Chicago Broadcasting Network

Before the TV and Internet, people looked to the theater for entertaining political commentary the equivalent of Stephen Colbert, The Daily Show, or Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update.

These three pithy well performed one-act plays presented by Artemisia Theatre as “The Suffrage Plays” provide insight through a good deal of levity and snarky repartee giving voice to the debate that one hundred years ago provided women with the right to vote.

Review by Reno Lovison.

An interesting, innovative and thoroughly enjoyable theater production, co-directed by Aaron Sawyer and Mary Kate Ashe at the Red Theater that leaves you wanting more - - but in a good way.

A documentary that premiered at the 55th Annual Chicago International Film Festival about Chicago’s mulit-ethnic “street gangs” in the 1960s primarily led by activist Fred Hampton of the “Black Panthers” who endeavored to affect social change by recognizing that all poor people in the city shared a common struggle.

If you are not already a fan of Chicago Blues Legend Buddy Guy you are very likely to become one after seeing THE TORCH.

The nearly two hour documentary features Buddy Guy and young guitarist Quinn Sullivan who Buddy discovered in 2007 when the boy was only seven years old.

Controversial and Thought Provoking “The Merchant of Venice” is presented by Invictus Theatre Company in the words of William Shakespeare but with more contemporary staging. Review by Reno Lovison

Note: We regret that in the podcast review we mentioned Joshua Seeger as The Duke (who also did a fine job) when we meant Jack Morosoville as Aaragon. Morosoville was also the composer of the of the music included in this production.

Reno Lovison,Joanne Schochat, and Connie Wilson give their overview and observations including film suggestions for the 55th Annual Chicago International Film Festival.

Whether you intend to attend or not you can hear about soon to be released motion pictures and how to plan for this another film festivals.

Love, lust, and quest for power lead to despair and death in Giuseppe Verdi’s “Luisa Miller” at Lyric Opera Chicago. Review by Reno Lovison.

Music Theater Works presents the clever lyrics and memorable mid-century melodies in “Lerner and Loewe’s Greatest Hits” at Evanston’s Nichols Concert Hall.

This trip down memory lane starts in the Highlands of Scotland, over the bumpy trails of the American West, through the streets of London, the salons of Paris, then ending up in the woods and palaces of historic old England.

Review by Reno Lovison

Featuring two strong performances inspired by true events “The Delicate Tears of the Waning Moon” is onstage through 10/13/2019 at the Steppenwolf 1700 Theater as part of the 3rd Chicago International Latino Theater Festival.

Attorney Helena and Bob a petty thief are not exactly a perfect match, but find themselves thrown together out of desperation and convenience.

When confronted with an opportunity to have a once-in-a-lifetime night of excess they take a chance that leads to an unforgettable “Midsummer” romance.

Review by Reno Lovison.