By Anna DeNoia Love it or hate it, when it comes to musical theatre, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I is about as classic as it gets. When Anna, a European school teacher, travels to Siam to teach the children of the strong-willed King, their points of view collide over and over again. While
Northlight’s ‘Mr. Dickens’ Hat’ is packed to the dickens with story-theatre savvy. Perhaps even overpacked.
By Anna DeNoia Mr. Dickens’ Hat is absolutely filled to the brim with ambition. With a clever cast under the direction of Chicago favorite David Catlin and dynamic, interactive storytelling built into its design, this play couldn’t ask for more from this, its world premiere production. Despite the clear talent and vision from its team,
Goodman’s ‘Christmas Carol’ returns in giddy abundance
By Anna DeNoia Since its inaugural production in 1978, the Goodman Theatre has invited Ebenezer Scrooge back to the stage year after year to the delight of Chicago theatregoers of all ages. Even as stages sat empty last winter, the carol was still heard in thousands of homes as an audio play. Now, after a
No question mark: ‘Love, Actually?’ is a sure delight
By Anna DeNoia Looking for laughs this holiday season? Look no further than the quick and clever Love, Actually?: The Unauthorized Musical Parody. The beloved British rom-com has become a Christmas classic after its release in 2003, with its sprawling ensemble cast of superstars and countless converging storylines. While that sprawl can make it difficult
With cutting-edge projections, Lyric Opera’s ‘Magic Flute’ is unmissable
By Anna DeNoia It doesn’t get much more classic than Mozart’s The Magic Flute. As one of the most well-known works from one of the world’s most well-known composers, its soaring melodies and whimsical story of prince rescuing princess have been enchanting audiences for centuries. This is a piece that has been produced constantly all
