There’s a parade of new shows on stage in Chicago. Theater critic Hedy Weiss recommends her current favorites.
Read Weiss’ full reviews of each show below.
Salesmanship Cedes to Love in ‘The Music Man’
The overall pacing of this bear of a show can sometimes feel a bit off. At the same time, there is such a sense of jubilation about this production that its imperfections are easy to overlook.
Coyotes’ Cries Herald a Ferocious New Steppenwolf Take on ‘True West’
Steppenwolf’s fabled 1982 production of Sam Shepard’s darkly comic tale is a foundational part of Chicago theater history. And now, two of the company’s “next generation” of actors are bringing their own high-octane intensity to the play.
Fiercely Immersive ‘Recommendation’ Explores Privilege, Justice and Moral Relativism
With its volcanic staging of Jonathan Caren’s intensely physical play, Windy City Playhouse has carved out a unique niche for itself in Chicago with a style dubbed “immersive theater.”
In ‘Ada and the Engine,’ a Woman Far Ahead of Her Time
A wonderfully imagined riff on the Ada Lovelace story, Lauren Gunderson’s fascinating, emotionally feverish play is now receiving a vividly realized Chicago premiere production by The Artistic Home.
New Musical ‘Darling Grenadine’ a Sobering Look at the Quest for Happiness
It might not be a Broadway-style blockbuster, but this intimate musical very skillfully mixes romantic comedy tropes with an uncompromising look at self-destructive behavior, self-doubt, alcoholism and complex friendships.
