Northbrook Star

Writers’ Bloc showcases 12 new plays

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:54:00 -0500

Members of Chicago Writers’ Bloc will introduce a dozen new plays, April 29 through May 22 in Evanston. “Our annual showcase is a wonderful chance for our members to present their works before a live audience,” said Zan Skolnick of Lincolnwood.

Son’s secret sparks father’s crisis in ‘Next Fall’

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 06:04:19 -0500

A father is dealing with the serious condition of his son following an accident when he has to face a long-kept secret in “Next Fall.”

Childish behavior not just for kids in ‘Carnage’

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:06:01 -0500

If one could apply a pH test to “God of Carnage,” the acid level would be off the scale. Yasmina Reza’s savage, absurdist comedy, now on stage at Citadel Theatre with an accomplished cast directed by Wayne Mell, is full of humor.

Bayside’s principal goes bad in ‘Breaking Belding’

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 11:56:01 -0500

Mr. Belding transforms from compassionate, rule-following high school principal into a crazed drug lord in “Breaking Belding.” Written by Pete Mandra, the “Saved by the Bell” meets “Breaking Bad” hour-long parody opens Saturday at Gorilla Tango’s Skokie Theatre.

Bad behavior good for laughs in ‘God of Carnage’

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:02:01 -0500

There’s a simple reason why Wayne Mell wanted to direct “God of Carnage for Citadel Theatre Company. “It’s all about parents being children,” he said. Yasmina Reza’s hilarious comedy focuses on two sets of parents who are meeting to discuss a playground disagreement between their sons.

Metropolis celebrates play fest winners

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 11:46:02 -0500

Three judges reviewed 52 plays to select the winners in Metropolis Performing Arts Centre’s New Play Festival. The five winning plays — three by adult playwrights and two by teenage authors — will receive staged readings by professional actors on Sundays, Jan. 20-Feb. 17.

‘Yo Gabba Gabba!’ pays a visit

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 11:54:01 -0500

Californian Christian Jacobs had nothing against the purple dinosaur. It was a harmless character his oldest daughter was watching on television ten years ago… and it kept her happy.

New play taps into lives of Latinos

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 15:28:16 -0500

Ana dreams of having a lavish quinceañera. That’s the traditional Latino celebration of a girl’s 15th birthday, and Ana’s brother Luis, a high school senior and the man of the house, hopes to help fulfill Ana’s wish.

Writers’ takes on dance with ‘Sweet Charity’

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 11:46:02 -0500

Some girls can’t catch a break. Take the case of Charity Valentine who works as a dance hall hostess while she searches in vain for a man to change her luck.

Acting is real thrill of ‘The Letters’

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 15:30:39 -0500

“The Letters” is an example of truly exceptional performances in the service of a script that’s not always on the level of the acting. Directed by Kimberly Senior at Glencoe’s Writers’ Theatre, the two-person piece is something of a political thriller. The trouble is, playwright Jonathan Lowell’s end game twist is visible from a distance. The arc of the pendulum is predictable here; it’s evident early on that in this particular game of cat and mouse, the roles of predator and prey will reverse at least once before the hunt is concluded. The primary reason to see “The Letters” is …

Father, son share talent and a stage

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 15:22:03 -0500

Andre’ Teamer’s relationship with his 13-year-old son Destin changes when the two actors are in a play together. “When we’re in rehearsal, I’m not ‘Dad,’” Andre’ said. “We’re actually peers and we have to work together. I have to give him the same respect I give the other actors. It’s not my place to tell him what to do.” Andre’ and Destin share the stage for the second time in Theatre Seven of Chicago’s world premiere of Carter W. Lewis’ “American Storm,” through Dec. 16. The play is set in 1962 in a small Ohio town and centers around Weldon …

‘Little Women’ adaptation finds heart of story

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 08:42:00 -0500

Ann Noble’s new stage adaptation of “Little Women,” is now premiering at Citadel Theatre. Under the direction of Scott Phelps, it serves as a superb introduction for 21st century audiences to Louisa May Alcott’s 1868 novel.

Smiles on tap in Marriott’s ‘My One and Only’

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 14:50:01 -0500

Can a musical tap its way to happiness? Certainly! Especially if it is packed with songs by those great Gershwin guys. “My One and Only” is running at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire through Jan. 6 and from the opening number by the three New Rhythm Boys (Quinn M. Bass, Jarran Music and Clinton M. Bass), through a virtuoso interlude from tap great Ted Louis Levy, to a company kick-line with the formidable Felicia P. Fields, the show is fueled by fancy footwork. The score includes such treasures by George and Ira Gershwin as “S’Wonderful” and “Nice Work If You …

Dickens’ ‘Carol’ goes happily off-key in ‘Bah, Humbug!’

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 17:33:44 -0500

The panto is on again. For the 12th year in a row, Piccolo Theatre is borrowing a British holiday tradition and diverting audiences with a cheery, if offbeat, entertainment known as a panto (short for pantomime).

‘One and Only’ upbeat romance set to great Gershwin

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 09:08:02 -0500

Can an ambitious aviator and a former English Channel swimmer find true happiness? Given enough great Gershwin songs it could happen in “My One and Only” at the Marriott Theatre.

Two actresses fill a hole in ‘Donuts’

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 14:38:01 -0500

You can expect arresting performances from two north suburban natives in Mary-Arrchie Theatre Co.’s remount of “Superior Donuts” at the Royal George Cabaret Theatre.