Articles tagged with: Marc Grapey
‘Death of a Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf’: Angst, slow pizza and fast laughs at Writers
![‘Death of a Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf’: Angst, slow pizza and fast laughs at Writers Feature 1](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Feature-1-9-125x125.jpg)
Review: Never mind the arcane title of the play, “Death of a Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf,” which, yes, seems familiar in a vaguely disconcerting way. You know you’re face to face with existential authenticity the moment Blanche Dubois’ voice drops an octave, plunging as if into a steamy bath of lurid sensuality. From there, it becomes a challenge for every viewer, a game of dicey drama and riotous laughter in the black box at the new Writers Theatre. ★★★★★
‘Isaac’s Eye’ at Writers: In genius’ rarefied realm, Newton’s high-flying boy meets Captain Hooke
![‘Isaac’s Eye’ at Writers: In genius’ rarefied realm, Newton’s high-flying boy meets Captain Hooke Young, impetuous Isaace Newton (Jurgen Hooper, left) lashes out at the famed scientist Robert Hooke (Marc Grapey). (Michael Brosilow)](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Young-impetuous-Isaace-Newton-Jurgen-Hooper-left-lashes-out-at-the-famed-scientist-Robert-Hooke-Marc-Grapey.-Michael-Brosilow-125x125.jpg)
Review: ★★★ As a clinical study of narcissism, even autism, in a budding young genius, Lucas Hnath’s play “Isaac’s Eye,” an imaginary clash between the obscure 25-year-old Isaac Newton and the celebrated British scientist Robert Hooke, is clever and sometimes brilliant theater. But as drama, it comes off at Writers Theatre as, well, a clinical study. ★★★
‘Gypsy’ at Chicago Shakespeare: This Rose puts fresh blush on Sondheim’s star-gazer
![‘Gypsy’ at Chicago Shakespeare: This Rose puts fresh blush on Sondheim’s star-gazer Rose (Louise Pitre) insists that 'Everything's Coming Up Roses' to the amazement of Herbie (Keith Kupferer) and Louise (Jessica Rush). (Michael Brosilow)](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Rose-Louise-Pitre-insists-that-Everythings-Coming-Up-Roses-to-the-amazement-of-Herbie-Keith-Kupferer-and-Louise-Jessica-Rush.-Michael-Brosilow1-125x125.jpg)
Review: Chicago Shakespeare Theater has given us a “Gypsy” for our own time, one that embraces the difference that 55 years have made since the brassy blockbuster first strutted onto the stage. As directed by Gary Griffin, it’s a gritty roadshow musical with a surprisingly contemporary and tender heart. ★★★★★
It’s Mamet, so nothing’s plain as black/white when Goodman taps the bitter humor of ‘Race’
![It’s Mamet, so nothing’s plain as black/white when Goodman taps the bitter humor of ‘Race’ Race, Goodman Theatre](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Race-Goodman-2012-credit-Erik-Y-Exit-125x125.jpg)
Cynically, unbearably funny. 4 stars!