It's no secret we're fans of James Kennedy fantastic young adult novel The Order of Odd Fish. As we said last year, the novel is "a rollicking tale in the fashion of Roald Dahl and Douglas Adams," using a surreal sense of humor that appeals to adults as well as younger readers. But we're also fans of the way Kennedy has engaged with his fans. Rather than politely accepting fan letters and moving on, Kennedy has used his blog as a means to not only communicate with fans of the book, but to share their love of the book as well, including fan art. In a time when it's so easy to be cynical about things, Kennedy's attitude and enthusiasm has been refreshing. Check out this great interview he did with WBEZ's . more ›

Given the arduous task of humanizing a killer, Villa is hindered by the script's quick leap between his teenage self, a protective brother who loves acting, to a sociopath. We found ourselves pitying the murdered racist gas station attendants instead of the misguided anti-hero. Papo is most sympathetic when talking to Lulu, but unfortunately his best moments are delivered from behind prison bars. Regina Garcia's set, although supported by beautiful lighting from Jeremy Getz, is a physical barrier that kept him far away enough that we couldn't help but sit behind an emotional one. As Lulu, Delgado shoulders the bulk of the play with grace, sincerity and a charming quirkiness. However, some of that sincerity is lost in her interactions with boyfriend Ed (Josh Odor). We intellectually understood their struggles as a couple, but a lack of chemistry prevented us from feeling them. Their scenes are also written in somewhat of an incongruous style - a choice that might not have bothered us if there was more of a delineation from the "poetic memoryscape." more ›

Taking our seats on opening night at Collaboration’s Sketchbook, we felt like we were in a Nickelodeon game show audience from 1988. And we mean that in the best way possible. Seated on geometric but seemingly arbitrarily placed platforming (there are no chairs, except for special needs audience) faced in glow-in-the-dark lime green tape, we anxiously anticipated showtime while taking in the stellar photography lining the walls/rotating on two big projection screens, envying those who had remembered to bring a 6-pack or bottle of wine (the show is BYO - although we were graciously provided with opening night PBR), noting our options at the concession stand (“Snackbook”) under the stage manager’s riser, and rocking out to the DJ warming up the crowd. These people take their fun very seriously. more ›

A new location, an inaugural theme, photographers and devisers - oh my! Anthony Moseley, artistic director or Sketchbook, spoke to us about what makes Chicago’s annual seven-minute play festival worth your while. more ›

A spicy-scented potpourri pie of events to keep away the winter doldrums... more ›