The Buzz From Readers Like You
chengv commented on Little Women
Just saw Little Women with my 10 year old daughter, mother, and sister. What a perfect outing and the play was spectacular due to the superb talent displayed by the actors. This was my first visit to Circle Theater and I now want to be a regular visitor. Such quality performances and the stage was incredibly well done. The theater feels very intimate due to size. It was a very enjoyable evening with an outstanding performance. Truly a must see classic!
Telephone26 wrote about Laugh Out Loud Theater
Laugh out Loud is fun for all! The amount of fun you'll have is determined by the amount of fun you want to have. An engaged audience that gives the actors good suggestions will make for a great show. The actors are all smart and quick on their feet - they'll work with almost anything! Everytime you go, they'll give me a coupon for $5 off you next visit - so tickets are only $13! Give it a shot, you won't be disappointed!
Alexdra commented on Miracle on 34th Street
Got to see.
chicagocouple1322 commented on The Addams Family
Was so dissappointed not see Nathan Lane...as you see it's his photo in the above ad. Left half way through, which we have never done....felt like we were seeing half the show with him not there. What a shame.
brewer commented on Cirque du Soleil's Banana Shpeel
I loved this show - fresh concept - clowns were hilarious, dance numbers more amazing then anything I have seen on Broadway - liked seeing the band on stage - costomes gorgeous - my only complaint -- it was over too soon!! The audience I was with was laughing continuously and clapping long and hard at the end of the show. Way to go Cirque - you've managed to reinvent yet another genre -- Vaudeville!
Rollermonkey commented on Cirque du Soleil's Banana Shpeel
This was my 7th CdS show, and I went opening night expecting something different, which is what I got. This is a vaudville style not a circus, so if you go looking for aerialists, tumblers and the like, you may be disappointed. Three acts that do fit that style, and they are very good. Unlike most CdS shows, the show is largely based in comedy, not mystery. The comedy is clownish, not clowns, but is very funny. The dance numbers are enjoyable, especially the blacklight segment. One act did fall flat for me: the magic act. The illusion was unconvincing, and was overwhelmed by all the action on stage at the same time. While most CdS shows have amazing, otherworldly soundtracks, Banana Shpeel's music is well performed, but less innovative than typical. It fits the show, but is not as inspiring or as memorable as CdS's best work. While Banana Shpeel is not the best CdS produced show I have seen, it is good for what it is intended to be, my wife and I enjoyed ourselves.
GREEN_TECH_2020 commented on Moon shiver
Congratulations Redmoon on all of your recent kudos-- Spectale 2009 at Belmont Harbor, your invitation to the White House, your performance at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in December... I look forward to your next season!
Jundt commented on My Three Angels
I disagree with Krhodes, I really enjoyed the play alot. The costumes and set design was well done. The blocking by actors was great, using the entire stage. The actors for the most part were very good. The play does seem a bit long which was the only complaint I had. The people who run The Attic seem very nice and try their best to put on good shows. It's a nice Christmas play for all to see.
JPat418 commented on Mother Superior's Ho-Ho-Holy Night
Great holiday fun for the whole family! Its fun audience interactive play that puts you in the holiday spirit. I brought my parents this weekend and the three of us greatly enjoyed it. It really is perfect for any age group. The actress who played Mother Superior was quick and her toes. The jokes were family friendly, well received and in great taste. This is something I will recommend to my friends and relatives. I know my parents are planning on getting a few of their friends tickets as a great holiday gift! The show is fun, affordable and the perfect addition to the holidays
ceceliabird commented on Cirque du Soleil's Banana Shpeel
I've been a great fan of Cirque, but this show is full of flat jokes, bordering on the offensive; dull choreography; a horrible sound system. Absolutely nothing to recommend it. Left at intermission. Waste of time and a lot of money. Horrible damage to the Cirque de Soleil brand.
mdubbbbbb commented on Cirque du Soleil's Banana Shpeel
Hi, I just went to see banana speel and it is the worst show I have ever seen. I have been to a lot of cirque shows and loved them all, but I don't know how you can even call this show a cirque du soleil show. I would really like a refund! I took my whole family there and our evening was ruined. This is the first time I have ever written a bad review about anything, but this was just absolutely horrible!!!!!!!! Dont waist your money on this, you will regret it guaranteed. There were only 2 numbers that had anything to do with cirque du soleil. The rest of the show was just really bad and NOT funny. It is not just the worst cirque du soleil show I have ever been to (and I have been to about 7), but it is the worst show in general.
upacrk1 commented on Cirque du Soleil's Banana Shpeel
I can't add much more to the negative comments about Banana Shpeel. We were more than disappointed in this show. We were CHEATED! I can't believe "Cirque du Soleil" would even put their name on this show. Cirque du Soleil - offer us theater goers a refund so that you don't permanently damage your previously respected reputation. You may also consider closing early owing to the very light attendence and the not very flattering but deserving reviews. Thanks.
afficionado commented on The D-Cup Diatribes
FIVE STARS. Funny & Entertaining. Melody Swink crafts a story that rises from despair to a place of genuine hope. Opening with a terrific musical number, this wondrous work of art will both capture your heart and provide plenty of laughs. The script reflects an inner spirit of eleven distinct characters we can all recognize. Highlighting that “image” game we indulge in, using our appearance to get us through our big and small hard times. Women wondering if their breasts were changed, how would their lives be different? A phenomenal performance by The play is simultaneously tender and hilarious and includes some snazzy original music and audience participation. While playright Melody Swink reveals previously unsuspected depth, Actress Sara is an out-of-nowhere revelation in terms of acting ability. Sara’s characters are scary, funny, fragile, willful, exasperating, ferocious, sweet, indignant, and joyful. She and Melody both could be going home with Jeff Awards.
