Congratulations to Rip and Bonnie Johnson on the second anniversary of their Hammond venue, Beatniks on Conkey. A capacity crowd enjoyed their celebration -- scrumptious food and a variety show starring emcee Shane Murphy, the Beatniks Babes -- Kim Bernstein, Sharon Harbert, Bonnie Johnson, Angie Lowe, Krystal Quagliara, Linda Slankard -- and more.
Steve Kaminsky, Don Taylor and Krystal and Mark Quagliara played and sang. Murphy and Harbert did comedy routines and improv troupe, A Brand New Shoe performed several skits.
Hammond Community Theatre members Andrea Creasbaum, Kaminsky, Dale Kelley and Taylor reviewed 2009, and presented a scene from their Jan. 29 season opener at Beatniks, an adult comedy, "Betty's Summer Vacation," followed by "Dixie Swim Club" in April. Also on Beatniks theatrical schedule, the Babes will present a benefit performance of "The Vagina Monologues" Feb. 13 and 14.
Chuck Gessert and the Grand Calumet Players will return to Beatniks May 14 with the Midwest premiere of "Rantoul & Die" written by Mark Roberts, writer and executive producer of TV hit "Two and a Half Men." In June, Robert Hill of RH & Co. will present an original play "Christmas in July." FYI: (219) 852-0848 or beatniksonconkey.com
Noel Coward's "Private Lives" is an unusual production for Chicago Shakespeare Theatre -- and yet its use of stylish language fits perfectly into the CST groove.
When "Private Lives" first opened in 1930, it was regarded as escapism. The Great Depression doesn't seem to have affected Elyot (Robert Sella) and Amanda (Tracy Michelle Arnold), who were married for three years, divorced for five, in the least. They're part of London's smart, stylish, flippant set. To their mutual horror, they end up in the same French hotel -- on adjacent balconies -- honeymooning with their new spouses, Sybil (Chaon Cross) and Victor (Tim Campbell). After each tries without success to persuade the new mate to move to another hotel, Elyot and Amanda run away together. After a few days of living in sin -- much more fun than marriage, they say -- the same old problems pop up.
It's a small cast for the main stage in the Courtyard Theatre and yet it fits perfectly into the space. Instead of more traditional side-by-side balconies, the CST production is set on a slowly rotating round stage, providing the surrounding audience with an ever changing perspective. You'll love the costumes, very Tracy Lord in "Philadelphia Story!" FYI: (312) 595-5600 or chicagoshakes.com
The opinions expressed are solely the writer's. Reach her at laughingcat_98@yahoo.com.
