By Patrick O’Brien Grief is anything but orderly—the Kübler-Ross model belongs more to pop culture than actual psychology. In attempting to impose order anyway, in Life After, a newish musical now at the Goodman, librettist-composer Britta Johnson spins an arioso detective story. Hidden within the empty chatter of neighbors dropping off umpteen casseroles, the endless
Archives for June 2022
Theo Ubique’s ‘Godspell’ sure features some angelic voices
By Barry Reszel When wilt thou save the people Oh, God of Mercy, when? The people, Lord, the people Not thrones and crowns but men! God save the people, for thine they are Thy children, as thy angels, fair Oh, save the people from despair God save the people! Everybody sing! Because if we ever
‘Skates’ won’t change your life, but it’s fine, ’nuff said
By Patrick O’Brien Admittedly, even when it was announced two years ago, Skates screamed “vanity project”: Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo–American Idol finalists, partners in both music and life–in a Grease/Xanadu hybrid. They belt high Js and make kissy-faces for two hours while everyone else is left to fall on their asses—in every sense of
‘Lorca’ a rich tribute to the dark and light of the Andalusian poet laureate
By Grace Ferolo To celebrate their twentieth anniversary and return to live performance, Water People Theater, in league with the Instituto Cervantes, brings LORCA, Living the Experience to Chicago. As advertised, it’s an immersive dive into the world of Andalusian poet and composer Federico García Lorca, featuring music, flamenco dance, larger-than-life video. to Instituto Cervantes.
