REVIEW: SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM Via OIL LAMP THEATER Now Playing Through September 14th, 2025

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

OIL LAMP THEATER'S

SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM

Now Playing Through September 14th, 2025

DIRECTED BY CHRISTINA RAMIREZ AND MUSIC DIRECTED AMY BRANAHL

Oil Lamp Theater Celebrates the Life and Works of the Late, Great, Stephen Sondheim

Tommy Wells, Abbey Loria, Jacob Alexander and Daria Koon.

Photo credit for all: Gosia Photography 

REVIEW

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

Whether you're an avid Sondheim fan, or completely uninitiated, Oil Lamp will illuminate and entertain you with their latest production, Side by Side by Sondheim, a full immersion into the legacy of this legendary composer and lyricist. This production features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and music by Leonard Bernstein, Mary Rodgers, Richard Rodgers and Jule Styne with continuity by Ned Sherrin. This tiny but mighty cast of four are ready to take you on a journey through dozens of songs in Sondheim's repertoire, including deep cuts, forgotten gems, and over 2 hours of favorites!

Tommy Wells and Jacob Alexander

Embrace this joyful reprieve from daily life with a plethora of timely tunes. Feel free to laugh, toe tap, and sing along. You might even be surprised by the famous collaborations you didn't know he had a hand in. We adored this cast's playful sense of humor. This is a great pick for multigenerational fun so bring the kids and the grandparents too. 

ChiIL Tips: I've been covering Oil Lamp for years but I've always caught their opening nights or other evening performances. This time I caught a matinee and we could hear a cacophony of different dogs barking from what I assume is the business next door. It was quite loud and ongoing. I don't know if this is an ongoing issue, but if sound bleeding in from the neighborhood would limit your enjoyment of Oil Lamp's shows, I suggest you avoid matinees and pick an evening time instead.

Daria Koon and Abbey Loria 

Spilling the tea: This production is light on dialogue, with just a few short introductions and backstories, so it's more like a concert experience than a musical.

Tommy Wells and Jacob Alexander

Stephen Joshua Sondheim was a beloved American composer and lyricist whose witty lyrics and catchy hooks revolutionized Broadway musicals and Oil Lamp celebrates his legacy in style. Don't miss this! Now playing through September 14th, 2025. Recommended. 3 out of 4 stars ★★★

Check out Oil Lamp Theater’s brand new SPARK CENTER for the Performing Arts! 

Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theatre critic, photographer, artist, and Mama to 2 amazing adults. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly).

The production runs August 15 - September 14, at Oil Lamp Theater, 1723 Glenview Road. Side by Side by Sondheim is directed by Christina Ramirez and music directed by Amy Branahl. The schedule includes a preview performance Thursday, August 14 at 7:30 p.m. with the opening/press performance Friday, Aug. 15 at 7:30 p.m. The performance schedule is Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.,Saturdays at 3 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. with additional Wednesday performances August 20 at 3 p.m. and September 3 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. There will be an understudy performance on Wednesday, Aug. 27 at 7:30 p.m.Tickets are on sale now for $30 for previews and $55 for the run at OilLampTheater.org.  

Abbey Loria

Side By Side By Sondheim offers a captivating journey through the wit and brilliance of one of Broadway’s greatest musical storytellers. Simple and unpretentious, this Tony Award-winning musical is a perfect introduction to the work of the contemporary master, Stephen Sondheim, and a must for diehard fans featuring songs from Gypsy, Company, West Side Story, A Little Night Music, Follies and others.

The cast of Side by Side by Sondheim includes Jacob Alexander (he/him); Michael Davis Arnold (he/him)); Abbey Loria (she/her); Alondra Rios (she/her); with understudies Julia Hope Budd (she/her); Thomas Ferro (he/him); Daria Koon (she/they) and Tommy Wells (he/him). 

The production team includes Christina Ramirez (she/her, director); Amy Branahl (she/her, music director); Andy Cahoon (he/him, technical director); Spencer Donovan (he/him, scenic designer); Taylor Pfenning (she/her, costume designer); Ellie Fey (she/her, lighting designer); Alex Trinh (he/him, sound designer); Leo Bassow (he/they, props designer); Connor Windle (he/him, production stage manager) and Sara Segneri (she/her, assistant stage manager).

ABOUT CHRISTINA RAMIREZ, director

Christina Ramirez is thrilled to be back at Oil Lamp after directing First Date last season. Ramirez serves as managing director at the award-winning Actors Training Center in Wilmette, working with actors of all ages (youth through adult) and when not directing is known for her work as a teaching artist and coach. She holds a masters in directing from Roosevelt University CCPA and a BFA in musical theatre from The Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University. 

ABOUT AMY BRANAHL, music director 

Amy J. Branahl is the director of Choral Activities at New Trier High School and president of the IL-American Choral Directors Association(ACDA).  She is the music and vocal director of the Frosh/Soph musical and coaches badminton there. Branahl is a proud alum of the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana where she received her MME/BME in choral music education. With her husband Jared, they have three awesome boys. When not doing music, she loves to travel and document them by knitting, crocheting, while watching tennis/sports or going to shows. Please check out her work @craftingcourtside. 

