weiss
Hedy Weiss biography
Hedy Weiss has been Theater and Dance Critic of the Chicago Sun-Times since 1984, reporting on local, national and international productions, as well as a …
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Green Day concert spectacle overwhelms ‘American Idiot’ story
HEDY WEISS: It’s difficult to feel much of anything in “American Idiot” except the pulse of the music, and if you’re coming for a rock concert you won’t be disappointed.
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Contemporary choreographers set Joffrey Ballet on fire
If you had to identify the most influential dancemakers currently working on the international ballet stage, it’s a good bet that the following three names would make it to the very top of the list: Wayne McGregor (resident choreographer of Britain’s Royal Ballet); William Forsythe …Read More
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Broadway’s ‘War Horse’ riding into Chicago
“War Horse” will be galloping into Chicago in December. The acclaimed epic show that originated at London’s National Theatre, received multiple Tony Awards on Broadway, and was the inspiration for Steven Spielberg’s currently Oscar-nominated movie of the same name, will play for three weeks, Dec. …Read More
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Joffrey Ballet unveils its ‘Maverick’ 2012-13 season
The Chicago company will dance a world premiere and revive works by Jerome Robbins, Twyla Tharp and Lar Lubovitch.
‘Ameriville’ paints a portrait of America both familiar, frightening
HEDY WEISS: The rhythmic rant, developed by new Victory Gardens leader Chay Yew, outlines a wide range of afflictions with an emphasis on the homeland.
Fancy footwork takes on romantic airs at River North Dance
Forget the chocolates and champagne and all the many things wrapped in heart-shaped boxes. The most romantic way to celebrate the pre-Valentine’s Day weekend is to either go dancing yourself, or see dance. A top choice is the bravura River North Dance Chicago, performing at …
Religion, pornography, love cross paths in ill at ease ‘Hesperia’
First, a few words about the title of Randall Colburn’s “Hesperia,” the alternately smoldering and God-fearing play now receiving a seductive Writers’ Theatre production that is exceptionally blessed by director Stuart Carden’s inspired casting. In Greek mythology, the Hesperides were “nymphs who tended a blissful …
American Theater Co.’s ‘Disgraced’ creates a predictable chaos
HEDY WEISS: The fix is in from the very start for all five of the identity-warped characters in Ayad Akhtar’s play, “Disgraced,” now in its world premiere by the American Theatre Company. The play’s backdrop — an upscale contemporary urban apartment — should not fool you. This space will quickly turn into a cultural and psychological minefield — one that feels deliberately booby-trapped by the playwright.
Wild About Harry — Two vastly disparate productions explore the life of Houdini
‘Illusionist, magician, escapologist, stunt performer, actor, historian, film producer, pilot, debunker.” That is the short list of “occupations” Wikipedia assigns to the man first known as Erik Weisz, then Harry Weiss, and, most iconically, Harry Houdini. There has long been something mesmerizing about Houdini — …
Profiles Theatre’s ‘Bachelorette’ is no party
HEDY WEISS: Awful play about sexy but self-loathing women, getting wasted and talking dirty, is like an ad for date rape.
‘Punk Rock’ exceptionally disquieting at Griffin Theatre
In such plays as “Harper Regan,” “Pornography,” “On the Shore of the Wide World” and “Port” (all of which have received searing Chicago productions by either the Griffin Theatre or Steep Theatre), British writer Simon Stephens has captured the abiding tension and sense of disgrace …
Invest your time in TimeLine’s scorching production of ‘Enron’
HEDY WEISS: TimeLine Theatre’s vaudeville-style documentary about the energy company’s gargantuan bankruptcy is every bit as entertaining as it is riveting.
Stage Notes 02.02.12
Two major theaters have assembled formidable casts for upcoming productions. Deanna Dunagan, who won the 2008 Tony Award for best actress for her performance in “August: Osage County,” will play Madame Arnfeldt in director William Brown’s revival of “A Little Night Music,” running May 1-July …
Tim Kazurinsky, George Wendt to be Northlight’s ‘Odd Couple’
The 2012-2012 season at Skokie’s Northlight Theatre is already starting to take shape with the announcement that maverick comics Tim Kazurinsky and George Wendt are to co-star in director BJ Jones’ revival of the Neil Simon classic, “The Odd Couple.” Kazurinsky, who will be making …
‘Legally Blonde’ pretty in a pretty darn good production
HEDY WEISS: Mariott Theatre’s high-energy production of the fluffy musical surpasses the touring version.
War journalists adjust to homefront in Steppenwolf’s new play
HEDY WEISS: Change is the constant in Donald Margulies’ “Time Stands Still,” solidly cast and directed.
‘Smash’ often stretches truth, but some bits legit
Does the making of a Broadway musical, as imagined in “Smash,” bear any resemblance to its creation in real life? Let’s just say that amid the show’s massive pile of cliches there are some figments of truth. Here’s a self-administered test examining the basics: Q. …
Everything’s roses for ‘Gypsy’ revival at Drury Lane Oakbrook
HEDY WEISS: Take a look at the remarkable revival of “Gypsy” now at the Drury Lane Oakbrook Theatre — a production that explodes with powerhouse singing, meticulously tooled storytelling, and a richness of heart, hurt and humor — and you will need little convincing that Broadway has relocated to west suburban Illinois.
Fair Lady Rising —Andrea Prestinario finding spotlight in key musical roles
Transformation is the name of the game for any serious actress. And this season, Andrea Prestinario has had the opportunity to star in two major productions of musicals in which profound metamorphosis is of the essence. In September, she played Eliza Doolittle, the Cockney flower …
‘Tempest’ reimagined as ‘Feast’
The nutshell version of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” goes like this: Prospero, a nobleman with magical powers, has spent 12 years in exile, living on an island with his teenage daughter, Miranda, and his two captive servants — that fleet spirit, Ariel, and the more abused …
