Hedy Weiss Reviews an Eclectic Mix of Summer Shows


A beloved movie musical has transformed into a stage musical. Chicago Sun-Times theater critic Hedy Weiss joins us with a preview of “An American in Paris.”

Since the last time she joined us, a petition has circulated calling on local theaters to stop providing Weiss with press tickets. Phil Ponce asks Weiss about the petition and the controversy over a recent review she wrote that prompted the action.

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An eclectic lineup of summer shows

Weiss reviews the musical version of “The Bridges of Madison County” at Marriott Lincolnshire. The Tony Award-winning musical about a sweeping romance has music by Jason Robert Brown (“The Last Five Years”) and a book by Marsha Norman (“The Color Purple”). The production is back on dry land after canceling last weekend’s shows due to flooding in Lincolnshire. Performances continue through Aug. 13.

Beauty’s Daughter” is the Chicago premiere of an award-winning one-woman show that presents six memorable characters navigating the obstacles of their lives. Director Ron OJ Parson and Wandachristine bring to life a show the New York Times called “wholly original and riveting.” At American Blues Theater through Aug. 5.

Jacques Brel’s Lonesome Losers of the Night” is the latest from the Chicago’s intimate Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre. Digging deep into the catalog of dramatic tunes by the French-Belgian songwriter, “Lonesome Losers” brings passion, emotion, and a jug full of drinking songs. Through Aug. 6.

Ah, Wilderness!” is the lone comedy from America’s greatest playwright, Eugene O’Neill. It is also the final play at the Goodman Theater to be directed by Steve Scott before his retirement. Rising star Niall Cunningham plays a lovesick 16 year old boy forbidden to date his beloved girlfriend, Muriel. The show closes July 23.

The highly anticipated touring show “An American in Paris” opens July 25 at the Oriental Theatre. This is the 2015 Tony Award-winning musical adaptation of the beloved Vincente Minnelli movie with Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron (and featuring songs by George and Ira Gershwin). The production was directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, who recently re-invented “The Nutcracker” at Joffrey Ballet. July 25 – August 13.


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