27 Jun 2022

Gold Testament: Countryside Community Theatre's “Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at North Scott High School, through July 3

By Pamela Briggs

I enjoy seeing a beloved musical that's so well-known I could easily sing along (though I never would). It's also fun seeing familiar faces and saying, "Hey, I know her!" "I acted with him!" Countryside Community Theatre's Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is that kind of show. It's both a classic and a family affair, as many summer productions with this company are.

20 Jun 2022

Sweet Sorrow: Genesius Guild's “Romeo & Juliet,” at Lincoln Park through June 26

By Pamela Briggs

Romeo & Juliet is one of William Shakespeare's best-known plays – "most often heard of," I mean, because many don't actually know it.

13 Jun 2022

A Good Time, and I'm Not Lion: “Madagscar: A Musical Adventure,” at the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse through July 2

By Madeline Dudziak

I think exposure to the theatre is so important for kids, and Circa 21's children’s show Madagascar: A Musical Adventure, directed by Brad Hauskins, did not disappoint, with life lessons continually pouring through the plot.

06 Jun 2022

Springs Eternal: “Tuck Everlasting,” at the Spotlight Theatre through June 12

By Pamela Briggs

After a rough few weeks, I wanted a diversion. So even though I hadn't read the Natalie Babbitt novel on which it's based, I was happy to attend Thursday's final dress and tech rehearsal for Tuck Everlasting at the Spotlight Theatre. I left feeling both impressed and refreshed.

06 Jun 2022

Law Degrees of Fabrication: “Here Lies Jeremy Troy,” at the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre through June 12

By Madeline Dudziak

Honesty is the best policy – except, apparently, when it comes to what’s currently playing at the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre, because Here Lies Jeremy Troy is one heck of a play on words. It turns out that Jeremy Troy – a lawyer seven years into his career, played by Matthew McConville – isn’t dying; he’s lying. But I am being completely honest when I say Thursday’s opening night for director Dana Skiles’ show was full of humor as the characters tried to work themselves out of these lies.

06 Jun 2022

Crossing the Linus: “Dog Sees God,” at the Playcrafters Barn Theatre through June 12

By Pamela Briggs

Knowing the Peanuts characters' backgrounds, and aspects of the comics and the animated specials, will boost your enjoyment, but it's an amazing, worthwhile experience either way.

30 May 2022

Haus Party: “'Pants' Labyrinth” at the Mockingbird on Main, through June 5

By Pamela Briggs

In November, I saw the original play "Jacques"alope by the Haus of Ruckus team of TJ Green and Calvin Vo at the Mockingbird on Main. It was a lively, uproarious quest story. Imagine my delight when I learned that it had gotten a baby brother!

23 May 2022

Belle and Whistles: “Disney’s Beauty & the Beast,” at the Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse through July 16

By Madeline Dudziak

This family favorite, smartly directed and choreographed by Shane Hall for the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse, was spectacular from start to finish. In fact, you should get your tickets now, and finish reading this review later. Name recognition alone could sell this show out, and once word gets out that it’s also great, seats will no doubt be hard to come by.

09 May 2022

Corpses/Christie: “A Murder Is Announced,” at the Playcraters Barn Theatre through May 15

By Madeline Dudziak

Playcrafters has staged a true, old-fashioned whodunit in A Murder Is Announced, and while there were a few things I figured out as the night went on, there were also plenty of things I didn’t.

05 May 2022

All Weill, and Good: “The Threepenny Opera,” at Augustana College through May 8

By Pamela Briggs

Director Shelley Cooper, vocal-music director Maureen Holmes, and instrumental-music director Michelle Crouch led the performers, crew, and staff in Augustana's The Threepenny Opera, and I was confident that the theatre and music departments here could pull the show off beautifully. They did, with energy, enthusiasm, and so much talent. The expressive actors here are skilled beyond their years.

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