Writers Theatre’s Trevor Polished, But Misguided
If the crux of your musical’s story centers around its 13-year-old protagonist’s attempted suicide, it may be best to forgo an Act II opener that dresses its young cast in […]
Brent Eickhoff is a Chicago-based director, writer, and educator. Brent has worked with A Red Orchid Theatre, Mary-Arrchie Theatre Co., The Arc Theatre, The Public House Theatre, Something Marvelous, Whiskey Radio Hour, and The Burrowers. He is the Educational Coordinator for Silk Road Rising, and is a founder and co-artistic director of Blue Goose Theatre Ensemble. While Brent has worked with a variety of Chicago theatre artists, he doesn't let that get in the way of writing unbiased reviews of any production he covers.
Griffin Theatre’s Ragtime Shows History Surrounds Us
Based on E.L. Doctorow’s 1975 novel, Ragtime, now playing in a production by Griffin Theatre Company at the Den Theatre, weaves together three families’ stories at the beginning of the […]
Parade at Writers Theatre: A Powerful Musical About Prejudice
Set in 1913 Atlanta and written in 1998 (the same year it won two Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Original Score), Parade recounts the events surrounding the lynching […]
Goodman’s Objects in the Mirror: A Reflection on Stories
There’s a cinematic quality to Objects in the Mirror, now playing at Goodman Theatre in a production directed by Chuck Smith. Minimal and expansive, Riccardo Hernandez’s scenic design dwarfs the […]
Chicago Shakes’ Shakespeare in Love A Charming and Clever Love Story
The Oscar-winning film, Shakespeare in Love, has been adapted for the stage, and what better company to present its Chicago premiere than Chicago Shakespeare Theater, whose lush costumes and dynamic […]
Lookingglass’ Beyond Caring Achieves Radical Empathy
For many individuals just out of college or in their early twenties, particularly young artists, temporary jobs can offer money and flexibility that allow them to pursue other passions. They […]
Boisterous Spamilton Blasts Broadway’s Biggest Blockbuster
Advertising itself as the “second hottest ticket in town,” Spamilton, the musical parody of the broadway smash hit, Hamilton, has arrived, much like its bigger brother, in Chicago. The spoof, […]
Halcyon and A-Squared’s American Hwangap An Affecting Family Story
In Korea, a “hwangap” refers to someone’s 60th birthday. The celebration is a major milestone in East Asian culture and represents the completion of one life cycle and the start […]
Porchlight’s The Scottsboro Boys Shines Light on Judicial Injustice
Porchlight Music Theatre’s production of The Scottsboro Boys satirically presents a true story in the controversial style of the minstrel show. There is no doubting that the musical, which chronicles […]
Monster at Steppenwolf for Young Adults Probes Perception and Identity
The Steppenwolf for Young Adults series is known for its thematically dynamic productions centered around teenagers and the real issues facing Chicago, and our nation’s, young adults. From productions like […]
Northlight’s Faceless A Timely Courtroom Drama by Promising Playwright
There’s no doubting the timeliness of Selina Fellinger’s play, Faceless. In a world premiere directed by BJ Jones now running at Northlight Theatre, the 22-year-old’s play examines a variety of […]
A Family 20 Years Later in Raven’s Assembled Parties
“Times change,” Julie’s neurotic-if-charming sister-in-law, Faye, tells her near the end of The Assembled Parties, now in its Midwest premiere at Raven Theatre. “Yes,” is Julie’s reply. “Times change and […]