Never mind those icy patches on the sidewalk: spring is here, bringing with it our seasonal theater and arts preview issue. Accordingly, while the global banking system teeters, Xi and Vlad (nukes in their back pockets) rendezvous, and Trump seems poised to take the first-ever presidential perp walk, the issue I’m stewing about is this: […]
Tag: Chicago Fringe Opera
Posted inPerforming Arts Review
Holocaust, the opera
It was a little disturbing that in the final moments of Chicago Fringe Opera’s stirring production of the Holocaust opera Two Remain (Out of Darkness), what should pop into my head but “Springtime for Hitler.” I was thinking I could blame Mel Brooks. If I’d never seen The Producers, maybe a rousing full-cast anthem titled […]
Posted inOn Culture
A resonant Tosca
There’s a war raging in Europe. A brutal clash that includes an entrenched repressive autocracy and ordinary civilians determined to fight for their freedom. Tyrannical power is vested in one man—a deranged “security” professional who cares only about his own twisted agenda. He decides who lives and dies; everyone trembles before him. Someone needs to […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Opera on your phone; CSO (lite), live and in person
While Chicago opera plays on your phone, Symphony Center announces May opening.
Posted inArts & Culture
Pivot Arts Festival switches it up online
The annual celebration of multidisciplinary performance adjusts for the times.
Posted inMusic
A hip-hop Barber of Seville comes to three city parks
A hip-hop Barber of Seville comes to three city parks, the Logan Boulevard Skate Park hosts a benefit show for Between Friends, and more.
Posted inMusic
As One shares a tale of transition with universal reach
Chicago Fringe Opera is presenting the local premiere of this compact 75-minute transgender coming-of-age story, which has had an unusual number of productions since its first appearance in 2014. That might be due to its economical structure—it requires only two singers and a string quartet—but also, no doubt, owes to its topical subject. As One […]
Posted inMusic
Chicago musicians speak up about the Affordable Care Act
Musicians are especially vulnerable to a repeal of Obamacare, and these Chicagoans went on the record to say how.