Tagged with Ryan Matthieu Smith …

Haunted Memory: Circle Theatre’s THE GLASS MENAGERIE

Penning a stage review of the eminent play THE GLASS MENAGERIE by Tennessee Williams makes me feel like a humble commoner staring into my modest closet’s thrift store contents after receiving an invitation to an audience with the Queen of England. Overwhelmed. Will I reach inside and draw out anything worthy and credible, up to … Continue reading →

Hit or Miss? HIT THE WALL at Water Tower Theatre

Underwhelmed. Puzzled about it. When I attend a play heralded as a product of Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre, I expect to experience a performance of depth, resonance and drama. I attended Water Tower Theatre’s opening night regional premiere performance of Ike Holter’s Hit the Wall (running through August 20), anticipating a wow. I waited and waited. … Continue reading →

“Blue Roses”: Lyric Stage’s Ethereal Launch

Blue Roses…Blue roses. Whisper the words aloud and imagine what those roses might look like. Fragile, haunting, tragic, illusory? When lyricist Mimi Turque plucked the words out of Tennessee William’s drama “The Glass Menagerie” to form the title of the adaptation she wrote with composer Nancy Ford, she hoped their collaborative endeavor would capture the … Continue reading →

Gussy Up The Bath House: Hot, Classy Ladies’ Songs

Been to The Echo Room? Whatcha waiting for? Poof! Echo Theatre’s movie idol gorgeous traditional jazz bandleader waves his magic wand. The Bath House Cultural Center black box space transforms into a hot, hopping 1930’s vintage supper club, The Echo Room, with live music, dancing, classy flirtation and adult beverages and light snacks provided by … Continue reading →