Kimberly Katz
The Fleshtones Burlesque
I was both intrigued and a little bit hesitant to check out The Fleshtones Burlesque featuring a classic burlesque dancer “Satan’s Angel” the Devil’s own mistress! I am against any form of stripping or performance that women have to do that demeans them just to make money. I was very pleasantly surprised however by the artistry and imaginative performances I saw in this show.
Marijuana-logues: Don't Bogart That Ticket!
Purple Haze, Sticky-Icky-icky, Santa Maria, Sweet Malaysian Skunk Weed, Maui Waui, Muffman Delight, 7 Seconds, Purple Power, no matter what you call it this show makes marvelous sense out of the wonderful and wacky world of pot smoking. If you were unsure if an entire show about pot smoking could be funny, think no more because the Marijuana-Logues is hysterically funny...
Theatre on the Hill's Escanaba In Da Moonlight
Lights...curtain...get ready to laugh! What’s better than a family on a hunting trip in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan? The Soady family on a hunting trip in Northern Michigan...well maybe not better, but definitely funnier. In Theatre on the Hill’s latest production “Escanaba In Da Moonlight”, directed by Craig J. Engel, the Soady family, dad Albert and sons Rueben and Remnar are brilliantly...
4-ISH is Del-ISH-ious
The Chicago Children’s Theatre brings in the New Year with the Chicago premiere of the international sensation 4- ISH. The Amsterdam based performance troupe combines Acrobatic stunts, street and break dancing, dancing on inline skates, video art, a live DJ and more. I was really impressed by their ability to utilize such an amazing array of diverse and unique talents and marry them in a way that eloquently showed off each person’s total uniqueness.
The Snow Queen
The Snow Queen is a lovely Holiday production that tells the story of two childhood sweethearts- Gerda and Kai, who grow up in love together but are separated for a time as they grow into adulthood by the lonely and powerful Snow Queen. This production really reminds me of the old Chicago theatre days with its minimalist, modern and sparing production but which packs a lot of punch. The entire ensemble cast sings beautifully with many of the characters playing their own instruments as well.
Wicked’ Strong Girl Power!
As I was thoroughly enjoying the many wonderful themes in this show I couldn’t help but feel a tiny pang of jealousy for all the little girls who are growing up with this musical as part of their psychological repertoire. I really wanted to be a witch when I was little. I wanted to be a good witch who casts spells to bring baby birds back to life when they fell from their nests. I wanted a magic spell to put the lizard’s tails back on when my brothers pulled them off,
Colin Quinn “Quintessentially Funny!”
Colin Quinn packed 'em in and delivered a fantastic hour plus set at the Lakeshore Theater last weekend. Colin talks fast and delivers joke after joke with such rapidity that I couldn't hear everything he said over the laughter. I loved his stuff about Brad Pitt traveling the world in designer duds, with a tired, stunned look on his face, and so...
Jamie Kilstein Kills ‘em
There is a certain kind of poise I look for in a seasoned comic, the kind of relaxed rhythm that professional musicians also have that lets you know right from the start, this guy is going to be funny and this guy is going to control the audience with ease. Jamie Kilstein definitely has this rhythm and poise. It is a pleasure to watch as Jamie riffs...
Janeane Garofalo: Lean Mean Comedy Machine
"I guess I just prefer to see the dark side of things. The glass is always half empty. And cracked. And I just cut my lip on it. And chipped a tooth." Janeane Garofalo
In a world that seems increasingly full of giggly, cooing blonds and pantyless, camera hungry, dyed blonds - Janeane Garofalo’s black hair, tattooed arms, funky eyeglasses and whip smart humor are as refreshing to me as a cool breeze on a 110 degree summer day.
Kristin Schaal – “Funny Lady!”
At The Lakeshore Theater
Our first hysterical glimpse of Kristin Schaal is projected from a live camera backstage as she wolfs down a giant ice cream cone and snarls to her partner that she must finish it before taking the stage.
