Displaying items by tag: The Endurance
"The White Road" Tests the Depths of Human Spirit
In Irish Theatre of Chicago’s newest production “The White Road”, performed at The Den Theatre in Wicker Park, we get exactly what we are hoping for – an intense adventure that pits man against nature at its most vicious form. Based on the true heroics of Irish-born polar explorer Ernest Shackleton, “The White Road” tells the story of yet another incredible undertaking where all hope lies solely in one’s will to survive.
Setting sail from South Georgia on December 5th, 1914, Shackleton’s Trans-Antarctica expedition triumphantly leaves shore aboard The Endurance with a crew of twenty-eight with the intent on crossing the Antarctica continent from one coast to the other by way of the South Pole. Hopes are high and excitement is in the air as the crew embarks on a journey never before accomplished.
Said Shackleton beforehand, "After the conquest of the South Pole by [Roald] Amundsen who, by a narrow margin of days only, was in advance of the British Expedition under [Robert Falcon] Scott, there remained but one great main object of Antarctic journeying - the crossing of the South Polar continent from sea to sea".
As history tells, it was a plight that was never meant to be.
Upon approaching Antarctica they are met with pack ice that surrounds their sea vessel threatening to sink it. Completely alone and hundreds of miles away from any form of civilization, this is where one of the greatest tales of survival begins.
In the two-hour-plus play, we meet a variety of characters that make up this memorable crew – and we like them all. From a nature photographer who keeps the camera rolling at all costs to life and limb, to an enthusiastic stowaway boy starved for adventure, to a whaler/banjo-plucker who lifts the men's spirits with song, we don’t just see a nameless crew, instead we really get to know a unique and diverse lot of individuals. Piven ensemble member Paul Dunckel’s performance of the fearless expedition leader makes Shackleton highly likeable, as the wise and self-sacrificing explorer. Dunckel leads this talented cast with the constitution and perseverance one would associate with an expedition leader, whereas he can convincingly make the tough decisions whilst his loyal troops still rally behind him.
Along with Dunckel, Irish Theatre Company ensemble members Kevin Theis and Matthew Isler are accompanied by Nicholas Bailey, Steve Herson, Neal Starbird, Michael McKeogh, Joseph Stearns, Stephen Walker and Gage Wallace, comprising this fine cast that generates a whirlwind of strong performances.
Making this play even more entertaining is the way the set is used to put us aboard The Endurance smack dab in the middle of the frozen, glacier-filled waters. Sound effects are strategically used in tandem with projections to successfully create storm effects while creative choreography takes us on a deadly hike through icy mountains.
This is one of those true incredible adventure stories that are long forgotten by most that, thanks to storytellers like The Irish Theatre of Chicago, we now get to experience and share in the surprisingly unbelievable depth of human spirit brought on by fantastic circumstances.
I should note that though this is a wonderful story taken from the pages of early 20th century history, if you are thinking of bring a young adult, be aware that there is a scene containing as a crew member streaks across the deck of the ship.
Fittingly directed by ensemble member Robert Kauzlaric and written by Karen Tarjan, the world premiere run of “The White Road” is being performed at The Den Theatre through June 13th. For tickets and/or more information visit www.irishtheatreofchicago.org.
Lookingglass’ Kowalski Ignites a Battle of Wits Between Two Icons
24 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewLookingglass Theatre’s production of Kowalski offers a gripping, fictionalized glimpse into the first meeting between two theater greats: Tennessee Williams…
Writers Theatre continues its 35th Anniversary Season with explosive, high-stakes boxing drama The Royale October 22 – November 29
23 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewWriters Theatre, under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Artistic Director Braden Abraham, continues…
Detroit ’67: A Basement Becomes a City on the Brink
23 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewDetroit was burning in the summer of 1967, inside one basement, life was still going on. That contrast is at…
Now Boarding: Bonnie’s Last Flight, a Sky‑High Comedy with Real Heart
23 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewRivendell Theatre Ensemble closes its milestone 30th season with Bonnie’s Last Flight, a sly, sky‑high comedy set during a flight…
Teatro Vista Productions announces season
22 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreTeatro Vista Productions, the Midwest's only Latine-led Equity theatre company, led by Executive Director Lorena Diaz and Artistic Director Wendy…
Step Right Up and Ride the Cyclone (The Musical) at Metropolis Arlington Heights
22 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewIf anyone has ever told you to buckle up and enjoy the ride, they were talking about life—and even if…
Funny ‘Prayer Circle’ Is Loaded With Laughs
22 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewErik Gernand is resident playwright at Redtwist Theatre, and his Prayer Circle is absolutely laugh-out-loud funny. The strength of this…
Steppenwolf Presents GRACEFUL WARRIOR: AN EVENING WITH GARY SINISE - Tuesday, November 24, 2026
22 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreSteppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to present Graceful Warrior: An Evening with Gary Sinise on Tuesday, November…
Acclaimed Mexodus musical makes Chicago premiere November 7-21 at Studebaker Theater
22 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreStudebaker Theater, P3 Productions and Audible, in collaboration with Teatro Vista Productions, present the Chicago premiere of the groundbreaking, award-winning new hip-hop musical Mexodus, written and performed…
Arts in the Dark Parade moves to Columbus Drive due to dynamic growth, Oct. 24
21 September 2026 in Theatre BuzzLUMA8 and the City of Chicago return with the 12th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade, a family-friendly celebration…
American Blues Theater hosts its annual costumed fundraiser HALLOWEEN BOO BASH October 25th
21 September 2026 in Theatre BuzzAmerican Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, presents Halloween Boo Bash, its annual costumed fundraiser benefiting artists' wages…
Definition's How We Got On: A Mixtape for the Stage
