Emily McClanathan

Emily McClanathan is a freelance writer.

Artistic director David Cerda on the "Scary Town" stage in the Hell in a Handbag Productions space on April 21, 2025. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

David Cerda put some of his own story into ‘Scary Town.’ It’s not an easy story.

May 1, 2025 at 5:40 a.m.

The co-founder and resident playwright of Hell in a Handbag is known for his gloriously over-the-top parody shows. His own background is less well known — for a while including...

William Delforge in "Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus" at Redtwist Theatre. (Tom McGrath)

Review: ‘Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus’ at Redtwist Theatre gives itself over to spectacle

April 30, 2025 at 5:15 a.m.

In Taylor Mac's version, the title character is inspired by a bit part, simply called a “country fellow” in the original, who is sentenced to hang by the Roman emperor.

Alex Albrecht, from left, Khnemu Menu-Ra and Valerie Cambron rehearse a scene in the Ghostlight Ensemble production “Drink the Past Dry,” a site-specific piece performed at Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro, April 9, 2025, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

‘Drink the Past Dry’ by Ghostlight Ensemble is a time travel story set in a Chicago bar

April 25, 2025 at 5:45 a.m.

This world premiere puts a science fiction twist on the otherwise familiar setting of a Chicago bar. At this watering hole, if you sit on the right stool and order...

Wardrobe supervisor Michael Hannah and actress Arianna Rosario, who plays Satine in the touring production of “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” show off costumes backstage at the Cadillac Palace Theatre on April 10, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

With the Tony-winning costumes in “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” over-the-top extravagance is just right

April 12, 2025 at 5:15 a.m.

The touring musical based on the 2001 Baz Luhrmann movie travels with about 500 costumes in all. "It’s got to be glittery."

Josh Odor and Susan Gosdick in "No Such Thing" by Rivendell Theatre Ensemble. (Michael Brosilow)

Review: In ‘No Such Thing’ by Rivendell, an older screenwriter adds some drama to her life

April 3, 2025 at 5:15 a.m.

In this world premiere at Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, a woman in her 60s embarks on an affair with a younger man.

Jada Jackson and Jabari Khaliq in "Splash Hatch on the E Going Down" by Definition Theatre. (Joe Mazza)

Review: ‘Splash Hatch on the E Going Down’ by Definition Theatre is about a strong-minded teenager

March 24, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

An avid reader about environmental injustice, Thyme practices what she preaches as she contends with teen pregnancy.

(Front, from left) Shawn Pfautsch, Jean Carlos Claudio, Tony Carter, (back, from left) Jalbelly Guzmán, Melanie Brezill and Maria Clara Ospina in Chicago Children’s Theatre’s world premiere of "Go Dog Go! - Ve Perro ¡Ve!" Music director Rob Witmer plays accordion. (Joe Mazza)

Review: New bilingual musical ‘Go Dog Go! — Ve Perro ¡Ve!’ has world premiere at Chicago Children’s Theatre

March 19, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Chicago Children’s Theatre “Go Dog Go! — Ve Perro ¡Ve!” relies on colorful images, repetitive language and whimsical movement to portray a community of dogs at work and play.

Riverdance performer Sam Felling, center, leads an Irish dance workshop, March 17, 2025, on St. Patrick’s Day at the Irish American Heritage Center. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

‘Riverdance’ cast members lead a workshop in Irish dance: When in doubt, jump and smile

March 18, 2025 at 12:54 p.m.

About 30 participants of varying skill levels took part in the class at the Irish American Heritage Center on Monday. A "Riverdance" touring show will be back in April.

Lucas Demarchi in a production of "Hamlet" by Teatro La Plaza of Peru, in which young performers with Down syndrome blend Shakespeare's text with anecdotes from their lives, staged in Chicago at Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Upstairs Studio. (Provided by Teatro La Plaza)

In Teatro La Plaza’s ‘Hamlet,’ a cast with Down syndrome gives the Danish prince a whole new life

March 4, 2025 at 5:30 a.m.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater hosts the North American debut of a production that has been celebrated worldwide.

Madelyn Loehr (as Bassianus), Caroline Kidwell (Lavinia), Anne Sheridan Smith (Titus), Philip C. Matthews (Lucius), Sabine Wan (Marcus) and Joshua Servantez (Saturninus) in William Shakespeare's "Titus Andronicus" by Redtwist Theatre. (Tom McGrath)

Review: Redtwist Theatre’s ‘Titus Andronicus’ adaptation is gutsy, action-packed Shakespeare

February 26, 2025 at 5:15 a.m.

Shakespeare’s earliest tragedy is infamous for its gory cycle of revenge that culminates in a macabre meat pie.

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