Hedy Weiss: Theater Reviews


Chicago Sun-Times Theater Critic Hedy Weiss joins us to discuss local shows currently on stage.


Read more about the plays below and watch two web extra video reviews.
 

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Coutesy of The Court TheatreSeven Guitars

August Wilson's Seven Guitars takes on Chicago in its month-long run at the Court Theatre. Set in the backyard of a Pittsburgh apartment complex in 1948, six characters are connected by the disappearance of a mutual acquaintance known for his extraordinary guitar skills. Sewn together with American blues lyrics and completed by seven characters’ stories, Wilson’s play looks to captivate and inspire with the themes of fate, justice and the Blues. Seven Guitars runs for 3 hours and 15 minutes, and will be performed though February 16. Tickets are $45. For more information, click here.

Court Theatre
5535 S. Ellis Ave.
Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 753-4472

ourtesy of The Goodman TheatreLuna Gale

Now playing at the Goodman Theatre, Luna Gale tells the story of two teenaged drug addicts accused of neglecting their baby (Luna). Their paths meet at an explosive crossroads with Caroline, a veteran social worker, when she places their infant daughter in the care of Luna’s grandmother. This play explores the family’s skeletons and secretive past, and forces Caroline to make a risky decision with potentially life-altering consequences. Luna Gale is an unforgettable tale of faith and forgiveness filled with emotional ups and downs. The show runs January 18 through February 23. Tickets cost between $24 and $69. For more information, click here.

The Goodman Theatre
170 N. Dearborn St.
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 443-3800

Courtesy of Drury Lane TheatreYoung Frankenstein

Mel Brooks' classic comedy Young Frankenstein is bringing a new spin on the classic Frankenstein story to the Drury Lane Theatre. The story follows a young Dr. Frankenstein as he attempts to complete his grandfather's masterwork and bring a corpse to life. He and his faithful assistant Igor, his provocative lab assistant Inga, and in spite of his fiancée Elizabeth, succeed in creating a monster—but not without scary and quite often hilarious complications. Young Frankenstein runs for 2 hours and 25 minutes, and will be performed though March 16. Tickets cost between $35 and $49. For more information, click here.

Drury Lane Theatre
100 Drury Lane
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
(630) 530-0111

Courtesy of Cadillac Palace TheatreThe Phantom of the Opera

Following a critically acclaimed tour of the United Kingdom, Cameron Mackintosh's new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's classic musical, The Phantom of The Opera, is making its rounds in Chicago as part of a brand new U.S. national tour. Breathing new life into the production, the play will feature new designs, costumes, new staging, new choreography and a new director. The production is overseen by Matthew Bourne and Cameron Mackintosh. The play runs until March 2. Tickets cost between $49 and $328. For more information, click here.

Cadillac Palace Theatre
151 W. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 384-1502


Hedy Weiss reviews Hedda Gabler and 42nd Street in the following web extra video review:

Hedda Gabler

The Norwegian classic, Hedda Gabler made its way to Illinois’ theater scene. Henrik Ibsen’s classic play will take play-goers on an emotional rollercoaster as they are introduced to the play’s main character. Hedda, a victim of circumstance and master manipulator, finds herself trapped by society in a world that does not fit her. Hedda turns to manipulation of her husband, friends and lovers in order to survive in the world. The outcome is a controversial story of a torn anti-hero. The play runs for 2 hours and 35 minutes, and will be performed though February 16. Tickets cost $60. For more information, click here.

Writers Theatre
376 Park Ave.
Glencoe, IL 60022
(847) 242-6000

Courtesy of Paramount Theatre42nd Street

42nd Street is the classic story of the legendary theater district known as Broadway. Small-town girl Peggy leaves the comfort of family to chase her dreams in the Big Apple. After overcoming a few obstacles in the big city, Peggy’s luck seems to turn for the better in New York. She befriends another aspiring actor and lands a spot in a new play called Pretty Lady.  But Broadway is full of heroes and villains on-and-off the stage, and Peggy meets them all on the road to stardom. Fans of theater will also appreciate the musical numbers performed by Paramount’s full orchestra. The show runs until February 9. Tickets cost $44.90. For more information, click here.

Paramount Theatre
23 E. Galena Blvd.
Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 896-6666

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