[shortiesreview]

Hop Along at Subterranean

If you elbow your way to a spot on the balcony, you’ll be able to dance to all the songs, admire the foolish bravery of sandal-clad 19-year-olds from afar, and check the lead singer for head lice (all clear!) during her set.

[shortiesreview]

Doris Salcedo at MCA Chicago

If stacks of shirts and piles of shoes were always rooted in the dark symbolism of a country’s tumultuous social and political landscape, I would clean my apartment much more often. 

[shortiesreview]

This Is Modern Art at Steppenwolf

Seems to be a play about what happens when your voice isn't being heard—so it's weird that old white people who get paid for their opinions weren't into it.

[shortiesreview]

Mr. Burns at Theatre Wit

Fuck yeah.

[shortiesreview]

20x2 at Schubas

Cheaper than an hour of therapy, if you don't count the drinks.

[shortiesreview]

Nam June Paik: Becoming Robot at Asia Society in New York

Travel back to a time when all the cool kids were democratizing art, building robots, and getting arrested for topless cello recitals. 

[shortiesreview]

San Fermin at Metro

From the casting director of Gossip Girl comes a performance that proves you can head-bang while playing the baritone sax.

[shortiesreview]

Season on the Line at The House Theatre

I hate plays about theatre, I hate long plays, and I hate plays with narrators... except for this one.

[shortiesreview]

OKCupid in Chicago

It is hard to ask questions when you are good-looking I guess.

[shortiesreview]

Mirah at The Empty Bottle

You seem so nice but your new songs make me jealous of the nap you just took.

[shortiesreview]

The Night Alive at Steppenwolf

When you are Irish and poor and nice, the lights are out a lot. 

[shortiesreview]

Slow Club at Schubas

A healthy reminder that I will never be that charming, that good at singing, or that British.

[shortiesreview]

Ian Maksin at Old Town School of Folk Music

Ian Maksin and friends prove to his-parents-and/or-first-music-teacher? that cello can be cool.

[shortiesreview]

BalletX at The Dance Center

A series of short ballets that combine a lack of upper body movement with sexy hip dancing, passionate violence with soft lighting, and sad clowns with Beirut lyrics.

[shortiesreview]

Women Beware Women at The Den

Violence, treachery, cabaret seating, and the sexiest incestuous tango scene of 2014.

[shortiesreview]

Out of Tune Confessional at Chicago Fringe

Ugh I wish someone had told me that the Chicago Fringe Festival was good.

[shortiesreview]

Principal Principle at Stage Left

A play that all of the teachers in the room really seemed to enjoy, even though I'm pretty sure it was about how their jobs are going to suck forever?