27 Jul 2023

Ocean Breezy: “The SpongeBob Musical,” at the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre through July 30

By Roger Pavey Jr.

Based on the popular early-2000s Nickelodeon animated TV show, The SpongeBob Musical follows the title character, a sea sponge, as he, alongside his friends, stops a volcano from erupting and wiping out their town of Bikini Bottom. Helmed by Lara Tenckhoff, there is so much that's contemporary in the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre’s production.

24 Jul 2023

Hart-less: “9 to 5: The Musical,” at the Timber Lake Playhouse through July 30

By Alexander Richardson

I had no idea what to expect when I arrived at the Timber Lake Playhouse on Saturday evening. I’d never seen 9 to 5 before, be it movie or musical, and outside of “Jolene” and the show's titular song, I could not name you a single song by Dolly Parton. Yet none of this got in the way of me enjoying a perfectly fine night of theatre helmed by director Tommy Ranieri.

24 Jul 2023

The Marches of Time: “Little Women,” at the Playcrafters Barn Theatre through July 30

By Madeline Dudziak

Entering the Playcrafters Barn Theatre for Friday’s opening night of Little Women, I had a certain number of expectations. Like most people, I’m familiar with Louisa May Alcott’s story, so I was prepared for some joys, some sorrows, and the four March sisters. I wasn’t, however, anticipating Reader reviewer Roger Pavey Jr.’s scenic design to blow me out of the water before the show even began.

24 Jul 2023

Stingers: Genesius Guild's “The Wasps,” at Lincoln Park through July 30

By Pamela Briggs

I can't believe it's the end of July already. Part of the proof is Genesius Guild's production of The Wasps, now invading Lincoln Park, so prepare to be stung – by laughter! (Yes, I'm ashamed now.) The Wasps is one of the rewritten-for-modern-audiences Greek comedies that traditionally cap the Guild's summer schedule. And this year, as in last, the season-ender was adapted and directed by Calvin Vo and T Green, otherwise known as Haus of Ruckus.

17 Jul 2023

Egos Trip: “A Penny for Your Thoughts,” at the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre through July 23

By Madeline Dudziak

It was a familiar sort of tale at the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre on Thursday’s opening night. Girl dates boy. Boy is set to propose but girl overhears and misunderstands the situation. Hijinks ensue. And, though things inevitably turn out okay, there’s still a plot twist or two to be had. But instead of just seeing the action, we also get to hear the action that’s running through our main character’s head thanks to her five Egos.

17 Jul 2023

Latitude Adjustment: “Escape to Margaritaville,” at the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse through September 9

By Pamela Briggs

Are you in need of refreshment? The Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse offers us an Escape to Margaritaville – just the sunny, tropical-fruit-garnished tonic for those of us who'd love a Caribbean getaway, but can't get away.

11 Jul 2023

Hankie Panky: Genesius Guild's “Othello,” at Lincoln Park through July 16

By Roger Pavey Jr.

Othello is one of the great Shakespearean tragedies – but Genesius Guild’s take on Shakespeare's material was much more than tragic.

10 Jul 2023

Wingfields and a Prayer: The Mockingbird on Main’s “The Glass Menagerie,” at Black Hawk College through July 15

By Madeline Dudziak

If fellow Reader reviewer Alex Richardson can publicly declare his distaste for Rodgers and Hammerstein, I feel safe sharing my own opinion that Tennessee Williams and The Glass Menagerie are overrated.

10 Jul 2023

[title of review]: “[title of show]," at the Black Box Theatre through July 15

By Pamela Briggs

Directors Noah Hill and Rebecca Casad, and music directors Ryan J. Hurdle and Katie Griswold, make this smooth production – which boasts ample vulgar language – more delightful and engaging than my already-high hopes anticipated.

05 Jul 2023

Mountain Climbing: “The Sound of Music,” at the Timber Lake Playhouse through July 9

By Roger Pavey Jr.

This Rodgers and Hammerstein classic is another one of those shows that I appreciate, but am not necessarily a huge fan of. However, after attending the Saturday matinėe of the Timber Lake Playhouse’s production, the musical grew on me. It was a touching, endearing, and eventually somber theatre experience.

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