13 Jul 2026

A Lion, a Witch, and Their Wardrobe: “The Wizard of Oz,” at the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse through September 5

By Kitty Hooker

Nostalgia has a funny way of raising the stakes. A mediocre presentation wouldn’t just be disappointing; it would feel like someone had replaced my ruby slippers with muddy boots and then trounced all over my childhood memories. Thankfully, director Tony Parise’s production bursts to life with color, imagination, and obvious affection for the material.

13 Jul 2026

These Keds Are Made for Walkin': “Grandma Gatewood Took a Walk,” at the Black Box Theatre through July 18

By Kitty Hooker

Do I have any interest in hiking the Appalachian Trail? Absolutely not. Do I want to hear about the 67-year-old who was the first woman to hike the entire trail solo? Absolutely. And trust me, so do you.

06 Jul 2026

Glitzkrieg: “Cabaret,” at the Timber Lake Playhouse through July 12

By Kitty Hooker

When I entered the Timber Lake Playhouse for its July 3 opening night of Cabaret and saw the stage draped with a gold foil fringe curtain and framed in marquee bulbs with a glowing red “KIT KAT KLUB” sign, the atmosphere felt equal parts seductive, artificial, and just a little bit unsettling.

22 Jun 2026

Tomb with a View: Genesius Guild's “Antigone,” at Lincoln Park through June 28

By Kitty Hooker

Genesius Guild’s current production of Antigone, directed by Michael Callahan, is the Guild’s annual high school show and features a cast of almost all teenagers – appropriate, considering that so many of the key characters, including the titular Antigone, are teenagers themselves.

15 Jun 2026

Boat Over Troubled Water: “The Shark Is Broken,” at the Black Box Theatre through June 27

By Kitty Hooker

Because The Shark Is Broken is an insider look at the making of Jaws, it seems both fitting and somewhat ironic that the play and movie share the same villain.

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