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Saturday, April 27, 2024

Steven Oxman | For the Sun-Times

Nambi E. Kelley (from left), TayLar, Dexter Zollicoffer and A.C. Smith star in the Goodman Theatre's production of August Wilson's "Joe Turner's Come and Gone." Liz Lauren Photo
Theater
Timeless ‘Joe Turner’s Come and Gone’ richly acted by Goodman Theatre's all-Chicago cast
The ensemble storyline captures not just a time and place, but a core theme playwright August Wilson continued to express throughout his Century Cycle.
By Steven Oxman | For the Sun-Times
 
Eddie Izzard plays all the roles in a "Hamlet" production at Chicago Shakespeare Theater through May 4.
Theater
Eddie Izzard delivers solo 'Hamlet' with range, directness of a stand-up comedian
English actor’s straightforward take on the tragedy at Chicago Shakespeare Theater prizes clarity above all.
By Steven Oxman | For the Sun-Times
 
“I’m Flying.” (from L) Micah Turner Lee as John, Reed Epley as Michael, Hawa Kamara as Wendy, Nolan Almeida as Peter Pan in the national touring non-Equity production of "Peter Pan" at the Nederlander Theatre. Photo: Matthew Murphy
Theater
For the youngest of theatergoers, 'Peter Pan' remains a magical experience
Many kids in the audience came dressed up. I would recommend parents encourage it, as their youngsters will undoubtedly make new friends at intermission finding others who love the characters they do, or who identify with other ones.
By Steven Oxman | For the Sun-Times
 
PT_Streetcar_A740638_credit LIz Lauren.jpeg
Theater
'Streetcar Named Desire' remains definitive, searing war of wills in solid Paramount production
The strength of this production at the Paramount’s intimate Copley Theatre isn’t that it’s especially atmospheric, or sexy, or theatrical; instead it focuses on and succeeds at providing a resolute narrative and thematic clarity.
By Steven Oxman | For the Sun-Times
 
(clockwise from left) Harry Lennix, ensemble members Alana Arenas and Glenn Davis, Tamara Tunie, Ayanna Bria Bakari and ensemble member Jon Michael Hill in Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s world premiere of Purpose by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, directed by Phylicia Rashad, playing now through April 28, 2024. Photo by Michael Brosilow.
Theater
Chicago-inspired ‘Purpose’ explores fictionalized iconic Black family in blistering Steppenwolf production
Clearly inspired by Chicago’s Jackson family — as in Jesse and Jesse Jr. — the play is set at a transitional moment when the family must process a problematic recent past and consider the future.
By Steven Oxman | For the Sun-Times
 
_Bill W. and Dr. Bob_ - Photo credit Cortney Roles 4.jpg Bill (Ronni Marmo, left) and Dr. Bob (Thomas F. Evans) in "Bill W. and Dr. Bob."
Theater
'Bill W. and Dr. Bob' skims the surface of a complex and inherently profound story
Alcoholics Anonymous origin tale should be about the possibilities of personal transformation, but in this production the characters’ inner journeys feel flat.
By Steven Oxman | For the Sun-Times
 
A divorced dad (Rob McClure) disguises himself as a female nanny in order to see his kids (from left: Axel Bernard Rimmele, Giselle Guiterrez and Kennedy Alexandra Pitney) in "Mrs. Doubtfire."
Theater
'Mrs. Doubtfire' show succeeds more as movie tribute than as musical
Despite unmemorable songs, touring production stays true to the film and showcases an energetic star.
By Steven Oxman | For the Sun-Times
 
Café owner Dina (Sophie Madorsky, with Rom Barkhordar and Armand Akbari) is among the people in a remote Israeli town showing hospitality to stranded Egyptian musicians in "The Band's Visit."
Theater
In moving musical 'The Band's Visit,' strangers from distinct Mideast cultures find harmony
Magnificent Writers Theatre production of the Tony-winning show pulls you in to the characters’ world and you don’t want to leave.
By Steven Oxman | For the Sun-Times
 
(L-R) Aidan Wharton, David Benoit, Jennifer Blood and Jeremy Webb in the GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY North American tour (photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade).jpeg
Theater
'Girl from the North Country': How does it feel when the downtrodden sing Dylan songs? Captivating
Artist’s classic tunes deepen the characters in Conor McPherson’s melancholy musical now at CIBC Theatre.
By Steven Oxman | For the Sun-Times