MORE FROM FROM OIL LAMP THEATER

Gaslight (Angel Street)

October 2 - November 2

By Patrick Hamilton

Directed by Susan Gorman

Preview Performance:Thursday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Press Opening: Friday, Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Performance Schedule: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30pm; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. with additional Wednesday performances October 8 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., October 15 at 7:30 p.m. October 22 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and October 29 at 7:30 p.m.

Audiences are invited to step into the suspenseful world of Gaslight (Angel Street), where secrets lurk in the shadows and reality blurs with deception. When Bella begins to suspect that the flickering lights and missing objects in her home aren’t just in her imagination, her world unravels into a chilling game of manipulation and control. Suspenseful, haunting and unforgettable, this is the classic mystery that inspired the 1944 Academy Award-winning film starring Charles Boyer, Ingrid Bergman, Joseph Cotten and Angela Lansbury, in her film debut, defined a genre and inspired the term “gaslighting.”

It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

November 20 - December 28

Adapted by Joe Landry

Preview Performance:Thursday, Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m.

Press Opening: Friday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Performance Schedule: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30pm; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. with an additional Wednesday performance, December 10 at 7:30 p.m.

This heartwarming production is the perfect way to embrace the spirit of the Holidays. Experience unrivaled cheer with Frank Capra's beloved classic, “It's a Wonderful Life,” reimagined as a captivating live radio play, complete with foley sound effects and set in Oil Lamp’s own WBFR radio studio.

Journey to Bedford Falls, where George Bailey's troubles lead him to wish he was never born. Clarence, an angel sent to intervene, steps in to make his wishes come true and George quickly learns just how many lives he has touched and just how blessed he really is.

ABOUT OIL LAMP THEATER’S SPARK CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Oil Lamp Theater recently opened the Oil Lamp Theater’s SPARK CENTER for the Performing Arts, 1009 Waukegan Rd. The SPARK CENTER spans 2,750 square feet, featuring two spacious studios for classes and dedicated office spaces for Oil Lamp staff. The SPARK CENTER enables the expansion of Oil Lamp’s arts education programs led by top Chicagoland theater professionals for all ages and skill levels. These same studios serve as the creative center where Oil Lamp’s productions come to life as it is also a rehearsal space for Oil Lamp Theater productions taking place across the street at 1723 Glenview Road.

The inaugural offerings of the SPARK CENTER included Summer Camps and Youth and Adult Education classes with fall classes on sale now. For more information on the SPARK CENTER, go to OilLampTheater.org/spark-center.

ABOUT OIL LAMP THEATER

Oil Lamp Theater is an award-winning 60-seat storefront theater located in the heart of downtown Glenview. Keith Gerth founded the theater in February 2005, originally staging 20 productions for up to thirty-five friends and guests at night in his condo in Chicago. In March 2012, the organization was incorporated as a nonprofit and established a new location in downtown Glenview, fitted with warm décor and comfortable seating, reminiscent of a home. Oil Lamp produced 53 shows over the next seven years, reaching 10,000+ patrons per year and earning “Best Live Theater in the North Shore'' for four consecutive years. At the start of 2020, Keith Gerth retired, and shortly after, the pandemic began. Despite these major changes, Oil Lamp sprung into action and organized a drive-in for a fully-produced solo show, hosted outdoor concerts and built an outdoor venue for two full productions. Seeing the impact this made and the ability to conquer any challenge, Oil Lamp returned to indoor programming with a renewed vision. Oil Lamp now produces a dynamic Main Stage Season, Speak Easy Nights, a Women on Wednesdays series and continues investing in its connection with the community.

Review: Guys and Dolls at Music Theater Works Now Playing Through March 30 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Music Theater Works 

Guys and Dolls

MUSIC THEATER WORKS’ GUYS AND DOLLS,

NOW PLAYING THROUGH MARCH 30, AT THE NORTH SHORE

CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS IN SKOKIE

Music Theater Works’ 45th Season Begins with the Frank Loesser Classic, directed

by Sasha Gerritson, choreographed by Clayton Cross and

music directed by Linda Madonia

at NorthShore Center for The Performing Arts in Skokie 

Run Time (currently): Two hours and 30 minutes including the intermission.

(L to R) Alex Villaseñor, Jenny Couch, Catherine Rodriguez O’Connor, Brandon Acosta and Emma Jean Eastland 

Guest Review

By Catherine Hellmann

A musical must be amusing if a two-and-a-half hour show retained our attention and kept us laughing throughout. What’s more fun to start things off than dancing gamblers in suits and slick fedoras during the overture? This energetic opening number made it obvious that we were in for a treat. 

(center) Cary Lovett and the cast of GUYS AND DOLLS, from Music Theater Works, now playing through March 30 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. 

All Photos by Brett Beiner

Premiering in 1950, Guys and Dolls boasts a familiar score including “A Bushel and a Peck,” “Luck Be a Lady,” “Sue Me,” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat. ” Director Sasha Gerriton writes in her notes that she “fell in love with the show’s rich, lush score and the vibrant dances” when she was 14 years old as a high school student and saw a production in downtown Chicago. In addition to the Tony-winning score by Frank Loesser, the show has a hilarious script with great characters penned by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows. 

The entire cast does an admirable job with the singing, acting, and entertaining choreography. Standouts are Callan Roberts as a very funny Nathan Detroit, Kristin Brintnall is delightful as the patiently-forever-waiting-to marry-Nathan Miss Adelaide, and Jeffrey Charles is charming as reformed sinner Sky Masterson. 

