Q-Tips Reviews

Between Riverside & Crazy – Steppenwolf – 1650 N Halsted St., (312) 335-1650, steppenwolf.org– – Ex-cop “Pops” Washington and his ex-con son Junior are barely holding on to one of the last great rent stabilized apartments in Manhattan. Pops has his hands (not to mention his apartment) full as he navigates a steady stream of sketchy houseguests and sweats out the impending verdict on his law suit against the police department. A celebration of the glorious contradictions that make up human nature, this rowdy dark comedy looks at the slippery nature of justice, and the grit it takes to finally move on.

Q-Tips say: See it. One of the better plays we have seen so far this season. Don’t leave after the first half (no one did)- the second half has some very funny scenes. Mrs. Q says: I guarantee you will laugh. The play comes to an end with a touch of humor. Mrs. Q says: Some violence but you have seen much more on your TV. NOT for children.

Our Lady of 121st St. – Alhenaeum Theatre Studio Three., 2936 N. Southport Ave., Chicago,
773-935-6875 – The Ortiz Funeral Room is in big trouble: The body of beloved community activist and nun Sister Rose has been stolen from the viewing room, and waiting for her proper return are some of New York City’s most emotionally charged, life-challenged neighborhood denizens, trying to find a place to put their grief, checkered pasts and their uncertain futures. Among the equally hilarious and tragic twelve characters, you’ll meet Rooftop, a chronically unfaithful but otherwise popular Los Angeles DJ, looking to reconcile with the love of his life; Pinky and Edwin, two brothers tragically linked forever; and the outrageously angry Norca, who doesn’t let the fact that she slept with her best friend’s husband deter her from the full expectation of being immediately forgiven of her sin by her best friend, Inez, still in pain fifteen years later. The rest of the crowd in this dark, insightful and very funny comedy inevitably square off on each other, motivated by rage, pain and a scary desire to come clean—perhaps for the first time.

Q-Tips say: Was ok. Way too much screaming, yelling, too many F you, etc. Was said to be funny but Mrs. Q did not find too much humor in it except for the introduction when they tell you to turn off you gadgets. It was don’t with humor by saying “Tho shalt not have your phones on, tho shalt not, etc”. In other words anything you do not do in church, do not do here. There was mention about the alcoholic Nun, Sister Rose, in the description of the play but nothing said about it in the play itself.

MAPLE & ASH –– 8 W Maple. (312) 944-8888, mapleandash.com

Q-Tips say: Restaurant and on the first floor there is a bar w/Happy Hour and a Menu. Went for a drink with a friend after dinner. Located on the first floor, Downstairs at Maple & Ash has a long stone-topped bar and large banquettes with high-top tables. By day, it’s the perfect spot for lunch & happy hour and by evening, a lively bar scene for dinner, libations and late night revelry. Was loud, vibrant bar scene. Enjoyed the drinks and the atmosphere. Open daily from 11am till late. Brunch open Sat & Sun from 10am to 4pm.

Del Frisco’s double Eagle Steakhouse – 58 E Oak St., Gold Coast., (312) 888-2499, delfriscos.com

Q-Tips say: OMG! Outstanding food, drinks, service, ambiance and a wonderful
evening with a special friend who kept saying, “Hey, I won the Lottery! Not the really big Lottery but enough to treat us to dinner with some of his winnings. How Nice! It is set in the the old Esquire Theater approximately five stories high with incredible chandeliers and an escalator to the restaurant.

The food was fantastic from start to finish – starting with the Tuna Tartare. We shared the Tuna, the sides which included decadent mashed potatoes, a side of macaroni and lobster, a side of shaved brussel sprouts with bacon and more, Wedge Salad, and of course, Steak. Along with several decadent drinks & champagne.

After our wonderful dinner, went to Maple & Ash and topped the evening off with an after dinner drink. Yes, do go to Del Frisco’s double Eagle Steakhouse especially for a “special occasion.”

The Porch Restaurant – 1815 K St., Sacramento, CA 95811, (916) 444-2423, theporchsacramento.com

Q’s say: Nice place, good service & Great chicken and a lot of it. Will go back if in the area when we visit.

Danielle & Sean’s Wedding at the Ryde Hotel -14340 Hwy 160, Walnut Grove, CA 95690, (916) 776-1318, rydehotel.com

Q’s say: A beautiful, fun wedding. Wonderful meeting our new family members, really nice people.

Mrs. Q says: The Ryde Hotel does not have TV, no air con, no pool, no elevator, but does have free Wi-Fi. The Hotel offers a restaurant and an air conditioned banquet room and many many historical photos of musicians, celebraties, politicians who stayed at the Ryde. It was a perfect setting for the wedding, especially a “Swing/retro Wedding” susrrounded by family and good friends.

The House of Blue Leaves – Raven – 6157 North Clark Street, on the corner of Clark and Granville.
http://www.raventheatre.com/ FREE Parking
In Queens, New York during Pope Paul VI’s 1965 visit, struggling songwriter Artie wants to be famous and feel important while his heavily medicated wife Bananas just wants to feel. Can Artie’s old high school buddy, now a Hollywood movie producer, give him a shot at the big time? Or will a blessing from the Pope do the trick? Living means more than just survival to these misfits in this insanely funny play thu June 18th.

Q-Tips say: We really enjoy local playhouse productions. Ok, Mrs. Q says:
Yes, there were some very funny moments in this play. Yes, the 3 nuns were hilarious and the main character probably is lucky that his “dopey” girlfriend went without him. However, when has it become acceptable/and funny to make fun of the mentally ill/anyone suffering from PTSD/being deaf/killing someone, nothing humorous about either. The Q’s did not pay very much for the tickets and did enjoy parts of House of Blue Leaves but really are looking forward to the Scottsboro Boys coming to the Raven in the fall.

At MR. KELLY’s – If you enjoy local theater productions, make sure you see “At Mister Kelly’s” – threecatproductions.com at Berger Park on Sheridan Rd. Chicago

Q-Tips say: A well directed play about Mr. Kelley’s, a tiny supper club, that was located at 1028 N. Ruch St. from 1957 to 1975 where artists entered the stage from the kitchen and sat only 150 people. So many famous people performed there when they were just starting the careers – singers & comedy acts. .Anita O’Day, Phyllis Diller, Julie London, Barbra Streisand, Barry Manilow, Mel Torme, Cass Elliott Bette Midler, Sara Vaughn, Miriam Mikeba, Natalie Cole, Mort Sahl, Bob Newhart, Flip Wilson, & Bill Cosby – before what we know about him now, along with the history of Mr. Kelly’s. Kudos to Watson Swift for taking on the role of this controversial comedian.

Yes, you get to see them all along w/ a 3 member band and good lighting, set design and a very talented cast-everyone of them. For this production they do offer patrons wine /beer- $5.00 ea, or tap water. Obviously they don’t serve dinner.

Mrs. Q says: Can’t say enough about how we enjoyed “Mr. Kelly’s” – w/be at Berger, I was told, as of now, a full month. Some of the songs that were sung were songs that they performed at the beginning of their careers, so I was not real familiar w/ some of them- but still enjoyed. If time permits, see it, think you will enjoy Mr. Kelly’s – no sex, violence, or nudity- what a refreshing change from some of the performers we see today.