Ruth1568 commented on Dr. Harlon's Keys to Better Living
Well-written, with a whirlwind of clever characters performed by the ever-talented Will Clinger.
Ruth1568 commented on Dr. Harlon's Keys to Better Living
Well-written, with a clever whirlwind of characters from the ever-talented Will Clinger.
SabinaMaria commented on Cirque du Soleil's Banana Shpeel
Worst show ever! How dare the Cirque franchise puts its good name to this. Far too many clowns and I am talking about the chereographer rather than the performers. Amazingly, 2 people gave a standing ovation but they must have been friends / family. Poor.... Poor... Poor.
margaritad19938042 commented on Young Frankenstein
Another Broadway smash in downtown Chicago. I haven't laughed so much since Spamalot. Really wish I could see it again! If you love the movie, you won't be dissappointed. If you love to laugh (why did they take that song out of Mary Poppins?!), don't miss it! 10 out of 10 stars from this viewer, and we go see all the musicals in Chicago! Right up there with Jersey Boys and Wicked!
ksiu commented on Cirque du Soleil's Banana Shpeel
I wish I could get my money back. The show was a clear ripoff. . A lot of people left the theater very very disappointed. .. Yes and one more thing... don't bring your date to see this show....
sunnyside2009 commented on Cirque du Soleil's Banana Shpeel
I really wish I could write a rave, but unfortunately it was awful. I was expecting something different from the usual cirque show, but this perfomance fell far below par. Clearly there were some talented performers, but the choreography was uninspiring and at times confusing. I think there was even a malfunction with a prop in one scene- at least I'm hoping it was a malfunction because there was a palpable awkward lapse lasting about 5 minutes were it appeard nothing at all was happening- and the actors (and audience) looked completely baffled. The clowns were more annoying and juvenile than humorous and the music was incredibly dissapointing. Overall, definitely NOT worth the ticket price.
Karo commented on Cirque du Soleil's Banana Shpeel
Unfortunately i have to agree with the bad reviews. I was expecting more acrobats, less clown and more fantasy. the only cool thing about it is that is at the Chicago theater. Don't expect your classic mouth opening cirque su soleil, maybe if you dont you'll like it
sbbonerad commented on The Addams Family
The show was fun with a decent score. The cast was fanstastic, especially Bebe Neuwirth, Carolee Carmello and of course, Nathan Lane. Overall, it looks pretty good at the current time and hopefully will be "tidied" up a little more by next spring. Recommended.
McCrazy1797 commented on Cirque du Soleil's Banana Shpeel
I am still in shock over how TERRIBLE this show was. I have never been more disappointed in a show in my entire life. The schtick wasn't funny, yet the same lame jokes were repeated ad nauseam. The characters were atrocious. It was like the writer wanted you to hate them from minute one. The traditional Cirque-type performances were, of course, top notch. Unfortunately, they made up only 15 minutes of the entire show and were wrapped in mindless sludge. They even ruined things that *could* have worked - the dancing looked like it was pretty amazing, but the obviously pre-recorded tap track was distracting and insulting. Perhaps the biggest insult, however, was that they thought they could get the public to buy tickets to this crap just because they put "Cirque" on it. I wasn't expecting a traditional Cirque show, but I was expecting that something produced under the Cirque name would at least be good quality. For shame, David Shiner.
Cestmoi commented on The Addams Family
the Addams Family was certainly family friendly although it had the "chemistry" the original shows did. Not over the top but sexuality was certainly present. The show was delightful... Nathan Lane is always amazing! I am sure by the time it gets to Broadway, the songs will be shortened and the show tightened up. It is always fun to see the "pre-Broadway" productions and guess what will be refined by New York. There are many characters, quite a bit of initial exposition and a rather lengthy first act. I didn't see a song that could be easily removed but several of them seemed to go on for too many choruses. Definitely worth going to.
cthodos commented on Bright Star
This is an amazing play. The story, the characters, the acting....it's a must see!
lexiloo commented on Cirque du Soleil's Banana Shpeel
It's not a typical Cirque du Soleil show -- not as much acrobatics, not as much music and fantasy and whimsy -- but it was still a blast. The focus definitely was on the crazy circus of loonies running around, but if you get in the mood for it it's highly entertaining, in a slapstick sort of way. True to Cirque du Soleil's reputation, the three acrobatic acts were all excellent, and there was more dancing than usual, which was great (especially the tap routines). If you don't go in expecting a typical Cirque show and open your mind you can have a hilarious time.