 (L to R) Callan Roberts and Cecilia Iole

“Sue Me/I Could Die” duet between Brintnall and Roberts brought applause in the middle of the song for their wonderful repartee. Cecilia Iole as Sarah Brown, the determined missionary, and Brintnall had a fantastic duet as the frustrated but resolute girlfriends in “Marry the Man Today.” Also of note are Cary Lovett as Nicely-Nicely and David Geinosky as Benny Southstreet, Nathan’s goofy henchmen. I really enjoyed Ian Reed’s Irish-cop accent as Lt. Brannigan. Andrew Freeland adds a *huge* presence as Big Jule, the intimidating gangster from East Cicero outside of Chicago who carries his own questionable dice to New York for the game of “Crap.” We were thrilled to recognize Peter Ruger from one of our favorite theater companies, Hell in a Handbag, where he was Rudolph in their recent Christmas production.  

(L to R) Adam Raso, Callan Reed, Andrew Freeland, David Geinosky and Peter Ruger 

(L to R) Adam Raso, Andrew Freeland, Alex Villaseñor and Brandon Acosta 

Clayton Cross’ choreography is very inventive and creative and adds so much lightheartedness to the show. Our first impression of the set was seeing the orchestra above the stage in a big-band style. We complimented scenic designer Ben Lipinski at intermission, and he said placing the orchestra in full view was one of his first decisions. Kudos to Pianist and Conductor Kevin Disch for his musical direction. It’s cool to be able to watch the instrumentalists in action; so often they are relegated to being behind-the-scenes. Special shout-out to costume designer Bob Kuhn for his inspired ensembles. The dancers’ garden dresses and vegetable-themed hats at the Hot Box Club were amazing! “She has carrots on her head!” I whispered to my sister. :-)    

(L to R) Catherine Rodriguez O’Connor, Jenny Couch,  Emma Jean Eastland and Emily Holland 

So, head to the suburbs where there is FREE parking and a lovely evening of musical theater awaits. As Benny declares: “I’ve always been a bad guy, and a bad gambler. From now on, I would like to be a good guy, and a good gambler.” Take a gamble and head to Skokie for this enjoyable show. Odds are, you will love it. 

Catherine Hellmann is a teacher in Chicago and a theater lover everywhere. An upcoming trip to Hawaii for spring break means she has achieved a long-time goal of visiting all 50 states.

Members of the cast of GUYS AND DOLLS, from Music Theater Works, now playing through March 30 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. 

 

Music Theater Works is proud to kick off its 2025 season with Guys and Dolls, in the North Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, March 6 - 30, 2025. Guys and Dolls, music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, is directed by Sasha Gerritson, choreographed by Clayton Cross and music directed by Linda Madonia. 

 

(center) Alex Villaseñor and members of the cast of GUYS AND DOLLS, from Music Theater Works

The performance schedule is Wednesdays at 2 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 7:30

p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m., with additional performances on Saturdays, March 15, March 22

and March 29 at 2 p.m. Tickets are now on sale from $19.50 to $89 with tickets for guests

25 years old and younger available at half-price at MusicTheaterWorks.com or by calling

the Music Theater Works box office at the North Shore Center, 847.673.6300. Group

discounts are also available for groups of 10 or more by contacting 847.920.5360.

Music Theater Works’ season kicks off with what many believe is the “perfect musical” with

every song in its score a part of the American musical classic. Guys and Dolls whisks

audiences from Manhattan to Havana and back again with career gambler Sky Masterson,

“Save-A-Soul” missionary Sarah Brown, Miss Adelaide, Nathan Detroit and others in this

exuberant, big, brassy musical. Join Music Theater Works at the Hot Box Club onstage for

an unforgettable time.

The cast of Guys and Dolls includes, in alphabetical order: Brandon Acosta (he/him,

Liver Lips/Ensemble/US Nathan Detroit/fight and intimacy captain); Jordan Beyeler

(she/her, swing); Kristin Brintnall (she/her, Miss Adelaide); Caron Buinis (she/her,

General Cartwright); Jeffrey Charles (he/him, Sky Masterson); Jenny Couch (she/her,

ensemble); Emma Jean Eastlund (she/her, ensemble); Andrew Freeland (he/him, Big

Jule/ensemble); David Geinosky (he/him, Benny Southstreet/ensemble/US Nicely

Nicely); Joe Giovannetti (he/him, ensemble/US Sky Masterson); Isabella

Gomez-Barrientos (she/her, Agatha/ensemble/US Sarah Brown); Ben Harmon (he/they,

Angie The Ox/ensemble); Emily Holland (she/her, ensemble/US Miss Adelaide); Cecilia

Iole (she/her, Sarah Brown); Dee Kimpel (she/her, Martha/ensemble/US General

Cartwright); Kyle Kite (he/him, ensemble); Miguel Long (he/him, Rusty

Charlie/ensemble); Cary Lovett (he/him, Nicely Nicely Johnson/US Arvide Abernathy);

Matthew Millin (he/him, swing); Catherine Rodriguez O’Connor (she/her, ensemble);

Adam Raso (he/him, Harry the Horse/ensemble/US Lt. Brannigan); Ian Reed (he/him, Lt.

