11 Apr 2022

A Horror with No Names: “Veronica's Room,” at the Black Box Theatre through April 16

By Pamela Briggs

You've got playwright Ira Levin, and you've got the Black Box Theatre's talented staff and crew, so with Veronica's Room, you're already pretty much guaranteed a satisfying experience. But with the gifted cast Lora Adams has assembled, it's actually an outstanding one.

11 Apr 2022

Play “Mist”-y for Me: “Murder at Mistwell Manor,” at the Mockingbird on Main through April 16

By Roger Pavey Jr.

Overall, Murder at Mistwell Manor offered gorgeous production design that, paired with the period costumes, perfectly fit the intimate Mockingbird venue.

04 Apr 2022

When Barrie Met Silly … : “Peter & the Starcatcher,” at the Spotlight Theatre through April 10

By Pamela Briggs

The Spotlight Theatre's Peter & the Starcatcher, directed by Whitney Fahner with music direction by Katie Griswold, is yet another of the venue's slick and stylish productions of a lively libretto, this one loaded with big on- and off-stage talent and clever staging.

04 Apr 2022

And Then There Were Nuns: “Drinking Habits,” at the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre through April 10

By Madeline Dudziak

Holy. Moly. That’s about all I can say about the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre's latest production Drinking Habits, directed by Mike Skiles. But alas, likely you’re wanting more details than a simple exclamation, so let me spell it out for you: This was the most ridiculous piece of theatre I believe I’ve ever seen. Which isn’t to say that Skiles’ production isn’t good.

21 Mar 2022

Humans Being: “Rabbit Hole,” at the Playcrafters Barn Theatre through March 27

By Roger Pavey Jr.

While Rabbit Hole did have some moments that were quite tense and sad, these weren't the constant moods, and the playwright’s script and the Playcrafters company built a narrative that was human – not overdoing the tragedy, not overdoing the comedy, but existing in a way that was approachable, simple, and touching.

20 Mar 2022

Sugar Rush: “Just Desserts,” at the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse through May 14

By Madeline Dudziak

I won’t lie to you: I consider myself a bit of an expert when it comes to televised baking shows. If you’ve ever opted into watching one yourself, you can rightly assume that you’re in for a treat with the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse's latest offering Just Desserts, its book and lyrics by Barbara Campbell and its music by Brad Ross.

17 Mar 2022

Aaron Go Bragh: “Aaron Power! The Musical” at the Center for Living Arts East, March 17 through 20

By Pamela Briggs

What a treat it was to enjoy this fresh story, with rousing music, performed by some of the most passionate, committed actors I've recently seen – and to know that it was powered by local minds and hearts. So much work went into this treasure.

10 Mar 2022

Strangers on (and Off) a Train: “The 39 Steps,” at Augustana College through March 13

By Pamela Briggs

Each time I've attended a show at Augustana College's Brunner Theatre Center, I'm astonished by both the acting and technical brilliance. We had some great performers and techies during my St. Ambrose days, to be sure – but our theatre certainly wasn't equipped like this one. However, my justifiable envy doesn't lessen my enjoyment while at Augustana, including at Tuesday's dress rehearsal for The 39 Steps, directed by theatre professor Jeff Coussens.

07 Mar 2022

Jules and Pearls: “Around the World in 80 Days,” at the Mockingbird on Main through March 12

By Madeline Dudziak

I'll admit I was never a hearty fan of the Animaniacs approach, and as such, found it difficult to fully appreciate this production’s comedic offerings. But note: Just because this particular brand of comedy isn’t my personal favorite doesn’t mean that others on Saturday didn’t wholly love it.

07 Mar 2022

Femmes Fatalities: “The Revolutionists,” at the Black Box Theatre through March 12

By Pamela Briggs

Seeing a play by Lauren Gunderson at the Black Box Theatre is now one of my favorite pastimes. On Thursday, I attended the opening-night performance of Gunderson's The Revolutionists, and my third go-'round with this playwright and this theatre proves that they harmonize as deliciously as Brie and a baguette.

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