Emily McClanathan

Emily McClanathan is a freelance writer for the Chicago Tribune and Chicago magazine.

Isis Elizabeth and James Lewis in August Wilson's play "King Hedley II" by City Lit Theater Company. (Steven Townshend)

Review: ‘King Hedley II’ at City Lit is August Wilson’s drama, intense and up close in a storefront theater

October 26, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Under Manny Buckley’s direction, rage relentlessly simmers in this “Century Cycle” play about a formerly incarcerated man trying to make a fresh start.

Tristan Odenkirk, Rebecca Jordan and Ben Perry in Shattered Globe Theatre’s production of "Vladimir" at Theater Wit. (Michael Brosilow)

Review: Russian intrigue and profiles in courage in ‘Vladimir’ by Shattered Globe

October 19, 2026 at 10:39 a.m.

Part political thriller, part family drama, Erika Sheffer’s 2024 play offers a sobering exploration of courage, cowardice, and the gray areas in between.

Layke Fowler and Marssie Mencotti in "4000 Miles" by A Short Leap Theatre at the Den Theatre. (Alex Albrecht)

Review: Never flashy, ‘4000 Miles’ by A Short Leap Theatre lets the humanity come through

October 12, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

In Amy Herzog’s 2011 play, a troubled 21-year-old man shows up at his grandmother’s Manhattan apartment in the middle of the night.

Anne Trodden is one of four women playing the role of Heidi in "What the Constitution Means to Me" by Ways and Means Theatre. (Daniel Howie)

Review: ‘What the Constitution Means to Me,’ staged in an American Legion post, is a play that always feels timely

October 2, 2026 at 2:08 p.m.

Heidi Schreck’s 2017 play, a Pulitzer Prize finalist, gets authentic surroundings in this new production by Ways and Means Theatre.

Chupacabrón (Gustavo Martinez) and Yamel (Diana Guizado) in a previous production of Glass Half Full Theatre’s “Yamel Cucuy.” (Lens of Athena)

Review: The spooky Destinos play ‘Yamel Cucuy’ asks, who benefits the most from fear?

September 18, 2026 at 12:25 p.m.

For theatergoers looking to kick off the spooky season, Glass Half Full Theatre’s “Yamel Cucuy” serves up a cocktail of ghost stories, slasher film tropes and a mythological journey through...

Sam Hook, Amanda Link, Rohan Link Francisco and Manali Sunkara star in “A Wrinkle in Time” at Lifeline Theatre. (Josh Bernaski)

Review: Whimsy and wonder of ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ come full circle at Lifeline Theatre

September 15, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

James Sie's production captures the essence of the groundbreaking 1962 Madeleine L’Engle book that was unconventional for its time.

Quijada (top) and Robinson (Brian Guido/for Chicago Magazine)

Best of Fall: The Hip-Hop Historians

September 14, 2026 at 6:01 a.m.

Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson bring a contemporary groove to a show about escaping 19th-century slavery.

Tania Richard in "Black Girl from a White Suburb" at American Blues Theater. (Michael Brosilow)

Review: ‘Black Girl from a White Suburb’ tells a different kind of story of Black experience

September 14, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Tania Richard’s new solo play now onstage at American Blues Theater is warmly interactive and deeply personal.

Kirsten D'Aurelio and Heather Dennis in "Blood of the Lamb" by Promethean Theatre Ensemble. (Steven Townshend)

Review: ‘Blood of the Lamb’ imagines a dark future for reproductive rights

September 6, 2026 at 12:54 p.m.

Arlene Hutton’s thriller about reproductive rights is now making its Chicago premiere with Promethean Theatre Ensemble.

Tatiana Pavela and Laila Malak in "Anatomy of a Suicide" by Metal Shop Performance Lab and JunkHeart at Redtwist Theatre. (Mollie Menuck)

Review: New Chicago storefront companies in a stellar ‘Anatomy of a Suicide’

August 17, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Generations of trauma are powerfully intertwined in this revival of British playwright Alice Birch’s 2017 drama, delivered by a standout Chicago storefront cast.

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