The 37th annual Rhinoceros Theater Festival Returns September 20 – October 26 at Six Chicago venues
12 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreCurious Theatre Branch, with co-producers Chicago Danztheater Ensemble, Chicago Dramatists and Labyrinth Club, are pleased to announce the 37th annual Rhinoceros Theater…
Collaboraction announces two major productions at its new House of Belonging in Humboldt Park in 2026-27
12 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreCollaboraction Theatre Company announced today two major productions for its 2026-27 season: the world premiere of Chicago writer Willie Round’s…
A Red Orchid Theatre Opens 34th Season with Chicago Premiere of HEROES OF THE FOURTH TURNING October 29 – December 6, 2026
12 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreA Red Orchid Theatre is pleased open its 34th Season, exploring the theme of "world on fire," with the Chicago premiere of Will…
Open Space Arts to present THE SWALLOW, by Spain's Guillem Clua, September 11 - 27
12 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreOpen Space Arts has announced it will stage the Chicago Premiere of THE SWALLOW - the internationally acclaimed drama by…
CHICAGO HUMANITIES announces full Fall Festival 2026 programming
11 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreChicago Humanities proudly announces the full lineup for its Fall Festival 2026, with conversations ranging from social justice, music, politics, literature, food,…
Tin Drum Theatre Company announces Chicago premiere of A Dark Wood by Eric Coble, Oct. 15–Nov. 1 at Greenhouse Theater Center
11 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreTin Drum Theatre Company is proud to announce the cast and creative team for Chicago premiere for A Dark Wood, October 15 -…
Young dancers and performers invited to audition for Joffrey Ballet's The Nutcracker, September 10 and 13
11 August 2026 in Theatre BuzzThe Joffrey Ballet holds open auditions for the Children's Cast of Christopher Wheeldon's The Nutcracker at its downtown studios in Joffrey Tower, 10 East…
Midsommer Flight to present staged reading of ADELINDA – an irreverent class comedy from 1796, at The Understudy on September 14
11 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreMidsommer Flight will for the third year present a one-night-only staged reading of a play from the EXPAND THE CANON list,…
Oil Lamp Theater Presents DIAL M FOR MURDER, October 2 - November 1
11 August 2026 in Theatre BuzzOil Lamp Theater, presenting I Love You Because, August 14 - September 13, is proud to announce the cast and creative team…
Music Director/Conductor James Moore To Receive Sarah Siddons Society's "Leading Artist Award"
10 August 2026 in Theatre BuzzThe Sarah Siddons Society is honored to present its 2026 Leading Artist Award to James Moore, Music Director and Conductor of Lincoln Center Theatre's…
House of the Exquisite Corpse, Chicago’s only puppet haunted house, returns with the nightmare-inducing new theme LULLABIES, October 8-November 1 at Steppenwolf’s The Merle
10 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreHouse of the Exquisite Corpse, Chicago’s one and only puppet haunted house, returns for its sixth Halloween season with a…
Red Clay Dance Company announces Season 18 programming
10 August 2026 in Upcoming DanceRed Clay Dance Company, Chicago's premier Afro-contemporary dance company, proudly announces its exciting Season 18: Spectrum programming, including Founding Artistic Director and…
Mean Girls, the hit Broadway musical getting a fierce Chicago premiere at Aurora’s Paramount Theatre, August 26-October 11
09 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreBreak out your Burn Book and mark these dates: Aurora’s Paramount Theatre is launching its 15th Broadway Series with the…
American Blues Theater names Nia Akilah Robinson the recipient of the 2026 Blue Ink Award for her play Overnight at the Museum and announces featured finalists Benjamin Benne and Claire Crowley
07 August 2026 in Theatre BuzzAmerican Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, announces the recipient of the 2026 Blue Ink Award is Nia Akilah…
Love and Time On Our Side: The Notebook: The Musical at Broadway in Chicago
06 August 2026 in Theatre in ReviewIn times of stress, we often turn to familiar and comforting things: a favorite song, a dog-eared book, a movie…
9th NEXUS Chamber Music Festival - Guarneri Hall - Through August 14
06 August 2026 in Now PlayingChamber music may be one of music’s most misunderstood children. An early form of classical music, it has always been…
Otherworld Theatre's Starship Edsel - Second City’s De Maat Theatre - Through September 13
05 August 2026 in Now PlayingThis summer, the Starship Edsel boldly goes where they maybe shouldn’t go as Otherworld Theatre, Chicago’s premier destination for Science…
Remy Bumppo Theatre Company Announces Mud Row October 15 - November 15 at Theater Wit
05 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreRemy Bumppo Theatre Company is pleased to announce the cast, creative and production teams for the first production in its 2026…
Victory Gardens Theater presents the World Premiere of Zayd Ayers Dohrn's The Humanities beginning September 10th
05 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreVictory Gardens Theater (2433 N. Lincoln Avenue), an historic incubator for new play development, proudly announces the World Premiere staging of The…
Goodman Theatre Presents Dead Girl's Quinceañera September 26th Through November 1st
05 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreSecrets, sisterhood and solving crime take center stage this fall in the world premiere co-production of Dead Girl's Quinceañera by Miami native…
Steppenwolf Theatre Presents ADIRONDACK CHAIR CIRCLE – October 22 – December 6, 2026 – World Premiere!
