago. For more information and tickets visit Fatpour.

Go to Storyville, a new River North Cajun bar and restaurant with strong Big Easy vibes. Featuring a Crawfish Boil, beads and King Cake slices for Fat Tuesday. Is at 712 N Clark St. Chicago. For more information visit Storyville.

Jodie Jacobs

‘Outside Mullingar’ proves it is never too late

Left: Laura Leonardo Ownby (Rosemary), Right: Ross Frawley (Anthony). Photo by North Shore Camera Club.

3 Stars

When John Patrick Shanley’s play, “Outside Mullingar,” opened on Broadway, January 2014, it received accolades as a new kind of rom-com. For one thing, instead of young people, it featured older adults embarking on new relationships.

Thus is the play recreated at Citadel Theatre with four outstanding actors who bring the story to life. Set in Ireland, the play involves two families who own farms right next to each other.

Anthony and Rosemary have grown up together. Rosemary has been harboring unrequited feelings of love for Anthony her entire life. Anthony, who is painfully shy and unaware, still lusts over Fiona who went screaming the other way when he revealed his true feelings for her.

The major issue in the show is whether or not Anthony should inherit his family’s farm upon the death of his father. His cranky dad wants to leave the farm to his nephew Adam from New York City.

When I first read of the plot, it seemed vaguely familiar. That’s because the play had been turned into the 2020 movie, “Wild Mountain Thyme” starring Emily Blunt, Jamie Dornan and Jon Hamm. The screenplay was written as well as directed by Shanley, based on his play.

Audience members will get caught up in the play from the very beginning as Irish music welcomes them into the theatre.

Left: Laura Leonardo Ownby (Rosemary), Susan Hofflander (Aoife). in Outside Mullingar at Citadel Theatre. (photo by North Shore Camera Club)

The four principals include: Susan Hofflander as widow Aoife Muldoon, Jack Hickey as widow Tony, Laura Leonardo Ownby as Rosemary and Ross Frawley as Anthony.

Hofflander is powerful and yet sympathetic as the widow Muldoon, while Hickey is a gruff, crabby old man who is filled with regret at some of his choices. Ownby shines as Rosemary and is the most animated character in the play. Frawley as Anthony plays his part with strong emotion and fervor. You’re rooting for both of them to finally break through.

What’s fascinating about the play is that you meet the parents and experience their interaction with their offspring. Then, it’s just the younger generation who must forge ahead.

Directed by Beth Wolf who was moved by the theme of loneliness in the play, “Outside Mullingar” really draws upon the idea of it’s never too late. Founder and artistic director of the free-Shakespeare-in-the park company Midsommer Flight, Wolf directed Citadel’s production of The Roommate two years ago.

Kudos to Eric Luchen for his innovative set design, flipping one farmhouse kitchen to another, without moving sets.

Outside Mullingar really gets inside its characters with sweetness and charm.

DETAILS: “Outside Mullingar” is at Citadel Theatre, 300 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest, through March 13. Run Time: approximately 90 minutes with no intermission. For tickets and more information visit Citadel Theatre.

State COVID restrictions in effect at the time will be enforced at Citadel’s 144-seat performing space.

Mira Temkin

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago

West Side Story still relevant

West Side Story at Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire (Photo by Liz Lauren)

4 Stars

While “West Side Story” is based on William Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet,” the tale of the star-crossed lovers remains a contemporary look at rival gangs that’s just as timely as the daily news reports.

But Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire creates a dynamic new twist to this production with a fresh look and new talents who bring this story to life.

For those who haven’t seen Steven Spielberg’s award-winning recent redo of the 1961 classic movie, West Side Story takes place on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in the 1950’s.

There’s tension in the hood between the Sharks and the Jets about who controls the turf. Hate, racism and violence rears its ugly head giving way to tragedy and sorrow on both sides of the fence.

West Side Story at Marriott Theatre (Photo by Liz Lauren)

This well-loved show features the brilliant music of Leonard Bernstein with such tunes as “Somewhere,” “Tonight,” “I Feel Pretty,” and “America.”

Using the traditional choreography from Jerome Robbin’s original production, Marriott’s high energy cast delivers the dance with amazing precision and youthful energy. It will leave you breathless.

Based on the book by Tony Award-winner Arthur Laurents, music by Tony and Grammy Award-winner Leonard Bernstein and Lyrics by Tony, Grammy, Pulitzer Prize and Academy Award-winner Stephen Sondheim, West Side Story is a trifecta of creative excellence.

