Jessie Bond

Knuffle Bunny Review – Energetic, Colorful, and Hilarious

December 6, 2021 Jessie Bond 0

The Young People’s Theatre of Chicago makes its debut with Knuffle Bunny, a stage adaptation by Mo Willems of his beloved picture book. This vivacious musical follows the young Trixie and her Dad as they […]

A Christmas Carol Review – Fresh and Evergreen

November 29, 2021 Jessie Bond 0

It’s been a long, difficult two years since the Goodman Theatre last presented its annual stage adaptation of A Christmas Carol and, like all of us, the show has changed in that time. Most notably, […]

Fannie Review – Truth Preached in Speech and Song

October 28, 2021 Jessie Bond 0

Fannie Lou Hamer was an activist whose work in the fields of civil, voting, and women’s rights had an enormous impact, yet her story is far too rarely told. In Fannie: The Life and Music […]

Othello Review – How Othello Should Be Experienced

October 21, 2021 Jessie Bond 0

Court Theatre presents The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice, co-directed by Charles Newell and Gabrielle Randle-Bent. This Shakespearean tragedy tells the story of Othello, whose successful career and happy marriage with Desdemona are […]

As You Like It Review – The Beatles Meet the Bard

October 19, 2021 Jessie Bond 0

Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s latest take on As You Like It features a 1960s setting laced with the music of the Beatles. In between famous soliloquies and witty banter, the characters sing well-loved tunes like “Here […]

School Girls Review – A Triumphant Return

August 4, 2021 Jessie Bond 0

The Goodman Theatre’s production of School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play, written by Jocelyn Bioh and directed by Lili-Anne Brown, has been on quite a journey. Originally slated to open in March 2020, […]

Poly People Review – Four Times the Fun

July 3, 2021 Jessie Bond 0

In Poly People, a mockumentary web series first released in January 2021, all the struggles and joys of daily life are multiplied by four. Nonbinary Cuddelz (Thales Corrêa), bisexual Abigail (Andrea Flowers), lesbian Lez, (Ilona […]

If/Then Review – If I Could Forget I Ever Saw It, Then I Would

February 5, 2020 Jessie Bond 0

If/Then sucks. The music shoots for Sondheim-esque and lands, not so much among the stars, but more floating aimlessly in the void of space, desperately searching for something to latch onto. What really makes me want to scream, though, is the story. […]

Goodman’s A Christmas Carol Review – A Tale of Hope

November 26, 2019 Jessie Bond 0

Why the Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol? The first aspect of the question is easy. Simply put, the Goodman does the best Christmas Carol around. It helps, of course, to have an enormous budget on […]

CLLAW XXXIV: Good vs. Evil Review – Or, Reasons to Attend an Arm Wrestling Competition

November 8, 2019 Jessie Bond 0

When I spotted the woman in the Gritty costume, I knew I had to ask for her picture to send my father. “Look who I found at the Chicago League of Lady Arm Wrestlers!” I […]