Articles tagged with: Eric Slater
‘Support Group for Men’ at Goodman: 4 guys, make it 5, couple of cops and a ‘talking stick’
![‘Support Group for Men’ at Goodman: 4 guys, make it 5, couple of cops and a ‘talking stick’ sub feature](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/sub-feature-2-125x125.jpg)
Review: The first flourish of Ellen Fairey’s play “Support Group for Men,” now on display at Goodman Theatre, works twofold narrative magic: It creates a deceptively rich context, and it’s just plain deceptive. We think we’re in for a night with the boys as sitcom when the truth is we’re in for a theatrical ride as clever as it is gentle and poignant and authentic. ★★★★
‘Smokefall’ at Goodman: Revisiting a family frayed at seams, blessed with magical hope
![‘Smokefall’ at Goodman: Revisiting a family frayed at seams, blessed with magical hope The Colonel (Mike Nussbaum) dotes on his granddaughter Beauty (Catherine Combs) in 'Smokefall' at Goodman Theatre. (Liz Lauren)](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/The-Colonel-Mike-Nussbaum-dotes-on-his-granddaughter-Beauty-Catherine-Combs-in-Smokefall-at-Goodman-Theatre.-Liz-Lauren-125x125.jpg)
Review: Mike Nussbaum, irrepressible at age 90, is like great Bordeaux wine. Need I amplify that? Chicago’s prince of perdurable actors is the single best reason – among many good ones – to catch Goodman Theatre’s almost-instant revival of “Smokefall,” Noah Haidle’s fine-stitched play about family, its profound fractures and its potential for healing. ★★★★★
‘Smokefall’ at Goodman: Behind worldly veil, tears and contentment fuse into force of life
![‘Smokefall’ at Goodman: Behind worldly veil, tears and contentment fuse into force of life Mike Nussbaum at the center of a conflicted birthday party in 'Smokefall' by Noah Haidle at Goodman Theatre. (Liz Lauren)](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Mike-Nussbaum-at-the-center-of-a-conflicted-birthday-party-in-Smokefall-by-Noah-Haidle-at-Goodman-Theatre.-Liz-Lauren-125x125.jpg)
Review: Life sucks, and then you die. If that dark existential view sometimes can seem like the only certainty, taxes being at least negotiable, it is repudiated – with gentleness and magical wit — in Noah Haidle’s new play “Smokefall,” presented in its “co-world premiere” at Goodman Theatre. ★★★★★