Tag: pioneer press

David Cromer Q&A on ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’

This article by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press on April 29, 2010. In the last few years, David Cromer has been one of Chicago’s most critically acclaimed directors, working on plays including “Our Town,” “Picnic” and “The Adding Machine.” After a stint in New York, Skokie native Cromer is back at one of his… Continue reading David Cromer Q&A on ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’

Art Shay Q&A

This article by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press on March 28-29, 2007. Over the last six decades, Art Shay has photographed everything from heroin addicts on Chicago streets to movie stars like Marlon Brando. Shay, a native of the Bronx who has lived in Deerfield for 53 years, captured life’s humorous little moments as… Continue reading Art Shay Q&A

John Mahoney discusses ‘The Seafarer’

This article by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press on December 3, 2008. When John Mahoney needed a refresher course on how to do a Dublin accent, he went straight to an expert — the acclaimed Irish actor Gabriel Byrne. Mahoney, the Oak Park actor best known for his role in the 1993-2004 sitcom “Frazier,”… Continue reading John Mahoney discusses ‘The Seafarer’

2008 John Mahoney interview

This article by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press on December 3, 2008. When John Mahoney needed a refresher course on how to do a Dublin accent, he went straight to an expert — the acclaimed Irish actor Gabriel Byrne. Mahoney, the Oak Park actor best known for his role in the 1993-2004 sitcom “Frazier,” was working… Continue reading 2008 John Mahoney interview

Record review: Portishead, ‘Third’

This review by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press on March 2, 2008. Portishead Third ***½ The two albums that Portishead released in 1994 and 1997 still sound otherworldly, no matter how many times we’ve heard then. After a long hiatus, the British trio has returned, sounding stranger than ever. As forlorn and heartbroken… Continue reading Record review: Portishead, ‘Third’

Bettye LaVette Q&A

This article by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press on December 5, 2007. Four decades after she began making records, Detroit R&B singer Bettye LaVette finally broke through to national acclaim last year with her album, “I’ve Got My Own Hell to Raise.” Praised by many critics as one of 2005’s best records, it… Continue reading Bettye LaVette Q&A

Grace Slick Q&A

This article by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press on September 6, 2007. Grace Slick hasn’t sung on a stage since 1989. These days, the former vocalist for Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship spends her time drawing and painting. Slick will make appearances Sept. 8 and 9 at the Wentworth Gallery in Schaumburg’s Woodfield… Continue reading Grace Slick Q&A

Wanda Jackson Q&A

This article by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press on May 9, 2007. Fifty years after she first hit the country and rock charts, singer Wanda Jackson is winning over a whole new generation of fans. Jackson played alongside Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis in the 1950s, arguably becoming the first woman to… Continue reading Wanda Jackson Q&A

Play review: ‘Othello’ at Writers’ Theatre

This review by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press on May 31, 2007. Iago is one of literature’s greatest villains, and a new production of “Othello” shows this infamous schemer as a fascinating and charismatic agent. John Judd’s performance as Iago at Writers’ Theatre is so remarkable that, at times, one thinks this play should be… Continue reading Play review: ‘Othello’ at Writers’ Theatre