Thursday, 01 October 2026 11:31
Operation Mincemeat: A Smart, Scrappy Musical That Shines When Its Cast Takes the Wheel
Written by Maddie Burroughs
In the 2019 film Yesterday, a struggling musician wakes up in a world where The Beatles never existed. A similar theatrical case study could be done with every musical that might not exist without Hamilton; Operation Mincemeat should be first on the list. That is not to say it is…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Monday, 28 September 2026 20:31
Steppenwolf’s Topdog/Underdog: When History Deals the Cards
Written by Wesley David
Susan-Lori Parks’ Topdog/Underdog, the Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, is the kind of play that changes depending on when—and how many times—you see it. Directed by Kenny Leon, this revival stars Tony nominee Glenn Davis as Lincoln and Namir Smallwood as Booth, two brothers whose names alone tell us that Parks is…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Friday, 25 September 2026 16:38
'I’m Going to Marry You Tobey Maguire,' Full of Laughs, Ends With a Fizzle
Written by Bill Esler
Here’s a play that should be really good, based on its reputation alone. Written by Chicago comedy writer Samantha Hurley, I’m Going to Marry You Tobey Maguire premiered off Broadway at The Cell Theater in 2023. Now Refracted Theatre Company has mounted it at The Den Theatre in Chicago, bringing its…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Wednesday, 23 September 2026 23:39
Writers Theatre continues its 35th Anniversary Season with explosive, high-stakes boxing drama The Royale October 22 – November 29
Written by Buzz Center Stage
Writers Theatre, under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Artistic Director Braden Abraham, continues its 35th Anniversary Season with the highly-theatrical historical boxing drama The Royale from Marco Ramirez (Orange is the New Black, Buena Vista Social Club) and directed by Tyrone Phillips (Fat Ham; Byhalia,…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Thursday, 24 September 2026 12:12
Lookingglass’ Kowalski Ignites a Battle of Wits Between Two Icons
Written by Angelo Campos
Lookingglass Theatre’s production of Kowalski offers a gripping, fictionalized glimpse into the first meeting between two theater greats: Tennessee Williams and Marlon Brando. Set in 1947 in a dilapidated beach house, the plot revolves around the legendary playwright as he puts the finishing touches on his landmark work, A Streetcar…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Wednesday, 23 September 2026 18:49
Detroit ’67: A Basement Becomes a City on the Brink
Written by Wesley David
Detroit was burning in the summer of 1967, inside one basement, life was still going on. That contrast is at the heart of Dominique Morisseau’s Detroit ’67, now being produced by Pulse Theatre Company in residence at eta Creative Arts Foundation. Directed by Pulse Executive Artistic Director Aaron Reese Boseman,…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Wednesday, 23 September 2026 13:06
Now Boarding: Bonnie’s Last Flight, a Sky‑High Comedy with Real Heart
Written by Ken Payne
Rivendell Theatre Ensemble closes its milestone 30th season with Bonnie’s Last Flight, a sly, sky‑high comedy set during a flight attendant’s final day on the job - a blend of sharp satire and warm, traditional character comedy that’s genuinely, disarmingly funny. Jan has always carried a quiet love for writing,…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Sunday, 20 September 2026 02:02
Chicago Shakes' Play On!: With a Syncopated Harlem Beat
Written by Wesley David
There are some productions you watch, and then there are productions that make your heart swoon and your toe tap. Sheldon Epps’ Play On! is definitely the latter. Now playing at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, this exuberant musical takes Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, moves it to 1930s Harlem, adds the extraordinary music…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Tagged under
- Play On
- Musical theatre
- Sheldon Epps
- Chicago Shakespeare Theater
- Chicago Shakes
- Duke Ellington
- Shakespeare
- Harlem
- Hailee Kaleem Wright
- Edred Utomi
- Krystal Joy Brown
- Cheryl L West
- African American
- Twelfth Night
- Edgar Godineaux
- Luther Henderson Jr
- Theodis Rodgers Jr
- live theatre
- on stage
- Chicago events
- chicago theatre
Tuesday, 22 September 2026 16:29
Step Right Up and Ride the Cyclone (The Musical) at Metropolis Arlington Heights
Written by Anne Rakowiecki
If anyone has ever told you to buckle up and enjoy the ride, they were talking about life—and even if they didn’t know it, they were talking about Ride the Cyclone, the musical. When six teenagers die in a rollercoaster accident and end up in purgatory, each arguing their case…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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Erik Gernand is resident playwright at Redtwist Theatre, and his Prayer Circle is absolutely laugh-out-loud funny. The strength of this script is the characters—who are clearly defined and familiar types—and the performances, directed by Dusty Brown, are uniformly outstanding. Set in the cramped loft of a church (with stained glass…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Saturday, 19 September 2026 01:34
The Attic at Goodman Theatre Redefines Memoir Through Breathtaking Physical Storytelling
Written by Maddie Burroughs
At intermission, I sent Ken, Buzz Center Stage’s managing editor, a text: “So thankful I made it!! It’s intermission, and if there’s one show anyone sees it should be this.” By the time the lights came up at the end of The Attic, I couldn’t have agreed with intermission-me more.…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Wednesday, 16 September 2026 16:32
Chicago City Opera presents Chicago premiere of Der Vampyr October 7-11
Written by Buzz Center Stage
Chicago City Opera (CCO) presents the Chicago premiere of gothic horror opera Der Vampyr by composer Heinrich Marschner to a libretto by Wilhelm August Wohlbrück. Just in time to kick off the Halloween season, Der Vampyr is presented in three performances only Wednesday, October 7 at 7:00 PM at Colvin…
Published in
Theatre in Review
Monday, 21 September 2026 12:18
Definition's How We Got On: A Mixtape for the Stage
Written by Wesley David
What happens when three young people discover hip-hop and realize they might have something to say? Idris Goodwin’s How We Got On, directed by Definition Theatre Artistic Director Tyrone Phillips, answers that question with rhythm, humor, attitude and plenty of heart. Think of it as a mixtape for the stage…
Published in
Theatre in Review
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Latest Articles
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Operation Mincemeat: A Smart, Scrappy Musical That Shines When Its Cast Takes the Wheel
Written by Maddie BurroughsIn the 2019 film Yesterday, a struggling musician wakes up in a world where The Beatles never existed. A similar theatrical case study could be done with every musical that might not exist without Hamilton; Operation Mincemeat should be first… -
MAMMA MIA! and HADESTOWN Return to Chicago in Spring 2027
Written by Buzz Center StageBroadway In Chicago is excited to announce two fan-favorite shows are returning to our stages this year: MAMMA MIA! and HADESTOWN. Current subscribers can add these to their season package when renewing by clicking here or calling (312) 977-1717. Group… -
SANCTUARY STORIES - A JOURNALISM THEATER PROJECT October 9-18 at the Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture
Written by Buzz Center StageThrough music, documentary video, sound, photos and live actors, “SANCTUARY STORIES: A JOURNALISM THEATER PROJECT” captures in words and images the lives and communities deeply connected with — and affected by — immigration in Chicago. This “living documentary” is a…
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Red Theater presents the world premiere of CHURCH HURT October 24 - November 21, 2026
Written by Buzz Center StageRed Theater is thrilled to announce the cast and production team of the world premiere of Church Hurt by Brynne Frauenhoffer and directed by Jessica Love, running October 24 - November 21, 2026 at The Edge Off Broadway in Chicago’s…
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