Mary Wisniewski

Five actors on a stage set resembling a laboratory; three wear white lab coats, one woman sits with a cane, and another woman sits at a desk in a purple suit, with bottles and lamps on the table.

by Mary Wisniewski | September 16, 2026

“The Birth of the Pill” Shows Contraception’s Inception The adaptation of Jonathan Eig's book on the pill's invention struggles to express the complexity of a topic suited for a documentary.

Seven actors on stage, some standing and some kneeling, appear engaged in a dramatic scene. One woman with red hair gestures passionately, while others look at her intently. A cross and simple set pieces are in the background.

by Mary Wisniewski | September 10, 2026

“The Man Who Fell With the Rain” Sells an Angel for Parts Trap Door Theatre puts on a simple yet powerful play based on a short story by magical realist master Gabriel García Márquez that makes one wonder if there's anything humans won't exploit.

A man dressed as a cowboy kneels on stage holding a revolver, wearing a brown coat and black hat, with a wooden saloon backdrop and dramatic lighting.

by Mary Wisniewski | September 3, 2026

City Lit’s “Shane” Brings the Western Novel to the Stage Mark Pracht's adaptation of the 1949 book rewrites masculinity in a Western setting, with a phenomenal performance by lead Michael B. Woods.

A man and woman stand closely together on a balcony at night, looking into each others eyes. They are dressed formally, with brick walls and shadows in the background, suggesting a dramatic or romantic scene.

by Mary Wisniewski | August 20, 2026

Music Theater Works Captures the Majestic Scope of “West Side Story” This production of Leonard Bernstein’s classic goes big in every way, featuring tremendous singers and actors, fabulous costumes, explosive choreography and a nimble twenty-two-piece orchestra.

A group of actors in period costumes perform a dramatic scene on an outdoor stage with green steps and medieval-style banners; one man stands in front, looking pensive, while others watch or kneel behind him.

by Mary Wisniewski | July 24, 2026

American Players Theatre’s Wondrous “As You Like It,” Staged in the Woods In Shakespeare's comedy, the characters go to the forest and become more fully human. The same thing happens when you see theater in the woods at Spring Green, Wisconsin.

A diverse group of performers in colorful 1970s-style costumes strike energetic poses on stage, with one woman in a yellow top and long skirt standing at the center, pointing upward under dramatic lighting.

by Mary Wisniewski | July 22, 2026

“Hair” Is More Relevant Than Ever Kokandy Productions revives the "tribal love-rock musical" at Chopin Theatre.

Actors on stage in period costumes perform a dramatic scene in a restaurant setting; two dine at a table left, while four others hide behind a privacy screen on the right, some crouching on the floor.

by Mary Wisniewski | July 20, 2026

“The Matchmaker” Is the Play That Became “Hello, Dolly!” On stage at American Players Theatre, Wisconsin native Thornton Wilder's play is an old-fashioned but well-made farce that was later adapted into the 1964 Broadway hit.

A dimly lit theater stage with sheer, draped curtains as the backdrop and rows of empty wooden chairs arranged in a semicircle facing the stage.

by Mary Wisniewski | July 13, 2026

In a Room Full of Empty Chairs, a Couple Grapples With Nothingness The Eugène Ionesco play, on stage at American Players Theatre, is philosophically bleak, but with a comedic vaudeville feeling.

Three people stand in a living room. One wears an apron and gestures, another in a striped shirt and puffy coat looks on, and a third in a Santa hat holds a festive vase. Holiday decorations and gifts are visible.

by Mary Wisniewski | June 22, 2026

The Invisible Costumes of “Catch as Catch Can” In this production at Steppenwolf Theatre, three gifted ensemble members transition between genders and ages to tell a family story in a new way.

Five women are gathered around a table in a rustic wooden room with bunk beds. One woman stands with hands on hips, while the others sit or stand, engaged in conversation. A sign on the table reads “Property of Serene Pines.”.

by Mary Wisniewski | May 22, 2026

Camping with Conspiracy Theorists at A Red Orchid In “The Targeted,” a new play by Hanna Kime, conspiracy theorists gather at a rustic retreat for a meeting of the “Solidarity and Truth Summit.”

Four people in period clothing are in a room. Two men sit at a round table while another man stands reading a letter. A woman stands behind, watching. The scene appears tense and dramatic, suggesting a stage play.

by Mary Wisniewski | May 20, 2026

“An Enemy of the People” Tells Inconvenient Truths TimeLine Theatre christens its new Uptown building with the Henrik Ibsen work, adapted by Amy Herzog in 2024, about a doctor whose alarming discovery makes him a town pariah.

A group of actors in period costumes stand on stage, some raising bottles in a toast. The background features dramatic lighting, candles, and a painted backdrop, creating a theatrical and historical atmosphere.

by Mary Wisniewski | May 13, 2026

“Scaramouche” Is a Swashbuckling Good Time The musical version of the classic novel makes its world debut at City Lit Theater, a comedy-adventure-romance mixed with dueling and song.

Six people wearing hard hats and neon yellow safety vests stand together and smile at a construction site. Some are dressed warmly in coats. Construction materials and fencing are visible in the background.

by Mary Wisniewski | May 6, 2026

A Theater That Focuses on Stories From the Past Makes a Future in Uptown Elizabeth Auman discusses TimeLine Theatre Company's new home, built for performance, and the journey that led them there.

A jazz band performs on stage in vintage attire; a singer stands at a microphone, musicians play instruments, and others watch. The set resembles a recording studio with stairs and an upper window labeled “RECORDING.”.

by Mary Wisniewski | April 10, 2026

Goodman Stages a Magnificent Production of “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” by August Wilson In Wilson's 1982 play, the playwright imagined a recording session for prolific early-blues recording artist Gertrude “Ma” Rainey and her band in Chicago in 1927.

Three people dressed in vintage white clothing pose in a dimly lit, ornate bedroom with warm yellow lighting. Two stand on a bed, one sits at the foot, surrounded by elegant furniture and dramatic shadows.

by Mary Wisniewski | April 8, 2026

avery r. young’s Afro-Surrealist Opera, “safronia,” Is A Story of the Great Migration The West Side native and interdisciplinary artist is taking on a new challenge—acting and singing in his own production that draws from gospel hymns, blues, funk and poetry.