Like several post-pandemic shows in Chicago, the Artistic Home’s production of The Pavilion, written by Craig Wright and directed by Julian Hester, is about an intimate relationship between two people over time. It is also about the creation of the universe, being tethered to the past, and literally burning down sentimentality. High school sweethearts Peter […]
Author Archives: Josh Flanders
Posted inTheater Review
Art and appropriation
Of the two plays exploring race that Steppenwolf has on stage right now—King James and WHITE—the latter definitely stands out for being not only funnier, but more complex and satisfying in its critique of race, privilege, and power. Written by James Ijames and directed by Ericka Ratcliff, Definition Theatre’s production is a delightfully silly yet […]
Posted inTheater Review
Mystery in space
Based on the 1961 novel by Stanisław Lem, which spawned two films, Solaris, the play by David Greig, makes its North American premiere in a Griffin Theatre production under Scott Weinstein’s direction. A riveting sci-fi mystery thriller, it opens with a scientist visiting a space station that orbits the ocean planet of Solaris. A crew […]
Posted inFilm
Rewriting the rules of journalism (with fire)
“They have found their way to work within a system that’s designed to exclude them.”
Posted inFilm
Sundance at home, again
All That Breathes, I Didn’t See You There, Last Flight Home, and more.
Posted inTheater Review
Hanukkah hijinks
Grab your dreidel and the whole mishpocha and head over to Strawdog Theatre Company’s annual hit show Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins. A festive and charming holiday treat in a cozy, black-box theater with blankets for kids to sit on the floor, Hershel immediately engages and warms up youth (and adults) with pre-show schmoozing, music, […]
Posted inFilm
Ghostbusters: Afterlife
Hearkening to the great movies of the 80s, this film follows a group of very capable and hilarious kids who save the world from destruction.
Posted inArts & Culture
Remembering Jan Karski
In this fraught time of political divisions and worldwide calamities, in the face of seemingly impossible odds, how can we find the courage and conviction to stand up for what is right? From November 3-14 at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Emmy Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated actor David Strathairn (Good Night, and Good Luck, Nomadland, Lincoln) […]
Posted inTheater Review
All you need is As You Like It
If England is famous worldwide for two things, it’s the Beatles and Shakespeare. Weaving these two very different artists together in a play may make you cry “zounds!” but methinks there is more in common betwixt these British poets than one may expect. The Chicago Shakespeare Theater is ready to welcome audiences to live shows […]
Posted inFilm
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is quite possibly Marvel’s best film yet, a perfect storm of charismatic actors; breathtakingly well-shot kung fu; fun, often hilarious, action scenes; and an engaging story. Simu Liu (Kim’s Convenience) plays the lead role of Shang-Chi, a prodigal son estranged from his 1,000-year-old father Wenwu, played by […]
Posted inTheater Preview
Theatre Y explores Chicago’s “emerald necklace” in YOU ARE HERE.
In 2019, Theatre Y presented The Camino Project, an engaging five-hour miniature pilgrimage through Bucktown and Humboldt Park featuring experiential pieces intermingling dance, theater, and performance art. The adventure culminated in a group meal with audience members and actors breaking bread. It was a delightful experience and an ambitious endeavor having actors guiding guests through […]
Posted inFilm
The Suicide Squad
After the disaster that was the 2016 Suicide Squad, the recent incarnation of The Suicide Squad, directed by James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy), is a delicious heap-of-dismembered-bodies worth of improvement. It’s not quite Deadpool in terms of intelligent self-aware humor, but it is still a ferociously funny film and far and away DC’s best […]
