Sunny Afternoon
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Sunny Afternoon

Sunny Afternoon featured the most audio speakers I've ever seen on a stage anywhere, including a heavy metal rock concert. The stage had wall-to-wall speakers, and during one scene, the sound was so powerful that Chicago Shakes even supplied ear protection.

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Splash Hatch on the E Going Down
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Splash Hatch on the E Going Down

Splash Hatch on the E Going Down beautifully illustrates that brilliance can endure, even when unseen. Stars of different colors can continue to sparkle, their light barely observable, and make a splash in the world, even while traveling on the E going down.

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Elvis Presley Was A Black Man Named Joe
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Elvis Presley Was A Black Man Named Joe

Elvis Presley Was A Black Man Named Joe isn't just about Elvis, Joe, or Taylor's family. It's more about Taylor's love and opening up to the world about the loss she experienced.

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Betrayal
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Betrayal

You may wonder if the affair was a secret at the end of this reverse chronology play. Questioning that and your relationship, I believe it was Pinter's primary goal. As the quote suggests, "The saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from enemies; it comes from those you trust the most." 

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A Raisin In The Sun
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A Raisin In The Sun

Drawing inspiration from Langston Hughes' poem, Harlem, "What happens to a dream deferred?" suggesting that when ambitions are shelved or ignored, they can lose their essence and vibrancy — Lorraine Hansberry's powerful play, A Raisin in the Sun, delves deep into racism and systemic discrimination that African Americans faced throughout history.

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Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
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Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is based on her fascinating life. King has made 25 solo albums and 118 pop hits on the Billboard Hot 100, with more than 400 of her compositions recorded by more than 1,000 artists, resulting in 100 hit singles.

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Frida...A Self Portrait
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Frida...A Self Portrait

Vanessa Severo is as captivating as Frida; she has learned much about her since her first presentation of Frida … A Self Portrait.

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The Heart Sellers
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The Heart Sellers

Alcazar and Park's engaging charisma and chemistry on stage provide a delightful, emotional night of joy and laughter, combined with an enthralling sense of sorrow that's unforgettable.

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Avaaz
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Avaaz

Avaaz is one of the best one-person performances you will ever see. Emmy Award nominee Michael Shayan's masterful and engaging solo theatrical play features Shayan embodying the character of his mother, Roya. In this heartfelt presentation, Roya invites the audience into her warm and vibrant home to celebrate the rich traditions of the Persian New Year, Nowruz.

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Fat Ham
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Fat Ham

Just like Hamlet, it can be somewhat confusing to follow the obscurities and complex characters and understand the parallels between Fat Ham and Hamlet, even if you saw them performed together. Still, Ijames' unique parallel is captivatingly entertaining while delivering a powerful message.

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Jaja's African Hair Braiding
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Jaja's African Hair Braiding

JaJa shattered previous records by attracting an unprecedented number of first-time individuals purchasing theater tickets to see a live performance. The excitement surrounding this production drew in audiences eager to experience the JAJA of the stage, marking a significant achievement that even surprised Bioh, who stated she always looks for her plays to bring in new audiences.

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Too Hot To Handel -              The Jazz-Gospel Messiah
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Too Hot To Handel - The Jazz-Gospel Messiah

The two-part production featuring 28 curated songs has captivated audiences at The Auditorium. Blending the rich traditions of classical, jazz, and gospel music with each performance has garnered rave reviews, and this year's rendition was no different.

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Shucked
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Shucked

The story centers on Maizy, Beau, and the plight of the local farmers as their cornfields begin to wither. Seeking to live a life of simplicity and nostalgia, the people of Cob County have isolated themselves from the outside world. Still, the mysterious plague on their crops threatens their desire to maintain their hominy lifestyle.

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Hitt Records
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Hitt Records

The two-act musical, featuring a final concert performance, is Black Ensemble's most substantial musical attribute, perfecting their ability to bring stories to life on stage.

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Little Women
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Little Women

The chemistry among the cast of sisters, featuring Tyler Meredith (Jo), Janyce Caraballo (Meg), Yourtana Sulaiman (Amy), or one of my favorite actors, Demetra Dee as Beth, felt authentic and relatable to Alcott's desire to illuminate each sister's unique personality traits.

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& Juliet
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& Juliet

Romeo who? This rockstar jukebox musical rewrite gives females of all ages a voice, declaring, "I'm here, so hear my roar!"

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A Christmas Carol
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A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol" is a timeless classic that beautifully captures the spirit of the holiday season. This enchanting tale is a must-see for the family.

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Falsettos
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Falsettos

Initially, I wasn't particularly fond of Falsettos. However, this production, including memorable performances by Stephen Schellhardt, Jack Ball, Jackson Evans, and young star Charlie Long as "Four Jews In A Room Bitching," Sharriese Hamilton, Elizabeth Stenholt, and an outstanding performance by Sarah Bockel as Trina…

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The Little Mermaid
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The Little Mermaid

The beauty of this Disney classical tale is seeing the glimmering joy in the children's eyes as they watch the play. It's a magical performance that the entire family would love

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A Beautiful Noise
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A Beautiful Noise

Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond, "A Beautiful Noise" is a captivating biographical jukebox that delves into Neil Diamond's extraordinary life. The production is a thrilling spectacle, bursting with iconic songs that resonate deeply with audiences.

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