All stories by Tristan Bruns on BroadwayStars

Thursday, February 6, 2025

All Politics Are Local: A Review of “Native Gardens” at Buffalo Theatre Ensemble by Tristan Bruns

“Native Gardens” updates a tried-and-true formula with a cast that exudes chemistry—and that’s something everyone can agree on.

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Thursday, January 30, 2025

Huzzah! A Review of “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare [Abridged]” at Oil Lamp Theater by Tristan Bruns

With a little something for young adults, a little something for a more mature audience and lots of inside jokes for Shakespeare buffs, “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare [Abridged…

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Friday, January 24, 2025

Despair! A Review of “Glassheart” at City Lit by Tristan Bruns

People love nostalgia. So one can't fault playwright Reina Hardy for wanting to put their own twist on the tale of “Beauty and the Beast.” Not all new takes on existing properties pay of…

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Friday, January 17, 2025

Welcome to the Rebellion: A Review of “Kid Prince and Pablo” at Lifeline Theatre by Tristan Bruns

Lifeline Theatre’s production of “Kid Prince and Pablo” is a worthy successor to Twain’s classic story, updated for modern times and modern tastes, with universal truths that are wel…

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Tuesday, December 10, 2024

It’s “Two Die” For: A Review of “& Juliet” at Broadway In Chicago by Tristan Bruns

“& Juliet” will delight the casual theatergoer with its glitzy, rock concert aesthetic, tongue-in-cheek plot and world-class singing and dancing.

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Thursday, December 5, 2024

Anchors Away: A Review of “Dames at Sea” at Citadel Theatre by Tristan Bruns

“Dames at Sea” is campy, goofy and rushes through Broadway tropes, but will leave you with a smile on your face and a song in your heart.

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Nerves, Excitement and Biscuits: A Review of “The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley” at Buffalo Theatre Ensemble by Tristan Bruns

If you’re looking for a period piece with all the trimmings, this one is for you. Great pacing, beautiful set and sound design and a cast of capricious characters make “The Wickhams: Chr…

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Thursday, November 14, 2024

Sound Perfection: Sound Designers and Audio Engineers Tell Us by Tristan Bruns

For centuries, sound designers and engineers have been crafting soundscapes to enhance storytelling, evoke emotions and create immersive experiences, and the tradition not only lives on but …

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Monday, November 11, 2024

Happy Holidays: A Review of “White Christmas” at Marriott Theatre by Tristan Bruns

If you’re looking to uphold the tradition of seeing a Christmas show, “White Christmas” at Marriott Theatre is a solid choice.

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Thursday, October 31, 2024

A Shot at the Big Time: A Review of “Seven Guitars” at City Lit Theater by Tristan Bruns

Director Manny Buckley navigates Wilson’s nuanced dialogue and perfectly timed beats of action in a play that should satisfy those new to the playwright and dedicated “Wilsonites” alik…

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Monday, October 28, 2024

Life Studies: A Review of Remy Bumppo’s “Dear Elizabeth” at Theater Wit by Tristan Bruns

Remy Bumppo’s “Dear Elizabeth” is a superb example of historical fiction and a fitting celebration of two prolific artists.

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Thursday, October 24, 2024

A Bloody Good Time: A Review of “Dracula” at BrightSide Theatre by Tristan Bruns

If you are looking for an eerie and bone-chilling way to celebrate Halloween, but gore-filled slasher movies aren’t your thing, take a classier route and check out “Dracula” at BrightS…

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Wednesday, October 23, 2024

The Tools of Men: A Review of Refracted Theatre Company’s “Coronation” at The Den by Tristan Bruns

“Coronation” is a thoughtful roadmap for progressive politics on what not to do, and director and executive producer Wolff and company again exceed expectations—the end of civilization…

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Friday, October 11, 2024

His Side of the Story: Edgar Arceneaux’s “Until, Until, Until…” Tells It by Tristan Bruns

Few artists have faced as much backlash as Ben Vereen, star of stage and screen, who performed a tribute to legendary vaudevillian Bert Williams—the first Black actor to appear on Broadway…

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Monday, October 7, 2024

The More Things Change: A Review of “Alabama Story” by Ghostlight Ensemble by Tristan Bruns

That the play takes place in a bookstore, with books banned in other parts of the country on full display, feels appropriate.

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Friday, September 20, 2024

Reign Check: A Review of “The Audience” at Drury Lane by Tristan Bruns

A classy production that shines a new light on a woman who with poise and intelligence strove to maintain the trust of the British people.

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Thursday, September 12, 2024

It’s Clobberin’ Time: A Review of “The House of Ideas” at City Lit Theater by Tristan Bruns

The play about real-life creators is a reminder of what made Marvel great in the first place: the relatability of its heroes.

