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(l-r) ) Christiana Clark, Bryce Gangel, Luigi Sottile, and Jessie Fisher in Goodman Theatre's "Holiday."
(l-r) ) Christiana Clark, Bryce Gangel, Luigi Sottile, and Jessie Fisher in Goodman Theatre's "Holiday."
Reviews
Goodman Theatre’s ‘Holiday’ reimagines vintage wit for a modern audience
Lauren Emily Whalen Feb 11, 2026 0

A glossy new stage adaptation of "Holiday" revival at Goodman Theatre starts strong but loses its effervescence by Act III.

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Kathryn Erbe and Cliff Chamberlain in Steppenwolf's "The Dance of Death."
Kathryn Erbe and Cliff Chamberlain in Steppenwolf's "The Dance of Death."
Reviews
Even with a stellar cast, Steppenwolf’s ‘The Dance of Death’ feels stale
Lauren Emily Whalen Feb 9, 2026 0

Kathryn Erbe shines in her Steppenwolf return, but "The Dance of Death" meanders through familiar toxic marriage territory.

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Chicago winter dance: Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Joffrey Ballet, Red Clay Dance Company.
Chicago winter dance: Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Joffrey Ballet, Red Clay Dance Company.
Dance
Why Chicago is the place to experience dance right now
Laura Zornosa Feb 7, 2026 0

Chicago's winter dance scene heats up with Joffrey Ballet, Hubbard Street, and Red Clay premieres. Here's what you can't miss.

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The cast of The Second City's "Holidazed and Amused."
The cast of The Second City's "Holidazed and Amused."
Reviews
The Second City unwraps seasonal satire in ‘Holidazed and Amused’
Lauren Emily Whalen Dec 2, 2025 0

The Second City's holiday show delivers sharp seasonal sketches and laugh-out-loud moments, even when the improv Ghost of Christmas Present…

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David Darrow and Ian Barford in "Amadeus."
David Darrow and Ian Barford in "Amadeus."
Reviews
Steppenwolf’s ‘Amadeus’ orchestrates the bitter rivalry between genius and ambition
Matthew Wexler Nov 17, 2025 0

By Lauren Emily Whalen What is the price of genius—and who really “deserves” it? Inspired by an 1830 Pushkin play…

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David Moreland (center and the cast of Kokandy Productions' "Jekyll & Hyde."
David Moreland (center and the cast of Kokandy Productions' "Jekyll & Hyde."
Reviews
‘Jekyll & Hyde’ gets a maximalist makeover in Kokandy’s powerhouse Chicago revival
Lauren Emily Whalen Oct 27, 2025 0

Kokandy's "Jekyll & Hyde" trades intimacy for maximalism with powerhouse vocals, gothic sexuality, and a riveting lead performance.

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Cher Álvarez and Patrick Heusinger in "Paranormal Activity at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
Cher Álvarez and Patrick Heusinger in "Paranormal Activity at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
Reviews
Chicago Shakespeare’s ‘Paranormal Activity’ proves horror can be highbrow
Lauren Emily Whalen Oct 18, 2025 0

The live "Paranormal Activity" at Chicago Shakespeare is terrifyingly good—witty, well-acted, and packed with production value.

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Alysia Velez and Aaron James McKenzie in "Revolution(s)."
Alysia Velez and Aaron James McKenzie in "Revolution(s)."
Reviews
Goodman Theatre’s ‘Revolution(s)’: A punk fury musical that never figures out what it’s fighting for
Lauren Emily Whalen Oct 15, 2025 0

"Revolution(s)" at Chicago's Goodman Theatre brings punk-metal-hip hop fury, but the world premiere musical can't focus its revolutionary message.

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Emilie Maureen Hanson in "Mr. Wolf."
Emilie Maureen Hanson in "Mr. Wolf."
Reviews
Steppenwolf’s ‘Mr. Wolf’ gets lost in its own universe
Lauren Emily Whalen Sep 22, 2025 0

Strong acting elevates "Mr. Wolf" at Steppenwolf, although Rajiv Joseph's family drama suffers from distracting metaphors, plot holes, and an…

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Aurora Penepacker and the cast of Kokandy Productions' "Amélie."
Aurora Penepacker and the cast of Kokandy Productions' "Amélie."
Reviews
This underground Chicago theater just made ‘Amélie’ better than Broadway
Lauren Emily Whalen Aug 4, 2025 0

Kokandy's whimsical 'Amélie' starring Aurora Penepacker proves intimacy beats spectacle at Chopin Theatre through September 28.

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Set your alarm! Opening soon
  • Jerome, Off-Broadway, June 2
  • Brokeback Mountain, Chicago, June 4
  • Girl, Interrupted, Off-Broadway, June 4
  • Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare in the Park, June 11
  • Untitled Vampire Play, Chicago, June 13

Clock's ticking! Closing soon
  • Broken Snow, Off-Broadway, May 31
  • Windfall, Chicago, May 31
  • Covenant, Chicago, June 7
  • Fallen Angels, Broadway, June 7
  • New Born, Off-Broadway, June 8
  • Becky Shaw, Broadway, June 14
  • Well, I'll Let You Go, Off-Broadway, June 20
  • Chess, Broadway, June 21
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Naomi Latta and Hillary Fisher in "Girls Chance Music"
Reviews
In ‘||: Girls :||: Chance :||: Music :||,’ big ideas can’t find their rhythm
Matthew Wexler May 29, 2026
A graphic image of author Julián Delgado Lopera and the book cover "Pretend You're Dead and I Carry You."
Books
In ‘Pretend You’re Dead and I Carry You,’ falling apart is just the beginning
Lauren Emily Whalen May 28, 2026
Lydia Wilson and Phia Saban in "The Maids."
Reviews
In ‘The Maids,’ good help is hard to find
Matthew Wexler May 27, 2026
Jimin Moon and Jay Armstrong Johnson in "Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody."
Reviews
‘Heated Rivalry’ parody plays exactly as horny and heartfelt as you’d hope
Matthew Wexler May 26, 2026
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