Steppenwolf Archives - 1 Minute Critic

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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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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November regional theater composite

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5 regional theater productions worth the trip this November

Lauren Emily Whalen Nov 3, 2025 0

November openings bring Mozart rivalry, 80s power suits, heartbreak ballads, and radical joy to regional theaters nationwide.

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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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Namir Smallwood and Amy Morton in "You Will Get Sick."

Reviews

‘You Will Get Sick’ delivers brains, heart & courage, but ocassionally stumbles over its own yellow brick road

Lauren Emily Whalen Jun 17, 2025 0

Noah Diaz's "You Will Get Sick" offers a unique take on mortality and human connection through the lens of "The…

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A collage of Chicago theater productions

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Spring stunners: 3 bold Chicago productions that redefine theater’s boundaries

Matthew Wexler May 8, 2025 0

Chicago's theater scene is heating up with three standout productions that deserve your attention.

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Have another minute? ⏰

NYC Off-Broadway Week picks: Mexodus, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, 11 to Midnight.

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NYC Off-Broadway cheat sheet: ‘Mexodus,’ ‘Spelling Bee,’ TikTok stars Cost n’ Mayor & more

Jude Cramer Feb 18, 2026

357: April Matthis, Mallory Portnoy, Maria Elena Ramirez, and Elizabeth Marvel in "The Dinosaurs" at Playwrights Horizons.

Reviews

6 women, 1 room, infinite timelines: ‘The Dinosaurs’ at Playwrights Horizons

Matthew Wexler Feb 17, 2026

Aisha Jackson and Avery Wilson performs with The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall.

Music

Carnegie Hall gets its groove back with The New York Pops

Ryan Leeds Feb 17, 2026

Kemi-Bo Jacobs and Rory Alexander in "Hamnet."

Reviews

‘Hamnet’ chases modern grief, but sacrifices historical truth

Lauren Emily Whalen Feb 16, 2026