Displaying items by tag: Richard Gomez
Petal-powered Feud: When Shrubs and Sass Collide in Buffalo Theatre Ensemble's 'Native Gardens'
Buffalo Theatre Ensemble’s latest offering, Native Gardens by Karen Zacarias, is a riotous comedy that delves into the quirky world of suburban gardening and neighborly tiffs. The plot blossoms around two neighboring couples in Washington D.C. On one side, there's Pablo, a high-powered lawyer from Chile with a wealthy background, and his very pregnant wife, Tania, a doctoral candidate and avid gardener. They're ecstatic about transforming their new backyard into a vibrant native garden that attracts the right kind of insects that add to a healthy ecosystem. They are a younger couple, new to the neighborhood, with a bright future ahead.
On the other side, there's Frank and Virginia, a well-established couple with a perfectly manicured, non-native garden. Frank is laser-focused on winning the neighborhood's annual gardening competition. At first, the two couples get along swimmingly, but things take a thorny turn when Pablo and Tania discover that their property line extends two feet into Frank's cherished garden. This revelation ignites a full-blown border dispute, with both couples revealing their true colors as they clash over race, class, privilege, and taste.
As the conflict heats up, the play explores themes of cultural differences, environmentalism, and the challenges of living harmoniously with others. Despite the tension, Native Gardens ultimately offers a hopeful message about finding common ground. While there are plenty of profound moments that point out the short-comings and hypocrisies on both sides of the fence (pun intended), there are also many moments that share joint interests between the two couples, giving audience members the feeling that compromise, and even friendship, can be reached with a little effort once the egos are left at the door and true respect and understanding for each other is realized.
The sparring couples are wonderfully cast - and are a hoot to watch! Richard Gomez and Sofia Tew are convincing as Pablo and Tania De Valle, each executing rapid fire line delivery with just the right amount of finesse and humor. Frank and Virginia Buckley are played by Bryan Burke and Kelli Walker and are fantastic together as the long-term residents who look to fend off the newcomers - despite the official survey findings. With no shortage of hilarious moments, this play has a lot of fun with generation gaps, culture clashes and of course the various things neighbors might squabble about. One won’t be able to help but get into the characters within the first few minutes and, like a freight train, the momentum of this play just keeps building as it goes.
Keenly directed by Steve Scott, Native Garden’s delightful blend of humor and social commentary will have you laughing and reflecting long after the final curtain call.
Nestled in the backyards of two Georgetown homes, each with contrasting landscaping visions that irk their new neighbors, you can only imagine the craziness that will ensue. Fortunately, there’s nothing for you to do but sit back and enjoy the garden wars!
Where: The Playhouse Theatre at the McAninch Arts Center (The MAC) in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Additionally, the theatre is thoughtfully designed with increased accessibility features, such as elevators, wheelchair ramps, accessible seating, and assistive listening devices, making it a comfortable and inclusive venue for all attendees, including those with disabilities. Pro tip when selecting tickets - if stairs are challenging for you or your companion(s), the first row does not require any steps at all and the second row just a couple.
When: Native Gardens is running through March 2nd.
Tickets: $44 and $42 for seniors.
Theatre/Play Information: For tickets and/or more show information, visit http://atthemac.org/events/native-gardens/.
Steppenwolf Theatre Names Stage Manager Laura D. Glenn Newest Ensemble Member
21 July 2026 in Theatre BuzzSteppenwolf Theatre Company Artistic Directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis are thrilled to welcome veteran Production Stage Manager Laura D. Glenn into the company's world-renowned ensemble. Glenn,…
Chicago Tap Theatre Founder, Mark Yonally, Receives HOOFER AWARD from AMERICAN TAP DANCE FOUNDATION
21 July 2026 in Theatre BuzzChicago Tap Theatre (CTT) is proud to announce its Founder and Artistic Director Mark Yonally has been selected by the Preservation Committee for the…
The Lizard y El Sol Returns to Chicago Parks Through August 9th
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Hell in a Handbag Productions Presents JOAN CRAWFORD GOES TO HELL
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Kokandy’s HAIR Revival Finds a Modern Footing
19 July 2026 in Theatre in ReviewKokandy Productions’ HAIR revival lets the sunshine in this summer at the Chopin Theatre. Directed and choreographed by Brennan Urbi,…
Frog and Toad is Wholesome, Family Fun
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Kokandy Productions Presents SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE - August 13 – November 1, 2026 at The Chopin Theatre
18 July 2026 in Upcoming TheatreFollowing its critically acclaimed productions of Sweeney Todd and Into the Woods, Kokandy Productions once again celebrates the great Stephen Sondheim with a revival of his stunning…
Pure Vocal Magic: Goodman’s Octet Redefines Musical Innovation
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The Heart of Gold Theatre to Present Chicago Premiere of Mike Bartlett’s An Intervention
18 July 2026 in Upcoming TheatreThe Heart of Gold Theatre announces the Chicago Premiere of An Intervention, a searing—and, for better or worse—timeless comedy by…
OPERATION MINCEMEAT: A NEW MUSICAL coming to CIBC Theatre September 29 – October 11
17 July 2026 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce that single tickets for Tony® and Olivier Award®-winning OPERATION MINCEMEAT: A NEW MUSICAL, Entertainment Weekly’s #1…
Harris Theater Presents return of Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project, Aug. 28
16 July 2026 in Upcoming DanceFollowing last year’s smashing sold-out engagement, the Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance proudly presents the return…
