August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean just wrapped up at Chicago’s Goodman theater and counts among the most impressive examples of theater excellence seen in years. Under the direction of Chuck Smith with Mac Gay Anderson-Cooper serving as associate director, Wilson spins a fascinating tale of inconceivable strength and vision. Carrying strong whiffs of the …
Gem of the Ocean’s Genius Returns to the Goodman Read More »
According to writer and director Bill Barclay, he was consciously trying to right a wrong when he conceived and created, The Chevalier. The wrong was the near universal ignorance of an exceptional person who failed to receive the historical prominence he deserves due, in large part, to the color of his skin. The Chevalier, Barclay’s …
Adult children venting to their parents about how they were mistreated growing up seems to have become a thing on stage as well as on film. If the outcome of spilling all that angst is as beautiful as the relationship between Tyler and his dad Stephen in Queen of the Night, now playing on Victory …
Windy City Playhouse’s look back on the life and career of Ramon Novarro, a mega star of 1920’s Hollywood who’s best remembered today for the way he died, has its struggles. It can be slow and feel vaguely forced, but the underlying truths it reminds us of hold inescapable resonance and power. Tragedy has that …