The production is directed by critically acclaimed, award-winning stage veteran Victor Malana Maog who beautifully captures the passion and power of the show.

Musical direction is by Jeff Award winner Ryan T. Nelson and choreography is by Jeff Award nominee, Alex Sanchez.

West Side Story at Marriott Theatre (Photo by Liz Lauren)Making her Marriott Theatre debut is Lauren Maria Medina who plays an exquisite “Maria.” She has the voice of an angel with pipes big enough to completely fill the stage.

Also making their debuts on the Marriott stage are Jake David Smith as “Tony” who wins our hearts and Vanessa Aurora Sierra as “Anita” who sings and dances her way into the stratosphere.

Mention must be made of Marisa Fee as “Anybodys” whose gender issues are much more realized in this production. Originally a “tomboy,” Fee appears with the rest of the girls in a ballet, wearing a gown, a strong departure from the original.

Jeffrey D. Kmiec’s set design makes great use of the in-the-round stage with realistic appearance of a fire escape and other urban settings to reflect the cold stark reality of the neighborhood.

Kudos to costume designer Amanda Vander Byl for her realistic 1950s costumes and of course, to musical supervisor Patti Garwood and her orchestra who play the haunting score to perfection.

Covid Protocols: Marriott Theatre guests are currently required to wear face coverings and present proof of COVID-19 vaccination, or an appropriate negative COVID-19 test to attend performances in the theatre. Details at MarriottTheatre.com

DETAILS: “West Side Story” is at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire through March 27. Run Time: 2.5 hours with a 15-minute intermission. For tickets and more information, call The Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or visit Marriott Theatre.

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago

Mira Temkin

Around Town: Orchids and art shows

Orchids: Untamed at Chicago Botanic Garden. (J Jacobs Photo)

February is celebrated at the Chicago Botanic Garden with the return of its Orchid Show. It is also celebrated with the opening at the end of the month with two art shows: Immersive Frida in the former Immersive van Gogh space and “An Instrument in the Shape of a Woman” in the Chicago Cultural Center.

The Orchid Show: Untamed

Opening February 12 in time for Valentine’s Day and hanging around in the Regenstein Center and greenhouses through March 27, 2022, the show features wild orchids and the what-if scenarios of orchids left to do their own thing in gardens or on estates.

For tickets and more information visit Chicago Botanic Garden

Immersive Frida (Photo courtesy of Immersive Frida)

Immersive Frida Dream

Of course, the famed Mexican artist, Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderón, sometimes referred to by her first name, sometimes by her last name is Frida Kalo.
Even though she had polio and then suffered throughout her life from chronic pain following an accident, in her short life (1907-1954), she became one of Mexico’s most renowned painters.

Now she is honored in several cities, including Chicago with “Immersive Frido Dream,” a digital exhibition, cum experience, that pulls visitors into her magical, half realism, half surrealism world seen in her memorable self-portraits and paintings that reflect Mexican culture and her views of gender and identity.

Immersive Frida runs Feb. 24 through May 28 at the Lighthouse ArtSpace that had Immersive van Gogh. The building is the Landmark Germania Club building in the Gold Coast neighborhood at 1536 N. Clark St., (108 W. Germania Pl) Chicago. For tickets and more information visit Chicago – Frida (immersive-frida.com)

“An Instrument in the Shape of a Woman.”

A multi-artist show by Leslie Baum, Diana Christiansen and Selina Trepp with Annie Morris, brings abstract combinations of natural and surreal forms. The show is at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St, Chicago, Feb. 26-Sept 4, 2022. While there, take a tour of this building’s amazing apaces. For more information visit City of Chicago :: Chicago Cultural Center.

Jodie Jacobs

Oscars organization launches Latinx initiative

Academy Awards (Photo courtesy of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)

After the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and sciences was accused of discrimination in its Oscar awards and judges, it began several corrective initiatives.

Among them is Seen, a series starring Nick Barili, an Argentinean-American journalist, writer, producer and director. Barili talks with influential artists and filmmakers with Latin -American and Spanish roots about barriers met and their craft.

Members of the Academy John Leguizamo, Eva Longoria and Edward James Olmos share their personal stories during the opening season. They discuss breaking down barriers in filmmaking. Watch the trailer on the Academy’s YouTube and AcademySeen.

Stay tuned for more initiatives

Jodie Jacobs