2022 in Review: Best Narrative Films of the Year
It’s the last Friday of the year, so it’s time to reveal my Best of the Year list. As always, I was able to squeeze in about 10-12 additional films […]
Review: A Solid Opening Night for Whitney’s Trio of Thalia Hall Shows
Winter traditions are plentiful, but every once in a while a new one pops up and feels as necessary as the tried and true ones. Such is the case with […]
On the Road: Broadway Prepares to Freeze Out Some Popular Shows in January
Going to watch a Broadway show during the holiday months of late November through December is a rite of passage for some individuals, friends and families. What better time to […]
Review: Damien Chazelle Cobbles Together Babylon, Three-Plus Hours of Bombast, Ego and Decadence, and Calls it a Movie
It’s said that one key to an artist’s success is knowing when to put down the paintbrush. Any work of art could go on and on, could be revised again […]
Review: Despite an Impressive, Devastating Central Performance, I Wanna Dance With Somebody Remains Frustratingly Shallow
Sometimes with a music biopic, it’s the music that carries the day when the story seems painfully familiar. So why do most music biopics feel like they follow the same […]
Review: The First Amendment Lives On Celebrates Hugh Hefner’s Commitment to Free Speech
How do we know if the First Amendment is working? Karen Tumulty, deputy editorial page editor for the Washington Post answers, “If it makes us uncomfortable—and more importantly, if it […]
Review: In Darren Aronofsky’s The Whale, Brendan Fraser Delivers a Career-Best Performance of Transformation and Grace
A difficult watch at times (but not for the reasons many are saying), director Darren Aronofsky’s The Whale (based on the acclaimed play by Samuel D. Hunter, who also wrote […]
Review: Yerin Baek Impresses Her Dedicated Fanbase at Chop Shop
South Korean singer-songwriter and producer Yerin Baek performed a dazzling show for a sold-out crowd at Chop Shop on the Chicago stop of her North American tour. Sans an opening […]
Review: Animated Sequel Puss In Boots: The Last Wish Offers Great Voice Acting, Vibrant Animation and a Heartfelt Story
I have a very clear memory of watching 2004’s Shrek 2, seeing (and hearing) the new character of Puss in Boots for the first time, and thinking “Well, that’s my […]
Review: Christmas Concert Puts Fresh Bloom on Music of the Baroque Chorus and New Director
Music of the Baroque‘s Holiday Brass & Chorale Concert, staged over four days in four Chicago-area churches, is the biggest annual star turn for the ensemble’s chorus. And the performance […]
Review: Once a Perennial Favorite, Celtic Woman at the Auditorium Theatre Feels Phoned-In More than Festive
The Irish vocal group Celtic Woman is more concept than band, as a glance at the member timeline on its Wikipedia page would indicate. Founded in 2004 for what was […]
Review: Strawdog’s Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins Is Great Fun for All Ages
Strawdog Theatre is giving Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins a spin during the holiday season for all children and grownups to enjoy. This show directed by Hannah Todd is from […]