On Friday night at Studio Be, as the new RoShamBo Theatre Company opened its first show, the smell of fresh construction lingered throughout the space, a few paint cans sat visibly under the risers, and a ladder leaned against an exposed wall. These physical signs of a show still in developmental stages are clearly reflected throughout the hour-long production itself.

Consisting of three short, rather disconnected pieces, “Attack Ships on Fire”—a title that references both Rutger Hauer’s final monologue in “Blade Runner” as well as the Revolting Cocks song from the eighties–feels more like a theatrical workshop than a fully-formed show. The often didactic nature of the first and last pieces (“Canary in a Mineshaft” and “No Pity”) begins to wear thin rather quickly and the acting isn’t captivating enough to overlook the meager set design and bland costuming (with the exception of the canary’s outfit). Read the rest of this entry »

Adam Fane and Ben Burke

RECOMMENDED

I’m not a big musical fan; musicals require a falseness that makes my teeth ache. Boho’s “Hello Again” revives my love of the genre. Michael John LaChiusa’s song cycle about love and sex across the ages has a heartfelt sweetness that doesn’t leave a bad aftertaste. The piece begins with a “prostitute” soliciting a soldier; the soldier then solicits a nurse, the nurse seduces a college boy, the collegian seduces a lonely housewife, you get the picture. The decades change but the song (and the need) remains the same. No ensemble members stand out because they are all excellent; each performer exhibits the necessary vocal chops and captures the humor and bittersweet yearning the roles require. Co-directors Michael Ryzcek and Stephen Nader give equal time and attention to the music and the intention behind it, and it shows. The sex is steamy, the passion palpable. Nice job, folks. (Lisa Buscani) At The Bohemian Theatre Ensemble, 7016 N. Glenwood, (866)811-4111, through May 1.

Here’s the press release from City Lit:

CITY LIT THEATER ANNOUNCES 2010-2011 SEASON

31^st SEASON WILL FEATURE WORLD PREMIERE SHERLOCK HOLMES ADAPTATION, REMOUNT OF 2009 HIT THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS, FIRST SHOW IN FIVE-YEAR CIVIL WAR SERIES, PLUS WORKS BY BRIAN FRIEL, WASHINGTON IRVING AND  BEN JONSON

Read the rest of this entry »

Less than two weeks before what would have been a marquee show featuring two all-time legends of stand-up comedy, Mort Sahl and Dick Gregory, Lakeshore Theater surprised the arts community by announcing its imminent closure this evening.

Here’s the text of the press release: we’re assuming it’s not an April Fool’s joke, though we wish it was.

CHICAGO, IL | April 1, 2010 – The Lakeshore Theater announced today that operations at the venue will cease on April 10th.

Lakeshore co-owner and Executive Producer Chris Ritter said “It saddens me deeply to announce the closing of the Lakeshore. While revenues have continued to grow over the last three years and the Lakeshore brand of comedy, music and good times has successfully taken hold, current revenues are simply insufficient to fund ongoing operations as well as much needed plant repairs and improvements needed to take the company to the next level of success.” Read the rest of this entry »