Q-Tips Reviews

Steppenwolf Theatre 1650 N. Halsted Chicago

7/16/22 – This Theatre requests: proof of vaccination & proof of identity – driver’s license, or something with your name on it. Mask be worn during the performances.

Pharus Young, now a senior at the Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys, an institution committed to building “strong, ethical black men,” endeavors to be the best leader of the school’s prestigious choir in its 50-year history. But in a world built on rites and rituals, should he conform to the expectations of his peers in order to gain the respect he desperately seeks? Play-threaded throughout with soul-stirring a cappella gospel hymns-is the story of a young gay black man and his battle between identity and community.

Q-tips say: Choir Boys deals with gender, race, class and identity. Be prepared! The story does deal with homosexuality and there is full frontal nudity so don’t be shocked when they remove their towels. If this is going to bother you, perhaps this is not the play for you. There is also use of the “N” word. During the “coming of age” we learn that many of our young men have secrets. There is no intermission as to not break the flow of the action. The main character is torn between who he is, what he wants, what is expected of him and if he can reach the lofty goals that have been set.

For most of us, watching the story unveil was unique in that many of us never think about a private prep school for Black men. This is something that would probably never cross our minds. The young actors playing these students are making their debuts and are highly capable as actors and singers. Amazing how the shower scenes worked with actual running water.

Northlight Theater in Skokie, IL – 9501 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077, (847) 673-6300

7/13/22 –  Set in the early 1940’s during WWII, Jack Ludwig, a medical doctor, is stationed in Oregon when he starts corresponding with Louise Rabiner, a dancer and aspiring actress who lives in New York City. Originally from Coatesville, Pennsylvania, Jack has a shy nature while Louise is spirited and outgoing. As they exchange letters that tell of trials, successes, and innermost feelings, their bond continues to grow. The two plan to meet and have a date in New York for dinner and a show as soon as Jack gets his leave. But as Louise continues to audition for roles and the war rages on, their plans are thrown into disarray. While you listen to Jack and Louise read aloud their thoughtful correspondences, you will hope for the success of the young couple’s relationship.

Q-tips say: Yes, see it! Dear Jack, Dear Louise. This is a love story that will please audiences of all ages. Take your pre-teens & teens, they might learn a lot about our history & our society during this time – w/o computers, cell phones, etc. However, you might end up answering many of their questions.

  LIFE AFTER –  Goodman Theater, Chgo. 170 N Dearborn St., (312) 443-3800,  goodmantheatre.org     

Yes, everyone needs to wear a mask – audience/workers, etc. except for the performers! No, you do not have to show your vaccination card.  

LIFE AFTER –  Goodman Theatre’s ensemble brings the story of 16-year-old Alice, who mourns the sudden loss of her father, to life in a visceral and touching production. Alice’s head as she contemplates her life in the wake of this tragedy. Johnson’s songs for the Furies and the other characters also magnificently capture the many layers to grief and its intertwining with anxiety. I am extremely fortunate to not yet have suffered a loss as great as the one Alice experiences in the show, but I found the portrayal of her anxiety and her circling of “What if?” questions highly, highly relatable. The number “Control What You Can” represents this energy so precisely, as Alice grapples with her anxiety over whether she’s to blame for her father’s death after he’s in an accident the night after they have an argument. By contrast, Alice’s father himself was a motivational speaker who specifically encouraged people to control what they can and let go of what they cannot. It’s a really beautiful layer that Johnson builds into the piece: Alice’s father Frank spent his career trying to provide Alice and others with the very tools to survive what she’s now experiencing.

It is great to be back in Chicago to enjoy plays at the theaters, due to Covid-19 it been almost two years.   Liking every moment of the experience at the different theaters.

Q-tips say: We enjoyed the play Life After.   Mrs. Q says: Think about the  “What if’s” but don’t to remember the bottom of the line, “Always remember the good times.”