Chicago Music and Theater
Chicago, Illinois
Previews and Reviews by Joseph Cunniff
At Chicago Music and Theater, we offer a wide range of music and theater previews and reviews. Our shows are specifically curated by Joseph Cunniff to cater to the diverse entertainment needs of individuals who have a passion for music and theater. We provide insightful and comprehensive previews and reviews, connecting with the audience and increasing brand awareness. Our unique discussion points include promoting music and theater performances while providing a unique and engaging experience for our audience. Joseph Cunniff has taught popular interdisciplinary arts courses for decades, and writes regularly on music, theater, and travel. He is in demand as an Art Institute guide and speaker.
Music and Theater Previews and Reviews
NOVEMBER BRINGS BOUNTEOUS MUSIC AND THEATER
By Joseph Cunniff
Following is a look both forward and back to some of the best Chicagoland music and theater.
CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: Klaus Makela, the handsome and
prodigiously talented young Finnish-born conductor, won’t take over as the
new CSO Music Director until 2027, but when he is able to come here, his
concerts are an event.
His all-Berlioz program paired the repertory standard “Symphonie
fantastique” with the more rarely played showpiece for viola “Harold in Italy.”
Viola virtuoso Antoine Tamestit stationed himself at various places on the
stage during “Harold,” turning it into an intriguing theatrical as well as musical
achievement.
Makela’s “Symphonie fantastique,” with both the finest attention to
detail and dynamics, was the best and most exciting I’ve heard since the
legendary performances with Sir Georg Solti.
November CSO highlights should include Gianandrea Noseda
conducting Debussy, Britten and Prokofiev Nov. 11, 12, and 13. (312) 294-
3000. cso.org.
LYRIC OPERA presents opera’s best loved double feature, “Cavalleria
rusticana” (“Rustic Chivalry”) by Mascagni and “Pagliacci” (“The Clowns”) by
Leoncavallo. These tales of passion, betrayal, and revenge, popularly known
as “Cav” and “Pag,” will star Russell Thomas, Gabriella Reyes, and Quinn
Kelsey, directed by Elijah Moshinsky and conducted by Enrique Mazzola. They
will be performed the evenings of Nov. 1, 4, 7, and 15, with 2 p.m. matinees
Nov. 9, 12, 20, and 23. (312) 827-5600. lyricopera.org.
JOFFREY BALLET: Following their brilliant “Carmen,” which became the
talk of the town, Joffrey now performs at the Harris Theater. “Wabash and
Your” is a love story set in Chicago, and “Broken Wings” is a ballet inspired by
the life of Frida Kahlo.
Together, they are called “Matters of the Heart” and will be performed
with the Chicago Philharmonic Nov. 6, 7, and 8 at 7:30 and Nov. 8 and 9 at 2
p.m. Harris Theater205 E. Randolph, (312) 334-7777.
CHICAGO REPERETORY BALLET presents the World Premiere of “The
Capulets” on two weekends only, Nov. 7 to 16, at the Ruth Page Center for the
Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn. (872-588-0430. www.crbdance.com
STEPPENWOLF THEATER presents the Tony-winning director Robert
Falls with “Amadeus,” the famed Mozart story Nov. 6-January 4. Steppenwolf,
1650 N. Halsted (312) 335 1650. www.steppenwolf.org.
CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER: I have always disliked horror
movies, and avoid them like the plague. But I did go to see CST’s “Paranormal
Activity,” which scared the hell out of me. The show will now travel.
CST now presents Shakespeare’s romantic comedy “Much Ado About
Nothing,” directed by Selina Cadell, Nov. 18-Dec. 21. (I am now reading the
play, in the convenient Folger pocket edition, for the third time since I first
read it in 1967.) 800 E. Grand on Navy Pier. (312) 595-5600.
Chicagoshakes.org.
WRITER’S THEATER in Glencoe is also presenting a Shakespearean
comedy, “As You Like It,” in a musical version with music and lyrics by Shaina
Taub. Through December 14 at Writer’s Theater, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe.
(847) 242-6000. boxoffice@writerstheatre.org.
COURT THEATER is presenting Shakespeare too—can there be any
doubt that he is the greatest of all playwrights? “The Taming of the Shrew,
adapted and directed by Marti Lyons,” will run Nov. 14-Dec. 14 at Court
Theater, the professional theater on the campus of the University of Chicago,
5535 S. Ellis Ave. (773) 753-4472. info@courthteater.org.
RED THEATER presents the world premiere of “The Pilon” by Zach Barr,
directed by Jessica Love through Nov. 23 at The Edge Off Broadway Theater in
Edgewater at 1133 W. Catalpa. www.redtheater.org.
KOKANDY PRODUCTIONS presents the macabre musical with a 15-
piece orchestra “Jekyll and Hyde” through Dec. 21 at The Chopin Theater, 1543
W. Division St. kokanddyproductions.com.
JAZZ: The Jazz Showcase presents the amazing pianist Cyrus Chestnut
and his Trio Nov. 20 through 23. 806 S. Plymouth Court. (312) 360-0234.
Jazzshowcase.com