By Erika Brown Thomas Cinderella’s age-old tale of rags to riches is as familiar to parents and children today as it was to the generations before them. While this glass-slippered fairy tale is usually geared toward young girls, Broadway in Chicago’s Equity tour based on the 2013 Broadway revival is is a fully revamped and
Archives for December 2014
Talented ‘Newsies’ headliners seize the day
By Barry Reszel A talented triumvirate of young stars are seizing the holidays in Chicago, leading their athletic ensemble through some sick choreography in the hugely entertaining, touring musical production of Disney’s Newsies, through Jan. 4. This Broadway in Chicago Equity production features more than 50 youthful onstage triple threats and intricate sets mirroring the
Gilbert and Sullivan are quite at home at the Den
By Colin Douglas Upon entering the new, first floor black box theatre at the Den, just off their beautiful, recently-opened bar-and-coffee house lobby, the audience might think they’ve accidentally wandered into a Montessori School, instead of a production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic operetta, HMS Pinafore. Michael Smallwood’s creative playhouse, which this is in every
Ground floor musicals on display at The Music Theatre Company
By Barry Reszel “Smashing Pumpkins” front man Billy Corgan‘s entry in a quintet of 15-minute(ish) musicals headlines The Music Theatre Company’s 48-Hour Musicals: ENCORE!, through Dec. 14 in Highland Park. The world premiere of Corgan’s Pretty Persephone, presented last of the five, is a strange, techno-infused romp through the Eleusinian Mysteries and the myth of
‘Hansel and Gretel’ is a wickedly delicious musical treat
By Colin Douglas Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm would be surprised at this new, updated, pop/rock musical version of one of their best-known folktales, Hansel and Gretel, presented at the Broadway Playhouse. Artistic Director Ernie Nolan has collaborated with Grammy-nominated children’s composer/lyricist Justin Roberts to bring this classic tale into the 21st century. Filled with 14