Brannigan); Callan Roberts (he/him, Nathan Detroit); Peter Ruger (he/him,

Calvin/ensemble/US Big Jule); Bob Sanders (he/him, Arvide Abernathy) and Alex

Villaseñor (he/him, ensemble/Non-Equity Deputy).

(L to R) Cecilia Iole and Jeffrey Charles

The Guys and Dolls orchestra includes Kevin Disch (piano/conductor); Alison Tatum

(she/her, violin); Cara Strauss (she/her, reed 1); Eva Lewis Butcher (she/her, reed 2);

Amy Nelson (she/her, trumpet); Stephanie Lebens (she/her, trombone); Eric Von Holst

(he/him, bass) and Lindsay Williams (she/her, drums).

Guys and Dolls’ creative team is Sasha Gerritson (she/her, director); Clayton Cross

(he/him, choreographer); Linda Madonia (she/her, music director); Amber Wutke

(she/her, intimacy and violence choreographer); Kathy Logelin (she/her, dialect coach);

Rachel Rock (she/her, stage manager); Ethan Colish (he/him, assistant stage manager);

Ben Lipinski (any with respect, scenic designer); Nga Sze Chan (she/her, properties

designer), Bob Kuhn (he/him, costume designer); Kristen Brinati (she/her, wardrobe

head); Alice Salazar (she/her, hair/wig/makeup co-designer); Melanie Saso (she/her,

hair/wig/makeup co-designer); Andrew Meyers (he/him, lighting designer); Forrest

Gregor (he/him, sound designer); Kimberly Carbone (she/her, production sound

engineer) and Andersonville Scenic Studios (scene shop).

(L to R) Bob Sanders and Cecilia Iole

(L to R) Bob Sanders, Isabella Gomez-Barrientos, Cecilia Iole, Dee Kimpel and Peter Ruger 

Binny’s Broadway Lounge

Music Theater Works’ donors of any level and subscribers are welcome to access Binny’s

Broadway Lounge before the performance and at intermission of Guys and Dolls. Binny’s

Broadway Lounge, sponsored by Binny’s Beverage Depot, is located on the second floor

at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie offering complimentary drinks

and snacks and does not require reservations. The Lounge is available during Guys and

Dolls, Saturday, March 8 (opens at 6:30 p.m.) and Saturday, March 15 (opens at 1 p.m.).

ASL Interpreted Performance

The Saturday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m. performance will be ASL interpreted by Michael

Albert and Laurie Waldeck.

ABOUT SASHA GERRITSON, DIRECTOR

Sasha Gerritson is an opera and musical theater stage director who directs shows for many local and regional companies. Most recently having directed the critically acclaimed Music Theater Works’ production of Carousel, in addition to previous Music Theater Works’ shows Brigadoon and Irving Berlin's White Christmas, she is proud to return for Guys & Dolls. Known for her expertise in the standard repertoire, Gerritson is also a highly sought after opera director, having most recently directed Puccini's Manon Lescaut and Il Assassinio Nella Cattedrale for The Opera Festival of Chicago, where she serves as general director. In addition to her work as a stage director, Gerritson is a choral conductor and serves as the director of Music Ministries for the Park Ridge Community Church.

Previous work as a choral conductor included positions with the Chicago Children's Choir

and Merit School of Music. Gerritson is a proud board member of Music Theater Works, in

addition to The Goodman Theatre, the Brookfield Zoo and DePaul University, where she

serves as vice chair of the Board of Trustees. She served as the opera and music theatre

director of Northeastern Illinois University from 2010-2022, has directed for Musica Nelle

Marche (Urbino, Italy), Opera Piccola, DePaul University, the Cherub Music Theatre

program for Northwestern University, in addition to various other summer programs in the

area. She lives in Glenview with her husband Eugene Jarvis and their two sons, Nate and

Josh.

(L to R) Jenny Couch, Catherine Rodriguez O’Connor, Kristin Brintnall, Emily Holland and Emma Jean Eastland 

ABOUT CLAYTON CROSS, CHOREOGRAPHER

Clayton Cross works nationwide as a choreographer, performer and dance

instructor. Cross was most recently in the ensemble and dance captain of Rock Of Ages

with Mercury Theater Chicago, with Drury Lane in the ensemble and dance captain in

Grease as well as in the ensemble in Evita. He most recently choreographed Brigadoon

for Music Theatre Works. He was last seen on the Music Theater Works stage as “Scuttle”

in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, in the ensemble of Mamma Mia!, as choreographer for

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and Billy Elliot The Musical. He was choreographer in

residence with Music Theater Works under the direction of Rudy Hogenmiller for seven

seasons where he choreographed and/or performed in Joseph and the Amazing

Technicolor Dreamcoat as “Benjamin”, Hunchback of Notre Dame, How to Succeed in

Business Without Really Trying, Into The Woods, Anything Goes as “ensemble”, Pirates of

Penzance as “ensemble”, Peter Pan as “Nana/Croc”, Gypsy as “Tulsa”, Mame as “ensemble”, Candide, Guys and Dolls, My Fair Lady, Die Fladermanus, The Fantasticks as “Mute,” Damn Yankees as “Eddie” and in A Chorus Line as “Greg” with Porchlight MusicTheatre. Cross also performed at Marriott Theatre in La Cage Aux Follies as “Mercedes”.

