‘Hadestown’ plays the CIBC Theatre May 6-18th and ‘Prayer for the French Republic’ through May 25th in Skokie

Paul Lisnek Behind the Curtain

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11d ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EdgCPqtBRk?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507]

The recipient of 14 Tony nominations and 8 wins at the 73^rd Tony Awards, including best Musical and best Original Score, Hadestown returns to Chicago on its national tour.

The story is based on the classic myths of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone, but the message from the classics resonates so strongly today. Although written as a concept album in 2010, issues of social inequality, nature vs. industry, climate change are presented along with the flaws and weaknesses of human beings, highlighting our potential to love and be kind and compassionate.

Joining the conversation is Jose Contreras who plays Orpheus on his first national tour debut. The first Puerto Rican to be cast for this role, Jose talks about the power of the show and why it resonates so strongly with audiences today.

Tickets for Hadestown can be purchased at: www.BroadwayinChicago.com

And:

Set a continent away, the story about antisemitism set in the 1940’s and 2016-17 could not be more powerful and relevant today in Prayer for the French Republic.

Joining in the conversation are key members of the cast: Janet Ulrich Brooks (playing Marcelle Salomon), Rom Barkhordar (playing Charles Benhamou), Max Stewart (playing son Danny), Kathy Scambiatterra (playing Irma Salomon), and Alex Weisman (playing Lucien Salomon).

Also joining in is Jeremy Wechsler, Director (and Theater Wit Producing founding Artistic Director) who discusses a series of related programs that are also scheduled in the city during the run of “Prayer.”

BONUS DISCUSSION: Following the program that ran on WGN+, the cast and director stayed on to carry on the discussion for a more in-depth look at the show’s underlying issues. A meaningful and sometimes touching conversation you won’t want to miss in this discussion-extra!!

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7399691/7399691_2025-05-06-012331.64kmono.mp3

Learn more about the show by reading Paul’s review here:

Review

“Prayer for the French Republic”

By:

Paul Lisnek, WGN+, WGNRadio.com

****/4

——————-

Riveting, Gripping and Compelling.

Prayer for the French Republic may be set a continent away, but the message strikes at home all to strongly…in fact, too close for comfort. In fact, the title could accurately be called prayer for America and the world. It hits home that hard.

It’s story that ultimately has a Jewish Family asking: “Why Do they hate us?“ Can anyone really answer that question with certainty? We see the fear, the danger, the uncertainty of safety and just living your life without an intent to bother anyone else….indeed, what are you so afraid of when it come to the Jewish people? A question that has been pondered for thousands of years and most answers to that question are based on false narratives and ideas. This three-act play is set in 1944-46 and 2016-2017, decades apart but with a history of discrimination which, if it has not be repeating, certainly has been rhyming.

But this is also a story of family…of the challenges and struggles that certainly every family faces, but here, we are made to wonder whether life’s questions can be pegged to the history of the Jewish people.

The cast, simply put, is stellar. Janet Ulrich Brooks (as Marcelle) is one of Chicago’s premiere talents and she shines here with strength and dominance; a tour de force. Rom Barkhordar (as her husband Charles, who has also made a mark in many Chicago-based shows including the classic A Band’s Visit at Writers) and Rae Gray and Max Stewart as their 20-something children provide the other two corners of this family square dynamic. There is something great to be said about every performer in this production which is one more reason this show is not to be missed!

Prayer for the French Republic is a co-production of Northlight Theatre and Theater Wit and has been extended through May 25^th at Northlight Theater in Skokie.

Tickets can be purchased at: www.northlight.org

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