04 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreSteppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to continue its 51st Season with the world premiere of Chicago playwright Stephanie…
Writers Theatre celebrates record-breaking 2025/26 Season with artistic growth and unprecedented ticket sales
04 August 2026 in Theatre BuzzWriters Theatre, under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Artistic Director Braden Abraham, concluded its 2025/26…
Chicago City Opera presents a Mozart double feature of The Impresario and Bastien and Bastienne August 15th & 16th
04 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreChicago City Opera (CCO) presents an evening of two one act Mozart operas The Impresario and Bastien and Bastienne combined…
The Notebook - James M. Nederlander Theatre - Through August 16th
04 August 2026 in Now PlayingProducers Kevin McCollum and Kurt Deutsch, along with Broadway In Chicago are thrilled to announce THE NOTEBOOK, a new musical based…
Harris Theater Presents return of Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project, Aug. 28
04 August 2026 in Upcoming DanceFollowing last year’s smashing sold-out engagement, the Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance proudly presents the return…
Chicago Magic Lounge Welcomes Back David Parr as Fall Artist in Residence with Time Traveler October 7 – December 16
04 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreChicago Magic Lounge welcomes back acclaimed magician David Parr as its Fall Artist in Residence with David Parr: Time Traveler, a new theatrical experience…
ETA’s for colored girls Honors the Enduring Power of Ntozake Shange
04 August 2026 in Theatre in ReviewNearly fifty years after its groundbreaking premiere, Ntozake Shange's for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow…
yo ho. Delivers Queer Pirate Chaos, Big Laughs, and Fierce Swordplay
03 August 2026 in Theatre in ReviewA quick history lesson: Anne Bonny and Mary Read are two of history’s most famous female pirates. Both women disguised…
PrideArts' WINDOWS - Hoover-Leppen Theatre in Center on Halsted - Through August 23rd
03 August 2026 in Now PlayingPrideArts' 2026-27 season will open in August with the world premiere of Chicago-based playwright Matt Schutz's WINDOWS, a comedy of LGBT…
The Outsiders - Cadillac Palace - Through August 16th
03 August 2026 in Now PlayingThe Tony Award® winning Best Musical, THE OUTSIDERS, based on the seminal novel by S.E. Hinton and Francis Ford Coppola’s landmark motion picture, returns to Chicago…
Latest Articles
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Otherworld Theatre's Starship Edsel - Second City’s De Maat Theatre - Through September 13
Written by Buzz Center StageThis summer, the Starship Edsel boldly goes where they maybe shouldn’t go as Otherworld Theatre, Chicago’s premier destination for Science Fiction and Fantasy performance, presents the premiere of Starship Edsel: Season 4. Running from August 9 through September 13 at… -
CHICAGO HUMANITIES announces full Fall Festival 2026 programming
Written by Buzz Center StageChicago Humanities proudly announces the full lineup for its Fall Festival 2026, with conversations ranging from social justice, music, politics, literature, food, poetry, photography, architecture and much more. This year’s Fall Festival spans Sept. through Nov. and offers day-long festival dates throughout three Chicago…
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Tin Drum Theatre Company announces Chicago premiere of A Dark Wood by Eric Coble, Oct. 15–Nov. 1 at Greenhouse Theater Center
Written by Buzz Center StageTin Drum Theatre Company is proud to announce the cast and creative team for Chicago premiere for A Dark Wood, October 15 - November 1, written by Eric Coble and directed by Steve Needham, at Studio 44 in the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave.…
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The 37th annual Rhinoceros Theater Festival Returns September 20 – October 26 at Six Chicago venues
Written by Buzz Center StageCurious Theatre Branch, with co-producers Chicago Danztheater Ensemble, Chicago Dramatists and Labyrinth Club, are pleased to announce the 37th annual Rhinoceros Theater Festival, September 20 - October 26 at four venues across Chicago. The month-long festival of shows will kick off with a special…
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