He is an instructor and choreographer for M.A. Dance Nation, a Texas based traveling

convention circuit, where he has been choreographing, teaching and judging since

1999. Cross has five times been a consultant and contributed choreography for the Capital

One Bowl’s “All American Halftime Show.” Throughout his 25 year career as a dancer he

has worked with Robert Battle, Fernando Bujones, Sherry Zunker, Paul Taylor and Anne

Reinking. Cross’s television credits include “Every Dancer Has a Story,

” a PBS special on the River North Chicago Dance Company, where he was a company member for 10

seasons and toured nationally and internationally. He is originally from Midland, Texas

where he received his early training from La Petite Dance Co., Coleman Academy and the

Midland Community Theatre as a member of the Pickwick Players. He holds a double

B.F.A. in Ballet and Modern Dance from Texas Christian University.

(L to R) Kristin Brintnall and Cecilia Iole

ABOUT LINDA MADONIA, MUSIC DIRECTOR

Linda Madonia is thrilled to be back at Music Theater Works where she has previously

music directed Legally Blonde:The Musical, Shrek: The Musical, Mamma Mia! and

Camelot. Other recent projects include; Jersey Boys, Rock of Ages and Sister Act at

Mercury Theater Chicago. Anything Goes, Cabaret and A Chorus Line at Porchlight Music

Theatre. Madonia also serves as the contractor for the Chicago Federation of Musicians

for Porchlight Music Theatre, Music Theater Works and Teatro Zinzanni. She is the vocal

coach for the Master’s Degree program in Music Theatre Pedagogy at Carthage College

and owns American Eagle Productions, which has been at the forefront of Theatre

Education in the Chicago area for the past 35 years.

(L to R) David Geinosky, Cary Lovett and Miguel Long 

 in GUYS AND DOLLS, from Music Theater Works, now playing through March 30 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. 

Music Theater Works 2025 Season

The 45th season includes Guys and Dolls, March 6 - 30; Fiddler on the Roof, August 7 -

17; Godspell, October 23 - November 16 and Annie, December 18, 2025 - January 4,

2026. For more information on the 45th season go to MusicTheaterWorks.com.

ABOUT MUSIC THEATER WORKS

Music Theater Works is a resident professional not-for-profit music theater founded in 1980. During its 45-year history it has presented more than 150 productions and intimate presentations. Music Theater Works is a professional theater company whose mission is to present works for the musical stage including historic repertoire, revitalizing the Golden

Age of Broadway and earlier works, celebrating the Great American Songbook and introducing modern classics.

Show dates and times:

Saturday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m. – Binny’s Broadway Lounge (opens at 6:30 p.m. )

Sunday, March 9 at 2 p.m.

Wednesday, March 12 at 2 p.m.

Friday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 15 at 2 p.m. – Binny’s Broadway Lounge (opens at 1 p.m.)

Saturday, March 15 at 7:30 p.m. 

Sunday, March 16 at 2 p.m.

Wednesday, March 19 at 2 p.m.

Friday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 22 at 2 p.m.

Saturday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m. – ASL Interpreted

Sunday, March 23 at 2 p.m.

Wednesday, March 26 at 2 p.m.

Friday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 29 at 2 p.m.

Saturday, March 29 at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 30 at 2 p.m.

Tickets: $19.50 to $89, tickets for guests 25 years old and younger are available for half- price.

Music Theater Works Box Office: (847) 673-6300

Website: MusicTheaterWorks.com

REVIEW: 13 Suits: A Mother’s Monologues at Raven Theatre Through December 22, 2024

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar 

13 Suits: A Mother’s Monologues 

at Raven Theatre

Presented by The Outer Loop Theater Experience 

Written by Kathleen Kerrigan Duff & Michael Herman

Directed by Michael Herman, Aviva Katz, & Kate Mullis

REVIEW

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

In a season packed with a plethora of holiday performances, I was finally able to catch 13 Suits: A Mother’s Monologues last night. They only have one remaining Chicago performance, at 3pm this Sunday, but this gutting yet gorgeous celebration of life and loss deserves look, and a remount. 

13 Suits: A Mother’s Monologues is extraordinary in it's very ordinariness. Deaths due to drunk driving are shockingly common, yet everyone's grief is unique and soul crushing. It's especially tragic when the loved one is young, and the death is an accident; a cruel and senseless hit and run, at age 30. 

I thought it was ingenious to have this specific mother's loss portrayed by multiple mothers/ races/ languages to emphasize how interconnected we all are, and how universal loss and grief is. Drunk driving sobering statistics are effectively projected on the walls at several points, coupled with a narrator voice over to drive home the horror. The narrator also announced each flashback memory, cleverly tied in with the production's namesake, 13 Suits, given away to a thrift store after a young man's untimely death.  

The production employs simple, yet effective casting and staging, with surprise actors initially scattered throughout audience, and staging that breaks down the 4th wall. We all even share chocolate chip cookies together, as a tender and tasty communion. This intimate staging, interaction with the audience, and  proximity increases empathy, and the audience's connection to the loss. I'm reminded of a friend of mine who tragically lost her college age son. Kim has pivoted her grief into philanthropy in his name, as well as a regular series: Let's eat cookies and talk about death. 