21 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewWhat happens when three young people discover hip-hop and realize they might have something to say? Idris Goodwin’s How We…
Open Space Arts Presents BEFORE WE ARE HISTORY October 23 – November 8
21 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreOpen Space Arts presents BEFORE WE ARE HISTORY, a three-week theatrical exploration of LGBTQ+ theater created during and in response to…
Northlight Delivers a Headline-Making, Hilarious Front Page
20 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewNorthlight Theatre opened its new venue with Jeffrey Hatcher’s smart, rejuvenated adaptation of The Front Page. Commissioned by Artistic Director…
Chicago Shakes' Play On!: With a Syncopated Harlem Beat
20 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewThere are some productions you watch, and then there are productions that make your heart swoon and your toe tap.…
Overshadowed's Flame of Fire Finds Humanity, Strength, and Forgiveness in a Tragic Chapter of Missionary History
19 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewOvershadowed Productions’ Flame of Fire revisits one of the most polarizing true stories in mid‑century missionary history, and the result…
The Attic at Goodman Theatre Redefines Memoir Through Breathtaking Physical Storytelling
19 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewAt intermission, I sent Ken, Buzz Center Stage’s managing editor, a text: “So thankful I made it!! It’s intermission, and…
Class is back in session with Victory Gardens’ World Premiere of The Humanities
19 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewCoincidentally (or not), Victory Gardens’ new play about a controversial campus speaker opens just days after the one-year anniversary of…
Babes With Blades's Announces William Shakespeare's KING LEAR, playing October 22 - November 21
18 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreBabes With Blades Theatre Company’s (BWBTC) announced today new production dates for the final production in its 2026 season, William Shakespeare’s King…
Layered, Lovely, and Lasting; The Joffrey Ballet's Liliom Lights up The Lyric Opera
18 September 2026 in Dance in ReviewSometimes when we reach into the past to resurrect or revive an old story, we find it doesn’t age well.…
Cast and Production Team Announced for Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre's THE NICETIES, October 31 – November 15
18 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreFleetwood -Jourdain Theatre, an award-winning theatre company that has been thrilling audiences with over four decades of unique, inspirational, and invigorating Black…
Goodman’s centennial is its all‑time most successful year, with 300,000 patrons at 4,000 performances & events
18 September 2026 in Theatre BuzzThe Goodman wraps its 2025/2026 Centennial Season, an unprecedented line-up marking the 100th anniversary of Chicago's flagship not-for-profit theater, as the…
The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show - December 6th at Auditorium Theatre
17 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreThe greatest holiday show south of the North Pole returns for its 9th year with another brand spankin' new wintertide…
Paramount’s smash hit, immersive Million Dollar Quartet returns for its final run at Aurora’s Stolp Island Theatre, October 7-January 3
17 September 2026 in Upcoming Theatre“Great Balls of Fire!” Chicago audiences have just one last chance to catch Paramount Theatre’s immersive musical Million Dollar Quartet, returning more…
Holiday Cheer (and an earlybird discount) come to The Second City November 25th through December 27th
17 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreTis' the season for laughter and cheer! The Second City is decking its holiday lineup with shows for every sense…
Kokandy Productions’ Jekyll & Hyde: A Fearless Reworking Elevated
17 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewKokandy Productions’ Jekyll & Hyde, now presented by Broadway In Chicago at the Broadway Playhouse, arrives with the momentum of…
Chicago City Opera presents Chicago premiere of Der Vampyr October 7-11
16 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewChicago City Opera (CCO) presents the Chicago premiere of gothic horror opera Der Vampyr by composer Heinrich Marschner to a…
Full Casting Announced for A Red Orchid Theatre's HEROES OF THE FOURTH TURNING - October 29 – December 6, 2026 - Chicago Premiere!
16 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreA Red Orchid Theatre is pleased to announce full casting for its Chicago premiere of Will Arbery's politically-charged drama Heroes of the Fourth Turning, directed…
Chicago Legend Da Brat to Host and MC THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER
16 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is thrilled to welcome trailblazing hip hop artist and Chicago legend Da Brat as special guest host…
THE PRINCESS BRIDE to have Pre-Broadway World Premiere in Chicago July 19 - August 22, 2027
16 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreProducer Jeffrey Seller and Broadway In Chicago have announced the world-premiere of the new musical THE PRINCESS BRIDE will begin performances in…
Latest Articles
-
Writers Theatre continues its 35th Anniversary Season with explosive, high-stakes boxing drama The Royale October 22 – November 29
Written by Buzz Center StageWriters Theatre, under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Artistic Director Braden Abraham, continues its 35th Anniversary Season with the highly-theatrical historical boxing drama The Royale from Marco Ramirez (Orange is the New Black, Buena Vista… -
Teatro Vista Productions announces season
Written by Buzz Center StageTeatro Vista Productions, the Midwest's only Latine-led Equity theatre company, led by Executive Director Lorena Diaz and Artistic Director Wendy Mateo in collaboration with Associate Artistic Director Cruz Gonzalez-Cadel, announces its 2026-27 Season. The season opens with the groundbreaking live…
-
Arts in the Dark Parade moves to Columbus Drive due to dynamic growth, Oct. 24
Written by Buzz Center StageLUMA8 and the City of Chicago return with the 12th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade, a family-friendly celebration of Chicago’s cultural landscape and creative spirit, featuring unique floats, spectacle puppets, and all forms of artistic performance on Saturday,…
-
Lookingglass’ Kowalski Ignites a Battle of Wits Between Two Icons
Written by Angelo CamposLookingglass Theatre’s production of Kowalski offers a gripping, fictionalized glimpse into the first meeting between two theater greats: Tennessee Williams and Marlon Brando. Set in 1947 in a dilapidated beach house, the plot revolves around the legendary playwright as he…
Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.