Northbrook Star

‘Oliver!’ dazzles at Drury Lane

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 09:18:00 -0500

As I headed off to see “Oliver!” at the Drury Lane Oakbrook Theatre, a friend told me of a couple who had named their kids Oliver and Annie, after two of the best-known orphans in literature and musical theater.

Creators keeping quiet on ‘Book of Hinsdale’ gags

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 10:30:02 -0500

The songs and skits in “Community Revue: The Book of Hinsdale” are a well-kept secret. The only thing that the people putting the show together will reveal is that it is filled with music, laughs and talented performers, and that it pokes fun at the people and places of Hinsdale.

Rarely done ‘Hatful of Rain’ on stage

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:52:01 -0500

A play about war, drug addiction, infidelity and family dysfunction is coming to a local stage. “A Hatful of Rain” by Michael V. Gazzo is being performed by the Village Theatre Guild of Glen Ellyn.

Mysterious music triggers brain-twisting play at Theatre of Western Springs

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 06:18:46 -0500

Twenty years ago, Rick Snyder starred in a play called “Ghost in the Machine” at Steppenwolf Theatre where he is an ensemble member. “It intrigued me then and it’s intrigued me ever since,” he said.

‘Singin’ brings glorious feeling to Drury Lane

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

If you’re going to do a stage adaptation of a movie musical, you might as well choose a great one, right? That’s a principal that’s proven true for the theatrical adaptations of the 1952 classic “Singin’ in the Rain” from its 1983 premiere in London, through various revivals, all the way up to its highly entertaining debut at the Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook. The only drawback being that remaining true to the well-known and beloved original always underscores the fact that your production is essentially a facsimile, however excellent it may be. Which will always suffer by comparison, even …

‘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.

Friendship enriches lives in ‘Steel Magnolias’

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

Strong Southern women and the friendship that sustains them is at the heart of “Steel Magnolias.” The Grove Players present “Steel Magnolias” by Robert Harling Nov. 9 to 18, at the Lincoln Center in Downers Grove. The play, which opened off-Broadway in 1987, became a successful movie starring Dolly Parton in 1989, then opened on Broadway in 2005. Cal Turner of Naperville directs the play, which centers on a group of Louisiana women who meet regularly in Truvy’s beauty shop and serve as each other’s support group. The story begins on the morning of Shelby’s wedding, and spans the next …

Palmer ‘Singin’ praises of toe-tapping role

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 13:50:01 -0500

Singing in the rain is nothing new for Sean Palmer. “I’ve definitely had my share of rain onstage,” Palmer said. “I just did ‘Crazy for You’ at Regent’s Park outdoors. With the London weather, it oftentimes rained down on us.”

Anita Deely lands three roles in one Lifeline play

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 12:42:45 -0500

Anita Deely has always been impressed by Lifeline Theatre’s work. That’s why the Westchester native agreed to take on three roles in their production of “The Woman in White.” “This is my first show at Lifeline but, of course, like every other actor in the city, I’ve been going to their shows for years,” Deely said. “I’ve always admired their work because actors get to show some range and do a lot of different things.” “The Woman in White” is an original adaptation of Wilkie Collins’ 1859 mystery novel by Lifeline ensemble member Robert Kauzlaric. It is the tale of …

Theatre of Western Springs stages ‘Moonlight and Magnolias’

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 14:42:00 -0500

The Theatre of Western Springs is poised to make audiences laugh with “Moonlight and Magnolias,” a raucous comedy that will open the company’s 84th season Sept. 6.

‘Little Mermaid’ promises family fun

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 20:10:25 -0500

BAMTheatre finishes its summer season with a splash, making an undersea visit with to the cheery environs of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” at Nazareth Academy, Aug. 9-12. “They (audiences) can expect a fun show they’re familiar with, the BAM flavor, and wonderful performers who are so, so, so inspiring to watch because they are so passionate about what they’re doing,” said Artistic Director Melanie Lamoureux. Hinsdale-based BAM serves as an educational outlet for local youth all the way up through college-level students with a passion for theater each summer to gain hands-on experience, an understanding of the artistic process and …