Review: Red Theater’s Hamlet Is Intimate and Text-Driven
It’s the top of the first act. As the lights come down and the guards enter, those familiar with Shakespeare’s famous piece know what is about to happen. The guards […]
Lauren Katz is a Chicago-based director, educator, and arts administrator. She has been reviewing shows since moving to Chicago in 2016 and loves seeing the exciting range that the Chicago theater and arts scene has to offer.
Review: PM Theater’s Touring Production of A Star Without a Name Explores Love and Happiness
“The world is full of pain as is. Instead, let’s talk about love!” PM Theater’s administrative producer Anna Bredikhina kicks off the top of the show with this sentiment. After […]
Writers Theatre’s The Band’s Visit to a Small Israeli Town Features Intimate and Emotional Storytelling
Dina (Sophie Madorsky) enters at the top of the show. The space is empty as she calmly stares down at the audience and whispers the opening lines of the play: […]
Northlight Theatre’s Selling Kabul Is Full of Suspense and Gut-Wrenching Intrigue
Lights come up on a live broadcast. On the television on the far corner of the small apartment, we witness President Barack Obama announcing that American troops would withdraw from […]
Review: Goodman Theatre’s Highway Patrol Is a Thought-Provoking Story About Online Friendship
“The truth is, I needed to know I could love someone.” That’s all so many of us want—to love and to feel loved. That can look a number of different […]
Review: Northlight Theatre Brings Thrilling Murder Mystery to the Holiday Season with Dial M for Murder
Money, fear, jealousy, revenge, and protecting someone you love. These are the five top motives for murder, according to Maxine Hadley (Elizabeth Laidlaw), a murder mystery writer who is about […]
Review: Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker Blends Holiday Cheer and Wonder With Its 1893 Chicago Backdrop
The basic plot of the famous The Nutcracker ballet is a familiar story. A young girl, Clara, receives the gift of a Nutcracker on Christmas Eve. That night, she has […]
Review: Manual Cinema’s Christmas Carol Sparks Holiday Magic and Joy
“These are but shadows of things that have been.” Those familiar with A Christmas Carol may recognize this haunting line from the Ghost of Christmas Past. The Ghost takes Ebenezer […]
Review: Chicago Shakespeare Sparks Love and Joy With Twelfth Night
“If music be the food of love, play on.” (Duke Orsino, Act I, Twelfth Night) At its center, Twelfth Night is a story about love. Falling in love, out of love, and everything in […]
Review: The Chicago Magic Lounge Wows and Amazes with Justin Purcell’s An Honest Living
How does a theater critic review a magic show? On the surface, this question might feel simple. Did the magician succeed in bringing the audience along for the ride? Did I […]
Review: Writers Theatre’s Thought-Provoking Eurydice Features Strong Cast and Stunning Design
Eurydice: “I read a book today.” Orpheus: “Did you?” Eurydice: “Yes. It was very interesting… There were—stories—about people’s lives—how some come out well— others come out badly.” Orpheus: “Do you […]
Review: Goodman Theatre’s The Nacirema Society Showcases Stellar Cast and Hysterical Writing
Gracie: “I just can’t get as excited as you do about it, Gram. At the end of the day, it’s just a big ol’ poofy white dress.” Grace: (A beat) […]