50 stories by "Stephen Best"
FAMILY DYSFUNCTION, PAST AND FUTURE Philosopher George Santayana once famously wrote "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." This quote kept bouncing around my head …
DISASTER LIVES UP TO ITS TITLE Its not everyday a well-known chef headlines a new play, so it was with great interest I attended the new immersive comedy, A Recipe For Disaster! This W…
A ROYAL PRODUCTION There is something to be said for a classic musical lovingly restaged for a new generation of audiences. The Drury Lane Theatre should be very proud with their latest, Rod…
DAWN BLESS A BLESSING IN SCALED-DOWN CHURCH After an almost two year pandemic break, the Black Ensemble Theater BET) is back in business and doing a necessary check in on everyone's mental h…
COMEDY SET TO A BEAT Tina Arfaee, Cat McDonnell, Uri, Teagan Earley, Breanna Ghostone, Preston Parker Often referred to as the crown jewel of sketch comedy, The Second City is unveilin…
ILLUMINATING, INDEED! Now in its 59th season, Giordano Dance Chicago is back with its latest collection of modern dance pieces, Illuminate, at the Harris Theater at Millennium Park. No Ap…
WINNING ASSIST Back in business after a near two year hiatus, Steppenwolf Theatre Company's winning new dramady, King James, is a must see for more than just rabid sports fans. Truth be told…
SERIOUS STOMPIN' IN CHICAGO One of the many things I enjoy about Porchlight Music Theatre here in Chicago is no one dusts off a little-known musical for a revamping better than this talented…
NOT QUITE A ROYAL REIGN FOR QUEEN OF THE NIGHT After over 750 plus days dark, Victory Gardens Theater is mounting its first new production of their mainstage season and of the year. Queen…
REDEMPTION ON REPEAT, BUT IT'S TOUGH TO GET THROUGH THIS SCORE ONCE When it comes to timing, the Paramount Theater has absolutely nailed the opening date of its latest large-scale musical. G…
SISTERS DOING IT FOR THEMSELVES I cannot think of a better way to celebrate the beginning of Black History Month than with the musical musings and distinguished divas now honored at the Merc…
YOU REALLY CAN'T STOP THE BEAT There was some major foot stomping, shoulder shimmying and hip swaying happening downtown last night, despite a major snowstorm that dumped half a foot of snow…
SIMPLY SUBLIME What a wonderful way to kick off Black History Month in the Windy City. The Goodman Theatre is revisiting a thoroughly engaging production of August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean.…
RELENTLESS: A BOLD DEBUT As the snow falls, a fire is currently smoldering centerstage at Theater Wit. This slow-burning ember is better known as the World Premiere, Relentless. Playwright T…
FIREFLIES FAILS TO TAKE FLIGHT The old adage, behind every great man is an even greater woman, has never been truer than in the new play, Fireflies, now being staged at the North Shore Cente…
THIS WRONG IS OH SO RIGHT Broadway in Chicago's gamble is absolutely the right play at the right time. Staged in the intimate setting of the Broadway Playhouse Theatre, this Broadway and Lon…
"It's almost like being in love"…….almost: I really do respect the creative team at the Goodman Theater.
Sexual Perversity in Chicago has never been so much fun: The Qualms is the newest and 8th play produced for the Steppenwolf stage by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Bruce Norris, and …
Motown the Musical has us "Dancing in Chicago", and in the Aisles!: There has been an extra pounding outside of the Oriental Theater this summer and it is not the clanking of the Brown line …
Trying out it's Water Wings in Chicago " The Last Ship Review: Just wrapping its Chicago tryout before debuting on Broadway in October, The Last Ship is a show somewhere between "The Love Bo…
The White Snake - A Serpentine Sensation: The Goodman Theater and Mary Zimmerman have done it once again.
Buyer & Cellar and Michael Urie Are a Chicago Treat:
Sound of Music at the Lyric Opera House: One of My Favorite Things! Hollywood leading man Billy Zane (Titanic, The Phantom) is an adequate Captain Von Trapp.
Steppenwolf Theater Company's Tribes: While Mother Nature continues to blast us with freezing weather, it was a very "hot night" on the stage in Steppenwolf Theater Company's latest play Tri…
Theatre in Chicago From Film to Stage GHOST the Musical: New to Chicago this week is the Broadway touring production of GHOST the musical.