13 Suits: A Mother’s Monologues deals with the weighty, uncomfortable subject of loss, grief, and our own mortality, and that's all the more reason to see it. This piece is a beautiful personal and universal exploration of grief. Through one mother's monologues and memories, we are able to at once celebrate and immortalize on stage, seminal moments in a young life cut short. And we also are silent witnesses to the permanent, gaping hole this loss and injustice has left in the lives of this young man's mother, sister, family, and friend group. This lovely ode to a life cut short takes the audience back to this man's high school years all the way up through 5 years after his passing. We're even shown the cruel irony of his $500 fantasy football league win, the comes months after his death, as life and his passions go on without him. 

Grief also runs on a non linear time line, and pops up to ravage survivors, in the small moments as much as the large. Few things are more gut wrenching to think about than losing a child, even an adult one. Our children are meant to outlive us. To add insult to fatal injury, this death, like this run, occurred right before Christmas. The cruel timing ruins Christmas for years for this man's family and friends, as the memories of this horrible, unexpected loss supplanted a season of joy and family togetherness with pain. 

We are privy to his life stories, sometimes funny, and entirely relatable.  This recounting of kind deeds, high points, and low, in an utterly ordinary life, attest to and celebrate his character, and makes the loss of this young man's life all the more personal and jarring. 

This insightful and powerful production walks us through a deep dive on loss, and how much we take for granted, when a simple twist of fate could end any of our live without notice. There are deep truths in this mother's musings. The death of her child not only ended his life but removed all chance of future memories and future generations. I was struck, too by the injustice of it all. The drunk driver who killed him was eventually just given a misdemeanor, slap on the wrist and no prison time. This lack of consequences for such a devastating loss for this family and friends is a frustrating devaluing of life. Even the guilty woman's insurance payout to the family for his death feels like a payoff, a slap in the face, and an entirely insufficient, insulting exchange for his loss of life. 

This seismic shift in the lives of family and friends after a tragic loss, is conducive to seeing in community, so live theatre is the perfect vehicle for this type of storytelling. And this subject is well worth seeing, discussing, and internalizing. Recommended. 

We'll be keeping an eye out for The Outer Loop's next offering, in community with Raven Theatre.

Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theatre critic, photographer, artist, and Mama to 2 amazing adults. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly).

Based on actual events, 13 Suits: A Mother’s Monologues is a documentary theatrical experience, initially crafted from a mother’s reflections after losing her son. In a Laramie Project meets Vagina Monologues-style event, this immersive play also draws on dozens of personal accounts and stories, as well as powerful statistics, to help weave a timely and poignant cautionary tale… one of grief, loss, and healing, in the wake of seemingly insurmountable tragedy.

November 30 - December 5 - Previews

December 6 - December 22 – Performances

The show runs approximately 90 minutes. No intermission. Click HERE for tickets.

Up Next:

Talk Hard: Chicago

For the first time since 2016, Talk Hard is back live and in person. A new-work salon for playwrights, actors, directors, poets, musicians, singers, DJs, painters, writers, dancers, comedians, filmmakers, and all creatives, to get a peek at what others are making, build community, and show off any new piece they're working on in front of a supportive audience.

Talk Hard Chicago, presented by The Outer Loop, in community with Raven Theatre

This event will take place on the first Monday of every month. Upcoming Dates: Jan 6th, Feb 3rd, Mar 3rd, Apr 7th, May 5th, Jun 2nd

January 6, 2025 (monthly) - Raven Theatre - chicago, Il

RSVP to attend here!

REVIEW: HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD at James M. Nederlander Theatre Through February 1, 2025

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List

HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD

NOW PLAYING AT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO’S JAMES M. NEDERLANDER THEATRE

THROUGH FEBRUARY 1, 2025

The show is suitable for ages 8 and up.

Runtime: 2 hours and 50 minutes with one intermission

REVIEW

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

Here at ChiIL Mama, we caught the opening night of the US touring production of HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD, kicking off right here in Chicago, and we loved it! Even Muggles will be enchanted with Harry Potter, the next generation. This play picks up nineteen years after the original series, when the children we know and love have become parents of Hogwarts teens. This production is a mind blowing spectacle of special effects, unexpected friendships, and time travel. Slither in for stunning stage magic, stellar acting, and an epic adventure that changes everything. Highly recommended. ★★★★ Four out of four stars.

(from left to right) Aidan Close and Emmet Smith in Harry Potter and

the Cursed Child North American Tour. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

I bought this script when it came out in 2016 and have been eagerly awaiting the chance to see it on stage in a full production. I devoured all 7 novel and all the movies as each came out, and own all of both. As soon as my kids were old enough, we read them aloud as a family and watched the movies many times. We especially loved Hermione, a smart, female lead, written in an era when the vast majority of main characters were boys. Not so long ago, gate keeper publishers regularly blocked heroines, saying that boys wouldn't read books with girls as main characters. 

(from left to right) Julia Nightingale, Aidan Close and Emmet Smith in

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child North American Tour. Photo by Matthew

Murphy.

Speaking of girls as main characters, no big spoilers, but HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD adds a doozy of a female lead with Delphi Diggory, delightfully played by Julia Nightingale. HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD also gets more diverse with Hermione (Ebony Blake) and her daughter, Rose (Naira Vanessa McCalla), both played by black actresses, and we're here for it! We also couldn't possibly love Moaning Myrtle any more than we do. Mackenzie Lesser-Roy killed it as the ghost girl who lurks in the loo! 

