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There’s a particular thrill when a theatre company doesn’t just adapt a classic, but fearlessly re-engineers it. With PROSPERA, Otherworld Theatre once again proves why they are Chicago’s premier destination for science fiction and fantasy performance, delivering a bold, genre-forward reimagining of Shakespeare’s The Tempest that feels both intellectually playful and emotionally grounded.

A young girl named Cora, played by Molly Southgate, comes face to face with the unearthly creature known as the Winter Wolf, played by Jessica Goforth, who is designated with the task of taking souls to the afterlife. Upon catching this mythical beast in an attempt to save her dying grandfather, played by Mike Rogalski, Cora then embarks on a voyage of beautiful and chilling discovery.  I think this play holds something that is relatable and enjoyable for all ages, the unstoppable forward flow of time is responsible for all of life's triumphs and tragedies.

Geeks love the holidays and we’ve got a list of all the geeky good times that are to be had in 2019!

What do you get when you cross a cult classic with the language of Shakespeare? You get The Tragedy of Johnny and Lisa, a new verse play and a parody of the film The Room. This original work by Kevin Johnson is currently making the rounds at various festivals and events in the form of a staged reading, and was mounted most recently by Geekspeare Theatre Company as a Saturday night closer at Otherworld Theatre’s sweeping Genre-Thon 2019.

Taste of Man-Fleshis a hilarious take on the beloved first book from The Lord of the Rings.  It’s not a comedic send up (ala Scary Movie), but a true parody that hits the right beats for fans of the series peppered with laugh out loud jokes.  Taste of Man-Fleshis from the team that brought you I Have the High Ground: A Revenge of the Sith Parody, which was also exceptional.  If you are a fan of The Lord of the Rings, this is a show you must see!   You’ll get all the feels, all the iconic lines, all the thrilling adventure, and laugh your way through the whole show.  

Like any good musical parody, “The One: The Matrix Parody Musical” is a delightful and irreverent romp through a sci-fi classic. Laura Marsh’s original script follows the events of the first film in The Matrix trilogy, chronicling the choices, training, and adventures of Neo, also known as The One. The story is cleverly told in such a way that it takes neither itself nor the source material too seriously, poking fun at The Matrix, nerd culture in general, and musical theatre itself.  

Walking into Shelter felt like walking into a vault from the game Fallout.  There are no windows, green glowing fluorescent bulbs, empty tin cans strewn about, a console with equipment on it, and a robot leaned against the wall.  The room is very quiet and even though there are other audience members there you start to feel isolated.  The play begins when Izzy, in her dark blue jumpsuit, enters and starts talking to the shelter’s AI, MOM.  We learn from this interaction about the situation and why Izzy is here in this shelter. 

Conspiracyis a comedy sketch show by the comedy duo Coyne and Spears. Before the show begins, the actors set the tone improvising with each other while engaging with the audience. They are agents of a corporation that is obviously involved in conspiratorial shenanigans. The set is stark with white lights, giving the audience the sense of being in an interrogation room. The cast is dressed in black and white suits with thin ties and dark sunglasses, reminiscent of Men in Black. I loved the…