William Inge's Bus Stop: A Comedic Slice of Americana
Raven Theatre East Stage (6157 North Clark St. Chicago, IL 60660)
- Full Price:
- $20.00 - $30.00
- Our Price:
- FREE - $15.00*
* Additional fees apply.
All offers for Bus Stop have expired.
The last date listed for Bus Stop was Sunday December 11, 2011 / 3:00pm.
Currently at Raven Theatre East Stage:
Brighton Beach Memoirs: Neil Simon's Coming-of-Age Comedy
- Full Price:
- $36.00
- Our Price:
- $18.00
Neil Simon changed the course of his career when he wrote Brighton Beach Memoirs, the first play of his Tony Award-winning Eugene Trilogy. Never before had Simon's writing been so personal, reflecting the actual individuals and hardships that defined his Depression-era youth. Brighton Beach Memoirs centers around Eugene Morris Jerome, a Jewish American teenager in the throes of puberty. Complicating Eugene's coming-of-age are the relatives that crowd his family's Brooklyn apartment, including his parents, his older brother, his aunt and his two female cousins, one of whom he finds far too attractive for his own good. Critics have praised the play for its humor, but also for its clear-eyed look at the tough choices that faced many American families in the '30s. Brighton Beach Memoirs has all the force and vitality of real memories -- and like them, lingers in the mind for years. Learn More
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Featured review from gschweiner
view more less of this reviewWe generally love the productions at the Raven and consider it among our favorites. Frustratingly, Bus Stop would have rated nearly a 5-star had it not been for one performer. We normally do not like to single out a single actor/actress, as we understand how difficult their jobs are. But, the role of Elma was very disappointing to the level of turning what could have been a great show into a mediocre one.
Maybe it was an off night, poor directing, or bad casting. For a role that is supposed to be charming, adorable and likable, she was none of the above. At times it was painful to watch. None of her lines were delivered in a believable manner and there seemed to be no chemistry between her and the rest of a talented cast. We still are wondering how a theater as reliable as the Raven managed to allow her to continue in a role for which she is so obviously ill-suited.
That said, the rest of the performance was superb, especially Cherie, Bo and Dr. Lyman. Those three alone are worth the price of admission, most notably Cherie, who plays the the nightclub singer part with an ease and naturalism that was delight to watch.
If you can ignore the stated flaws, which unfortunately is a big role in this play, you will be treated to another fantastic adaptation by the Raven.
star this review starred report as inappropriateWe enjoyed the show and it was filled with a variety of ideas.
star this review starred report as inappropriateActors did a fine job! Set design was excellent!
Enjoyed the post-show discussion w/ Todd Bauer very much! Thanks!!!!!
star this review starred report as inappropriateagain the raven theatre delivers, one of my favorite venues nice cast and story flowed well time flew by i would definitely recommend seeing as always raven shows are a bargain at the price always you get more theatre for your money
More Information About Bus Stop
Website
http://www.raventheatre.com/2011-12-season
About the Ticket Supplier: Raven Theatre
Raven Theatre's mission is to establish itself as an important voice in regional theater, focusing on American classics, as well as new and lesser-known projects that shed light on the "American Experience." The company's mission is realized by uniting an ensemble of Chicago-based theater artists from diverse disciplines who work together with the goal of maintaining a high standard of artistic excellence with programming easily accessible to patrons of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds, and thereby enriching our community's cultural life. Vigorously fresh revivals of masterpieces by great playwrights such as Miller, Williams, Saroyan and Mamet introduce new audiences to established classics, while original and lesser-known works give voice to the next generation of playwrights. Through Raven's Children's Theatre Program, the company seeks to present a wide range of theatrical education and entertainment options applicable across a broad academic spectrum.