The North American Tour of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Photo by Matthew Murphy.

 

HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD GOLDEN SNITCH DIGITAL LOTTERY 

If money's an issue, there's a free to enter ticket lottery for all show dates. The Golden Snitch Digital Lottery will open at 9:00 a.m. CT and close at 5:00 p.m. CT the day prior to the desired performance. Winners can claim 2 tickets for $40 each + a $5 handling fee per ticket. Enter HERE.

If you have somehow managed to avoid the entire franchise and are clueless about the world of Harry Potter and the characters within, HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD does work as a stand alone piece. However, the more you know of the backstory, the less confusing and more fun this production will be. I spent the half hour before the show and intermission giving a few clueless fellow critics the Cliff Notes, and overheard others doing the same with their friends and families. The day after the show, a couple of critics I spoke with were inspired to start the movies, which will still make the play clearer after the fact. If you're completely uninitiated, though, I do recommend checking out at least a few of the movies first, if at all possible. 

HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD features a great bromance between best friends Albus Potter and Scorpius Malfoy. The plot line takes tantalizing, unexpected twists and turns. There's a strong anti-bullying bent. And the ultimate take away about the inadvisability/inability to change the past without dire consequences, and the sorrow that comes with that realization, is a message we can get behind, for magicians and muggles alike. 

The stage version is an excellent opportunity for multigenerational fun, with appeal for grandparents, parents and kids. HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD is even likely to win over those who don't naturally love theatre. In fact, this multi award winning play broke the Guinness record for the highest-grossing non-musical play in Broadway history! Worried about sitting still for the two hours and 50 minute run time? There's a 15- to 20-minute intermission, with fun photo ops in the basement level lobby outside of the bathrooms, merch to purchase, and several snack and drink laden bars on multiple floors. The original play was in 2 parts and required a 5 or 6 hour commitment! Now the fast paced show just flies by. This production was so mind bogglingly excellent I'm already planning to catch it again. Best fantasy production ever. Don’t miss this! 

Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theatre critic, photographer, artist, and Mama to 2 amazing adults. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly).

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child North American Tour. Photo by

Matthew Murphy.

**HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED AUTHOR (AKA TERF Wars): This play is based on an original story by J.K. Rowling who has been called out from 2020 to the present, for her negative social media comments on trans people, and doubling down in the face of backlash. I can't in good conscience give this show a rave review without acknowledging the controversy. Rowling has a lot of followers and with a big megaphone comes great responsibility.

I've met many wonderful trans people, working for decades in Chicago's theatre industry, and quite a few of my friends consider themselves trans or have trans children. Some of them are boycotting this production because J.K. Rowling gets royalties, and I respect that, especially in today's political climate. At ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows we do not condone her comments. Nevertheless, I have chosen to review this play, as a collaborative piece of art, involving dozens of people, and can vouch that there is nothing inherently transphobic or negative in any way toward any marginalized group in this production. 

On opening night we met drag queens in full Slitherin regalia, gay couples and even trans humans who raved about the show, and other minorities and marginalized people who were all marveling at the stage magic and having a wonderful evening together. In an era of cancel culture, we believe it's still possible to enjoy creative works with imperfect creators. 

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child North American Tour. Photo by

Matthew Murphy.

HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD

Chicago Tie-ins on the North American Tour

My son went to school with Harry Potter's son! Not too many Chicago Theatre critics can make that unique claim. No, not Hogwarts, but before attending the infamous wizard boarding school, as Albus Potter, actor Emmet Smith studied theatre arts at Chicago's Northwestern University, in suburban Evanston, with my son, Dugan. Though New York is technically his home town, we're highlighting Albus/Emmet with the Chicago dynamic duo of Severus Snape and Ron Weasley. Emmet truly makes a phenomenal Albus Severus Potter. Aside from the ability to pass for an underager, he's a stellar performer and a joy to see in action. 

 

Emmet Smith (Harry's son, Albus Potter)

he/him. Wizzo! Off-Broadway: Philadelphia, Here I Come! (Irish Rep), Midsummer (TFANA), Soul Doctor (NYTW); Regional: A Distinct Society (Pioneer Theatre), The Sound of Music (Marriott Theatre); TV: New Amsterdam, Law & Order, Blue Bloods. Songwriter, climate activist, Northwestern grad, Ravenclaw. @emmetsmithnyc

(l-r): Emmet Smith and Aidan Close in the North American Tour of

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

We were also pretty jazzed to see Chicago's own Larry Yando playing Snape, Dumbledore, and Amos Diggory. Yando is most recognized for his beloved role as Scrooge at Goodman Theatre for the past 16 seasons! We've seen him in numerous productions over the years and in the past I've dubbed him "King of the pregnant pause" for his delivery style, and his ability to keep an audience rapt and spellbound, even between lines. He's an absolute pro and it's a master class to see him on stage. He's adept at finding the humanity in villains, and making them multidimensional, and dare I say lovable. We adore his take on Snape.

LARRY YANDO 

Notable roles: Scar/“The Lion King”, Roy Cohn”/Angels in America”, 15 seasons as Scrooge/”A Christmas Carol”, and King Lear. A five- time Jeff award- winner, Sarah Siddons recipient, Lunt-Fontanne Fellow, and the Wall Street Journal’s Performer of the Year.

