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Articles tagged with: Jeffrey D. Kmiec

‘Sweeney Todd’ at Porchlight: Indulge yourself with the best meat pie in Chicago; it’s deep dish

Oct 22, 2014 – 9:25 pm | 2,280 views
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Review: The demon barber of Fleet Street is a bad one, that’s for sure; and Porchlight Music Theatre has a good one in David Girolmo. But the crucial ingredient of Stephen Sondheim’s macabre musical is that demonic purveyor of meat pies, Mrs. Lovett – and in Rebecca Finnegan, Porchlight boasts a beaut. ★★★★★

‘Good Boys and True’ at Raven: The fast track throws some curves into the path of privilege

Apr 2, 2014 – 4:00 pm | 14,363 views
Brandon (Will Kiley, left) and Justin (Derek Herman) have forged a close bond. (Dean LaPraiie)

Review: One always comes away from a play performance, whether the staged work is new or familiar, with a single dominant impression. It may be a complex impression, but there’s always that ruling aspect, the starting point from which the conversation evolves. In the case of Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa’s “Good Boys and True” at Raven Theater, it is a sense of relentless circularity. ★★

‘Ain’t Misbehavin’’ at Porchlight: The joint’s (almost) jumpin’ as singers ease into swing

Feb 9, 2014 – 10:07 am | 8,395 views
The joint is jumpin' with the cast of 'Ain't Misbehaviin'' produced by Porchlight Theatre at Stage 773. (Kelsey Jorissen photo)

Review: On opening night, Porchlight Music Theatre’s go at the Fats Waller revue “Ain’t Misbehavin’” gave the impression of two different shows, one ready and one not quite. The good news is that the sharper, more relaxed and spontaneous effort came in the second half, when perhaps nerves had calmed and the company of five singing, hoofing show folks started to look like they were simply having fun. ★★★