Review: Joffrey’s Sparkling Nutcracker Delivers Sugar Plums, Magic, and Spectacle
Let us now consider the sugar plum. For years, I thought it was an artisan plum rolled in silver sugar. I was this many years old when I discovered that […]
Preview: Tchaikovsky and Ellington Duke It Out in a Family Friendly Nutcracker at the Music Institute of Chicago
The 2025 holiday season is upon us, and there are delightful entertainments for everyone. Duke It Out is a face-off between Duke Ellington and Pyotr Tchaikovsky of The Nutcracker Suite. […]
Review: Ensemble Español’s 50th Anniversary Performance Is ¡Fantastico! But Marred by Stage Effects
Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater celebrated its 50th anniversary on Saturday at the Auditorium. It is another treasure in Chicago’s glittering and vibrant cultural scene, .yet another distinguished dance company […]
Review: Chicago Repertory Ballet Brings the Drama Before the Balcony with The Capulets
The Capulets is a new ballet created and directed by Wade Schaaf, artistic director of Chicago Repertory Ballet. This world premiere is a multimedia collaboration with fantastic projection design by […]
Review: The Joffrey Ballet Delivers Classical and Soul/Funk Ballet in Matters of the Heart
One of the things I love most about humanity is that there are so many paths in tune with spiritual matters. I am not talking about religion. I am thinking […]
Review: Giordano’s Ignite the Soul Plays It Safe With Surefire Dances and Reruns
No Kings protests made Saturday an auspicious day across the nation, and the perfect way to wind down was a dance concert by Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC). Ignite the Soul […]
Review: Burning Passion and Untamed Hearts in New Production of Carmen by Joffrey Ballet
There are not many names that bring such vivid memories as Carmen. Georges Bizet’s scandalous and groundbreaking opera marked the beginning of a movement in opera that emphasized realism. The […]
Review: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Is a Gorgeous and Trippy Journey by Joffrey Ballet
The Joffrey Ballet is known for its full-scale productions, which are cinematic in their staging. Atonement combined film noir with period piece drama. Studies in Blue was filled with dreamy […]
Review: Trinity Irish Dance Company’s Season 35 Shares the Spirit of Ireland and Hope
The Trinity Irish Dance Company is the dream of founder and choreographer Mark Howard, which has come to life. Last Saturday, the company concluded its season 35 opener at the […]
Review: Hubbard Street Dance Does a Flashback and Rockets Forward with Its Spring Series
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago opened its Spring Series on May 16 at the Harris Theater. The series closes out season 47 and has me anticipating what lies ahead. The performance consisted of […]
Review: The Surreal Journey of South Chicago Dance Theatre’s Season Eight
South Chicago Dance Theatre’s season eight, featuring surreal themes that challenge the mind and the body, premiered at the Auditorium on May 3. Although I had seen another company attempt a […]
Review: Parsons Dance Returns with a Funhouse of Dance, Smoke, and Mirrors
Parsons Dance rolled into town last weekend after being away for 30 years. The company was founded in 1985 by artistic director and choreographer David Parsons. The advertising promised an […]