Larry Yando in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child North American

Tour. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Rounding out the trio is Matt Mueller, who lives in Chicago's near northern suburb of Evanston. He's also making sweet home Chicago proud, and reprising his Broadway role, where he played Ron Weasley for a year, before the pandemic shuttered theatres in 2020. He's not only a hometown actor, but also the son of two Chicago actors, Jill Shellabarger and Roger Mueller! His three siblings were also bitten by the theatre bug, and his twin sister Abby, sister Jessie, and brother Andrew are all professional actors. All of them work steadily in theater in Chicago, New York on and off-Broadway, or with touring companies. Matt has never been cast in a show with his sisters or parents yet, but he did work on a show with his brother, Andrew. His sister, Jessie Mueller won a Tony Award for Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Nothing like a bit of Broadway sibling rivalry to keep things interesting!

Matt Mueller (Ron Weasley)

Broadway: HPCC. Tour: The Play That Goes Wrong - Chicago. Regional: Writers, Chicago Shakespeare, Marriott, Drury Lane, Northlight, Asolo Repertory, Indiana Repertory, Milwaukee Rep, Lyric Repertory, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Colorado Shakespeare Festival, BETC, and multiple productions of Woody Guthrie’s American Song.

(l-r): Matt Mueller, Ebony Blake and John Skelley in the North

American Tour of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Photo by Matthew

Murphy.

Broadway In Chicago is delighted to announce the National Tour of HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD 

now playing at Broadway In Chicago’s James M. Nederlander Theatre

The final performance of the 21-week engagement of the six-time Tony® Award-winning production will be Saturday, February 1, 2025

“One of the most defining pop culture events of the decade” – Forbes

John Skelley is playing Harry Potter with Trish Lindstrom as Ginny Potter and Emmet Smith as their son Albus Potter. Matt Mueller is playing Ron Weasley with Ebony Blake as Hermione Granger and Naiya Vanessa McCalla as their daughter Rose Granger-Weasley. Playing Draco Malfoy is Ben Thys with Aidan Close as his son Scorpius Malfoy. Delphi Diggory is played by Julia Nightingale and Severus Snape is played by Larry Yando.

They are joined by Kaleb Alexander, Julianna Austin, Markcus Blair, Casey Butler, Erin Chupinsky, Reese Sebastian Diaz, David Fine, Simon Gagnon, Alexis Gordon, Caleb Hafen, Lauryn Hayes, Nathan Hosner, Torsten Johnson, Katherine Leask, Markelle Leigh, Mackenzie Lesser-Roy, Evan Maltby, Zach Norton, Travis Patton, Maren Searle, Ayla Stackhouse, Jennifer Thiessen, Timmy Thompson, René Thornton Jr., and Kristin Yancy playing a variety of characters.

The touring production is based on the acclaimed Broadway production, currently playing at the Lyric Theatre, New York. It picks up right where the last Harry Potter film left off: Nineteen years after Harry, Ron, and Hermione saved the wizarding world, they’re back on a most extraordinary new adventure – this time, joined by a brave new generation that has only just arrived at the legendary Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. When Harry Potter’s head-strong son Albus befriends the son of his fiercest rival, Draco Malfoy, it sparks an unbelievable new journey for them all—with the power to change the past and future forever.

John Skelley in the North American Tour of Harry Potter and the

Cursed Child. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD, the first Harry Potter story to be presented on stage and the eighth story in the Harry Potter series, has sold over 10 million tickets worldwide since its world premiere in London in July 2016 and holds a record 60 major honors, with nine Laurence Olivier Awards including Best New Play and six Tony Awards including Best Play. The international phenomenon has cast its spell worldwide with productions currently running in London, New York, Hamburg, and Tokyo, and has completed runs in Melbourne, Toronto, and San Francisco. The original two-part production in London's West End recently celebrated its 7th anniversary, while the reimagined Broadway production celebrated its 6th anniversary. The most successful non-musical play in Broadway history, HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD has the unique distinction of being named by the Guinness World Records as the highest-grossing non-musical play in Broadway history with over $270 million total sales

and over 2.5 million tickets sold. To stay up to date with the latest information, go to tour.harrypottertheplay.com.

CHICAGO TICKET INFORMATION

Individual tickets for HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD are on sale now and range from $49.00 - $193.00 with a select number of premium tickets available. There are a limited number of $40 lottery seats available for each performance. Groups of 10 or more can book tickets by calling (312) 977-1710 or emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com. For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

ABOUT HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD

Based on an original story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD is a play by Jack Thorne, directed by John Tiffany. HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD features movement by Steven Hoggett, set by Christine Jones, costumes by Katrina

Lindsay, music & arrangements by Imogen Heap, lighting by Neil Austin, sound by Gareth Fry, illusions & magic by Jamie Harrison, music supervision & arrangements by Martin Lowe. US Casting by Jim Carnahan, CSA. HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, Colin Callender and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions.

Instagram: @CursedChildUS ● Twitter: @CursedChildTour ● Facebook: @CursedChildUS ● TikTok: @CursedChildOfficial

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 25 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on

the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, Auditorium Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place.

For more information and tickets, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Facebook @BroadwayInChicago ● Instagram @broadwayinchicago ● TikTok @broadwayinchicago ● #broadwayinchicago