Hedy Weiss: Theater Reviews


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At 7:00 pm on Chicago Tonight, Chicago Sun-Times theater and dance critic Hedy Weiss joins us to discuss four plays on the stage right now. Tonight, we’ll hear about Sweeney Todd, A Walk in the Woods, and Long Story Short.

Sweeney Todd at Drury Lane-Oakbrook
It’s the story of “The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” Stephen Sondheim’s thriller musical, Sweeney Todd. Dark and surprisingly funny, Sweeney Todd tells the story of Benjamin Barker--barber turned killer turned baker’s accomplice--as a series of corrosive events provoke him to seek vengeance and violence. Barker and his tenant, Mrs. Lovett, begin baking darkly delicious meat pies, which become more and more famous as events spiral more and more out of control. The musical runs through October 9, and tickets range from $35 to $46.

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A Walk in the Woods at TimeLine Theatre
Two arms limitation negotiators for superpowers America and Russia take A Walk in the Woods after spending a few fruitless, frustrating hours bargaining. During their informal meanderings, the cynical Russian veteran and quixotic American newcomer discover qualities in each other that unite them despite their cosmetic differences. The play combines a serious reflection on politics with humor and hope. In TimeLine’s production, the two characters—originally both men—are played by a man and a woman. The play runs through November 20. Tickets range from $24 to $44.

Long Story Short at the Broadway Playhouse
Colin Quinn tells the history of the world in the tour of his twice-extended Broadway comedy, Long Story Short. Directed by Jerry Seinfeld, Long Story Short details the downfall of the world’s greatest empires. Quinn’s atypical standup routine connects Snooki and Antigone, Costco and Ancient Greece. Quinn even describes Julius Caesar as the original Italian mobster, all while impersonating and personifying the nations he covers. Learn more about the show. Long Story Short runs through September 10. Tickets range from $40 to $65.

For the Boys at Marriott Theatre
Eddie Sparks and Dixie Leonard compete for the American troops in For the Boys. The musical starts in 1942, when Dixie challenges Eddie for best American entertainer. Throughout over 30 years, three wars, and hundreds of shows, they performed for the troops while navigating their own rocky relationship. The musical runs through October 16, and tickets range from $40 to $48.

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