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Tuesday, September 10, 2024

How Did This Happen? A Review of “The Normal Heart” at Redtwist Theatre by Tristan Bruns

"The Normal Heart" is an important addition to the collective consciousness regarding the historic event of the AIDS crisis and a strong start for the next evolution of Redtwist Theatre.

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Wednesday, August 7, 2024

A Gateway to Fun: A Review of “Portal” by Lookingglass Theatre Company by Tristan Bruns

Expressive dance capably performed in a natural setting, a free price tag and a forty-five-minute run time make “Portal” an exceptional choice for summertime family fun.

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Tuesday, August 6, 2024

Change the Page: A Review of “Alice by Heart” by Kokandy Productions at Chopin Theatre by Tristan Bruns

Kokandy Productions' take on Wonderland with “Alice by Heart” is as zany as its premise and brings Wonderland to life with creative set design, rock concert lighting and a cast that is …

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Monday, August 5, 2024

Let There Be Luminance: How Lighting Designers Show Us the Show by Tristan Bruns

The next time you attend a live performance, and the performers motion to the back of the house, clap extra hard for the noble lighting designer, who works in darkness so that others may shi…

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Thursday, August 1, 2024

Vive la Révolution!: A Review of “Les Misérables” at Uptown Music Theater of Highland Park by Tristan Bruns

Uptown Music Theater must face the challenge of presenting one of the world’s most beloved musicals and compete with audiences’ expectations. Does Uptown deliver? The answer is an emphat…

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Thursday, July 18, 2024

Tipping the Scales: A Review of “2 Pianos 4 Hands” at Northlight Theatre by Tristan Bruns

“2 Pianos 4 Hands” dazzles with its mirth, wit, fast-paced dialogue, lovable characters and a long list of classic and contemporary musical works. Performances by LaSalle and McGloin are…

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Refuse to Be Unhappy: A Review of Theatre L’Acadie’s “The Swan” at Facility Theatre by Tristan Bruns

From its tumultuous beginning to its thrilling denouement, “The Swan” sucks you in and holds your attention throughout the two-hour runtime.

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Friday, July 12, 2024

It’s To Die For: A Review of “Romeo and Juliet” at Oak Park Festival Theatre by Tristan Bruns

For summer fun, bring your best lawn chairs and favorite libations to this latest recreation of a classic—it’s to die for!

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Monday, July 8, 2024

Hot, Hot, HOT! A Review of “The Hot Wing King” at Writers Theatre by Tristan Bruns

Super spicy food is not for everybody, but piquant plays are another matter. Prepare your palette and make the trip to Writers Theatre for an experience that is hot, hot, HOT!

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Thursday, June 27, 2024

Pathos and Promise: A Review of “Little Bear Ridge Road” at Steppenwolf Theatre by Tristan Bruns

“Little Bear Ridge Road” is an encouragement for all to move forward and embrace life simply by living it.

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Monday, June 24, 2024

We Shall Overcome: A Review of “1619: The Journey of a People” at Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre by Tristan Bruns

“1619: The Journey of a People” offers a concise history of the Black American experience in an easy-to-digest formula—with a few surprises thrown in.

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Friday, June 21, 2024

Tangles to Triumphs: A Review of “The Salon” at Black Ensemble Theater by Tristan Bruns

Whether to celebrate Juneteenth, Black culture or Chicago pride—or for no reason at all—make it a point to catch “The Salon” at Black Ensemble Theater.

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Monday, June 17, 2024

A Way to Be Good: A Review of “The Kite Runner” at Broadway in Chicago by Tristan Bruns

Based on the best-selling book by Khaled Hosseini, the story is split between 1970s Afghanistan and early-2000 San Francisco. Afghan refugee Amir reflects on his childhood in Kabul.

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM
Thursday, June 13, 2024

What Is Love? A Review of “Qualia” by Subtext Studio Theatre Company by Tristan Bruns

If you’re a fan of classic sci-fi psychological thrillers and post-apocalyptic adventures—or just solid storytelling—this show is for you.

SOURCE: www.newcitystage.com at 08:00AM

All that Chat

2024-2025 BROADWAY SEASON
Jun 05, 2024: Home - Todd Haimes Theatre
Jul 11, 2024: Oh, Mary! - Lyceum Theatre
Jul 30, 2024: Job - Hayes Theater
Sep 12, 2024: The Roommate - Booth Theatre
Nov 14, 2024: Tammy Faye - Palace Theatre
Nov 17, 2024: Elf - Marquis Theatre
Dec 12, 2024: Cult of Love - Hayes Theater
Dec 19, 2024: Gypsy - Majestic Theatre
Mar 17, 2025: Purpose - Hayes Theater
Apr 10, 2025: Smash - Imperial Theatre
TBA: Titanic
TBA: Ragtime