Kris Vire
Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago, IL, United States
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Past articles by Kris:
‘The Malignant Ampersands’ review: Creepy and morbid, but ultimately too confusing
“The Malignant Ampersands,” is a new play by Brett Neveu that A Red Orchid Theatre describes as a “very unofficial sequel” to Orson Welles’ 1942 film “The Magnificent Ambersons.” But is it really? → Read More
‘1919’ a searing, unflinching portrait of Black Chicago’s past, present and future
Eve L. Ewing’s collection of poems is adapted for the stage by J. Nicole Brooks in a powerhouse production at Steppenwolf Theatre. → Read More
Expectations and reality duke it out in thought-provoking and witty ‘Tiger Style!’
Mike Lew’s script falters a bit in the second act, but as a whole “Tiger Style!” rings true on so many levels. → Read More
In her new revue, Felicia P. Fields reminds us why the blues — and she — are cultural treasures
“Pearl’s Rollin’ With the Blues: A Night with Felicia P. Fields” is a sizzling showcase from the Tony Award-nominated actress. → Read More
Teatro Vista’s ‘Somewhere Over the Border’ review: ‘Oz’-inspired journey is a real life-changer
Brian Quijada’s charming but uneven world-premiere musical at Teatro Vista needs just a bit more finessing. → Read More
‘The Chinese Lady,’ a compelling TimeLine play, imagines inner life of a teen showing her culture to U.S. audiences
Mi Kang charms as the girl brought from Guangzhou in 1834 and put on display in New York. → Read More
The spectacle that is ‘Lookingglass Alice’ remains as enchanting as ever
The charming acrobatics-laden show has become an effective calling card for Chicago’s famed Lookingglass Theatre. → Read More
‘In Every Generation’ review: Time-jumping drama shows how faith rocks a family, from one Passover to another
New play at Victory Gardens makes some smart points about religion as ritual, until an unfortunate final twist. → Read More
‘Solaris’ review: Past, present, living, dead all collide in haunting sci-fi thriller at Griffin Theatre
"Solaris," the play, is based on a 1961 novel by Polish author Stanisław Lem. Staged by Scott Weinstein in the 56-seat Schwartz Stage at Edgewater’s Raven Theatre, the production marks the play’s North American premiere. → Read More
‘Solaris’ review: Past, present, living, dead all collide in haunting sci-fi thriller at Griffin Theatre
“Solaris,” the play, is based on a 1961 novel by Polish author Stanisław Lem. Staged by Scott Weinstein in the 56-seat Schwartz Stage at Edgewater’s Raven Theatre, the production marks the play’s North American premiere. → Read More
‘Women of Soul’ review: Impressive cast delivers powerhouse showcase at Mercury Theater Chicago
The production is all about iconic women and their soulful music, and all are of the highest quality in the Mercury Theater Chicago revue. → Read More
‘Queen of the Night’ review: Father, son clear the air in emotionally charged dramedy
The brief time we spend with the characters is enjoyable, thanks to travis tate’s often raucous banter and the well-matched actors André Teamer and Terry Guest, who make a persuasive and sympathetic pair. → Read More
In engaging play ‘Relentless,’ the diaries of a mother once enslaved unnerve the next generation
Considering it was originally meant to premiere in 2020, it’s remarkable how timely "Relentless" proves at a moment in 2022 when so many are expressing an aversion to engaging with history. → Read More
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ radio staging allows a brief, uplifting escape from 21st century woes
American Blues Theater lassos a miracle, a show that, over 20 editions, has worked as both great storytelling and a flashback to another age of show business. → Read More
‘I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter’ review: A rising star shines
Karen Rodriguez shows the layers of hurt and hope in a grieving teen in adept adaptation of hit YA novel set in Chicago. → Read More
Raven Theatre delivers faithful revival of Ibsen’s ‘A Doll’s House’
19th century mores are alive and well in director Lauren Shouse’s staging of the classic drama. → Read More
‘Roe’ ultimately gives a compelling look at both sides of landmark abortion case, key figures
Before the play even begins, director Vanessa Stalling has established that "Roe," Lisa Loomer’s 2016 work about the people behind the 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide, isn’t strictly a history play. → Read More
Evanston teen band revisited in compelling, rockin’ ‘Verböten’
Punk rock, like so many subcultures, was about finding a chosen family when you couldn’t relate to the family you were given. The play suggests the rear-view perspective of those who’ve grown old enough to recognize that you need both kinds. → Read More
‘Once on This Island’ showing its age in lackluster road show
The touring production, likely through circumstances beyond producers’ control, seems to be missing some of the magic it conjured on Broadway. → Read More
An intriguing ‘Casa Valentina’ sinks into melodrama
Harvey Fierstein’s play skims the surface of fascinating, richly drawn characters. → Read More