Oil Lamp Theater Announces its New Home
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Nothing Without a Company presents The Trouble With My Hair: Coloring, Cutting, and Coming into Who I Am - Five Performances across Chicago, August 21st-30th
15 July 2026 in Upcoming TheatreNothing Without a Company (NWaC) is proud to announce five performances of The Trouble With My Hair: Coloring, Cutting, and…
Theater Wit presents the Chicago premiere of Adolescent Salvation, August 14-October 3
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No Dogs’ Delivers an Unfamiliar Earnest
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Northlight Theatre inaugurates the first season in its new home in Evanston with the World Premiere of Jeffrey Hatcher's new adaptation of The Front Page
14 July 2026 in Upcoming TheatreNorthlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, opens its new theater in Evanston with The Front…
TimeLine Theatre announces cast & production team for world premiere THE BIRTH OF THE PILL
14 July 2026 in Upcoming TheatreA bold story about the controversial creation that reshaped women’s lives is the focus of The Birth of the Pill,…
City Lit announces World Premiere adaptation of SHANE, playing August 21 – October 4
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PrideArts' World Premiere of WINDOWS, August 7 – 23
13 July 2026 in Theatre in ReviewPrideArts' 2026-27 season will open in August with the world premiere of Chicago-based playwright Matt Schutz's WINDOWS, a comedy of LGBT…
Steppenwolf Presents ALEX EDELMAN: WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO - August 12 – 16, 2026
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DIRTY DANCING: the MUSICAL WILL PLAY BROADWAY IN CHICAGO’S JAMES M. NEDERLANDER THEATRE SEPTEMBER 9 – 20
13 July 2026 in Upcoming TheatreGet ready to have the time of your life! Broadway In Chicago is pleased to announce that single tickets for DIRTY DANCING:…
A Thoughtful Evolution of Her Own Making: Overshadowed Theatrical Productions’ My Fair Lady
12 July 2026 in Theatre in ReviewOvershadowed Theatre Productions brings fresh energy to one of musical theatre’s most enduring classics, offering a spirited and thoughtful take…
A Legendary Transformation: John Mulaney’s Historic Night at Wrigley Field
12 July 2026 in Theatre in ReviewJohn Mulaney didn’t just perform at Wrigley Field. He made history there. In a venue synonymous with baseball legends, rock…
Powerhouse Performances on Display in Gwydion's Dry Powder
11 July 2026 in Theatre in ReviewIn the sharp-tongued world of Sarah Burgess’s Dry Powder, presented by Gwydion Theatre Company at the Greenhouse Theater Center, the…
The Beautiful Overthinking of Gary Gulman’s 7th Hour
10 July 2026 in Theatre in ReviewGary Gulman brings his new tour, 7th Hour: An All New Standup Show, to The Den Theatre, offering Chicago audiences…
Production of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST Does Not Fully Recognize Its Importance at Oak Park Festival
09 July 2026 in Theatre in ReviewIt is possible that Oak Park Festival Theatre’s production of Oscar Wilde’s 1895 “trivial comedy for serious people,” The Importance…
Suffs and the Women Who Refused to Wait
09 July 2026 in Theatre in ReviewSuffs is a musical about history, yes, but more importantly, it is a musical about momentum: who creates it, who…
Court Theatre presents the Spotlight Reading Series A Century of Black Progress August 7 – 22
09 July 2026 in Upcoming TheatreUnder the leadership of Marilyn F. Vitale Artistic Director Avery Willis Hoffman and Executive Director Angel Ysaguirre, Court Theatre proudly presents the Spotlight Reading…
Great Lakes Operetta presents Orpheus in the Underworld at Bramble Arts Loft July 10-19
08 July 2026 in Upcoming TheatreGreat Lakes Operetta is delighted to present its first full-length, fully-staged operetta, Jacques Offenbach’s seminal work, Orpheus in the Underworld! Originally…
Nonesuch Releases Natalie Merchant’s Cabinet of Wonder, Music from Singer-Songwriter’s Collaboration with Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chicago Children’s Theatre, August 21
08 July 2026 in Theatre BuzzNonesuch Records releases Natalie Merchant’s Cabinet of Wonder—a digital collection of seventeen songs and accompanying videos from the acclaimed singer-songwriter’s…
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Kokandy Productions Presents SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE - August 13 – November 1, 2026 at The Chopin Theatre
Written by Buzz Center StageFollowing its critically acclaimed productions of Sweeney Todd and Into the Woods, Kokandy Productions once again celebrates the great Stephen Sondheim with a revival of his stunning masterpiece Sunday in the Park with George, playing August 13 – November 1, 2026 in the intimate Chopin Downstairs Studio, 1543 W. Division St.… -
Steppenwolf Theatre Names Stage Manager Laura D. Glenn Newest Ensemble Member
Written by Buzz Center StageSteppenwolf Theatre Company Artistic Directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis are thrilled to welcome veteran Production Stage Manager Laura D. Glenn into the company's world-renowned ensemble. Glenn, whose journey with Steppenwolf began as a summer intern in 1988, has worked on more than 100 Steppenwolf productions over…
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The Lizard y El Sol Returns to Chicago Parks Through August 9th
Written by Buzz Center StageThe whole family can enjoy The Lizard y El Sol, returning by popular demand to 12 public spaces citywide this summer. Co-Directors Jamal Howard (Splish Splash: A Day on the Lake) and Raquel Torre (BOOK UP!) again take the reins of this beloved "Theater for…
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Chicago Tap Theatre Founder, Mark Yonally, Receives HOOFER AWARD from AMERICAN TAP DANCE FOUNDATION
Written by Buzz Center StageChicago Tap Theatre (CTT) is proud to announce its Founder and Artistic Director Mark Yonally has been selected by the Preservation Committee for the American Tap Dance Foundation to receive the 2026 Hoofer Award. Yonally will accept the honor at the Tap City Awards, Friday, Sept. 11 at…
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