Tag: drury lane

HuffPo Review: Despite an excellent Norma Desmond, a dreary ‘Sunset’ at Drury Lane

Christine Sherrill has ‘New Ways to Dream’ as Norma Desmond in Drury Lane’s “Sunset Boulevard” Before I begin to discuss Drury Lane’s disappointingly dreary production of Sunset Boulevard, let me set the stage. Sunset Boulevard, the Andrew Lloyd Webber megamusical based on the groundbreaking 1950 Billy Wilder film about a faded silent film star, Norma… Read More HuffPo Review: Despite an excellent Norma Desmond, a dreary ‘Sunset’ at Drury Lane

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Drury Lane’s ‘Sunset Boulevard’ gets its Norma Desmond

After months of speculating and rumor, Drury Lane has finally cast its Norma Desmond for their upcoming production of Sunset Boulevard. (In fact, I heard from multiple sources that Tony winner Christine Ebersole had seriously been considered — could you imagine?) After some internet digging, I see that another Christine has been cast as the… Read More Drury Lane’s ‘Sunset Boulevard’ gets its Norma Desmond

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Chicago Theatre Addict taking mini hiatus, plus my short-term wishlist

The cast of Court Theatre’s “The Dead.” Photo by Michael Brosilow. Life is stepping in, so Chicago Theatre Addict will be taking a back seat for a short spell. I promise to get my act together soon and back to commenting on all the fantastic theatre goings on happening in this beautiful city, including all… Read More Chicago Theatre Addict taking mini hiatus, plus my short-term wishlist

Bob Bullen2 Comments

Drury Lane’s by-the-numbers ‘Gypsy’ is missing a few layers

There is one moment in William Osetek’s otherwise by-the-numbers production of Gypsy that gave me those rare theatrical chills. It’s during a crucial act two turning point when, moments before she’s to step onstage for her first strip, Louise (the ideally cast Andrea Prestinario) catches herself in the mirror. The lifelong tom boy and wallflower realizes… Read More Drury Lane’s by-the-numbers ‘Gypsy’ is missing a few layers

Bob Bullen1 Comment

Drury Lane to take on ‘Sunset Boulevard’ in 2013 — let the casting rumors begin!

Drury Lane Oakbrook loves its diva shows. In 2010, they did Funny Girl (my review here), and they’ll close out their 2011-2012 season with Gypsy (casting still to be announced). And now, this near-Broadway-quality suburban theatre has announced its upcoming season, and it includes a host of shows inspired by movies, including Hairspray, Promises, Promises… Read More Drury Lane to take on ‘Sunset Boulevard’ in 2013 — let the casting rumors begin!

Bob Bullen9 Comments

First look: ‘Sweeney Todd’ at Drury Lane Oakbrook

Swing your razors high, kittens! Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace has released Sweeney Todd production photos. The much-anticipated production, which is currently in previews with press opening tomorrow night, stars Gregg Edelman and Liz McCartney. And Judging from these photos, it looks like director Rachel Rockwell is more than delivering the musical’s grand guignol — emphasising… Read More First look: ‘Sweeney Todd’ at Drury Lane Oakbrook

Bob Bullen4 Comments

Attend the tale, bitches: Drury Lane announces ‘Sweeney’ casting, and I’m excited

The recent casting announcement of Drury Lane‘s Sweeney Todd only heightened my excitement of this upcoming production (running August 11 – October 9). First, we get Gregg Edelman, a four-time Tony Award nominated actor with Chicago roots. Some of my friends think he might be a little too tame for the monomaniacal barber based on his past… Read More Attend the tale, bitches: Drury Lane announces ‘Sweeney’ casting, and I’m excited

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Drury Lane’s riotous ‘Spamalot’ proves why it’s the best deal in town

The knights of Drury Lane’s “Spamalot” take a dance break. “Always look on the bright side of life.” In Spamalot, the 2005 Tony-winning musical “lovingly ripped off” from the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, you can’t help but take that advice, which is sung a number of times in the show, and… Read More Drury Lane’s riotous ‘Spamalot’ proves why it’s the best deal in town

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Review: ‘Ragtime’ @ Drury Lane Oakbrook

“It was the music of something beginning…” — the cast of Drury Lane’s “Ragtime.” You know how there are those productions that remind you why you love the theatre? Yeah. Drury Lane Oakbrook’s staggering production of Ragtime is one of the productions. As I’ve noted before, I’ve seen some Ragtime — from the awe-inspiring, ginormous… Read More Review: ‘Ragtime’ @ Drury Lane Oakbrook

Bob Bullen9 Comments

“Funny Girl” @ Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace

Drury Lane theatre entrance Fanny Brice isn’t exactly a role model for women’s liberation. As told in the musical Funny Girl by Isobel Lennart (book), Jule Styne (music) and Bob Merrill (lyrics), she nearly destroys her career and undermines her talent to stay with an emotionally abusive husband who can’t deal with the fact that his wife is… Read More “Funny Girl” @ Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace

Bob Bullen1 Comment