Articles filed under Short and Sweet Theater Reviews
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Short & Sweet: Guest critic falls in love with 'Newsies'Jul 28, 2016 12:00 AM - Disney's "Newsies" returns to Chicago, this time at Cadillac Palace Theatre, for a two-week run. The Broadway musical won the hearts of many, and pulled in some Tony Awards as well.
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'Book of Mormon' even better second time aroundJul 15, 2016 2:28 PM - Even if you've seen the wildly popular "The Book of Mormon" before, it's worth it to check out the current Broadway in Chicago production at PrivateBank Theatre. "I loved it even more the second time," said guest critic Robin Leckinger of Aurora.
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Gunnar gives The SpongeBob Musical 100 points!Jun 24, 2016 4:27 PM - Looking for a fun, light family show? Hurry on down to the Oriental Theatre for "The SpongeBob Musical," which made its pre-Broadway world premiere this month and continues just through July 10 before it heads back to New York, where it was rehearsed and produced.
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The Sound of Music climbs every mountain and finds relevanceJun 10, 2016 6:30 PM - At the opening of The Sound of Music at the Cadillac Palace Theatre the audience was up on their feet for America's Favorite Musical. Director Jack O'Brien climbs every mountain and explores new choices to come up with a more relevant interpretation of the timeless classic.
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Short & Sweet critic enjoys humor in 'Bullets over Broadway'Apr 22, 2016 4:51 PM - Hilarity ensues when a playwright has to cast the girlfriend of the mobster who finances the production of his new play. "I think Dave was probably my favorite character. He was just really funny and quirky," said reader critic Phillip Nardi of Elmhurst.
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Short & Sweet Critic Holly Daigle reviews Matilda with Diana Martinez of Broadway in ChicagoMar 29, 2016 2:54 PM - Matilda The Musical, winner of four Tony awards opened to a standing ovation at Broadway In Chicago's Oriental Theatre.
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Short & Sweet critic Andrea Biwer reviews If/Then with Diana Martinez of Broadway in ChicagoMar 2, 2016 10:53 AM - The choices we make - big and small - have the power to radically change the trajectories of our lives. This the the prevailing theme of If/Then, a Broadway in Chicago musical, that Short & Sweet critic for the day Andrea Biwer of Mount Prospect found herself thinking about in the days after she saw the play. Beyond the deeper themes, Biwer was drawn to the music and the lead character's voice, confidence and stage presence. "[Jackie Burns'] voice is unbelievable," says Biwer.
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Short & Sweet critic Karen England shares her perspective on CabaretFeb 18, 2016 4:27 PM - Short & Sweet critic for the day, Karen England of Lake Zurich, was as impressed by the high-quality vocal performances, dances and set design as she was by the deeper themes and historical context. Set in pre-war Berlin, England notes that despite the exuberant musical numbers, throughout the performance there is a sense of "impending doom." Despite a few shocking moments - England admitted to gasping out loud a few times - England had no complaints: "It's just a wonderful, wonderful musical."
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Short and Sweet Host Diana Martinez reviews Gotta Dance by Broadway in ChicagoJan 7, 2016 12:07 PM - The world premiere of Gotta Dance just opened at the Bank of America Theatre right here in Chicago this week and it was welcomed with open arms. The show is directed by Jerry Mitchell who brought you the Broadway hits Kinky Boots and On Your Feet! and he knows how to entertain a crowd. Gotta Dance is based on the true story of the New Jersey Nets basketball team who garnered publicity by creating the first-ever hip-hop halftime dance team that was comprised of dancers who were 60 years of age and older. It's sort of like A Chorus Line but filled with an all-star cast of veteran TV and stage stars that you have seen through the years.
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Short and Sweet guest critic Susan DeBouver shares her perspective on Beautiful: The Carol King Musical with Diana Martinez of Broadway in ChicagoJan 7, 2016 12:07 PM - The opening night performance of Beautiful at the Oriental Theatre was full of heart, thanks to an honest and sincere performance by Abby Mueller as Carole King. Imagine how challenging it would it be to play a role that your sister originated and won the Tony for on Broadway? That's what she does in this production. Abby Mueller plays the part with a perfect, understated control that depicts a singer-songwriter who started her career more comfortable behind the scenes than on stage. King and her college sweetheart develop a relationship that is bound by their song-writing power and is challenged by her husband's depression and infidelity. Ben Fankhauser and Becky Gulsvig play their best friends, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. This dynamic, funny and powerful songwriting couple is challenged only by their fear of commitment to each other. They are the perfect sidekick comedy duo and inject hysterical laugh-out-loud comedy and energy into every scene they step in.
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