Daily Rehearsal: All about ‘Penelope’ (and its program)

Daily Rehearsal: All about ‘Penelope’ (and its program)
Daily Rehearsal: All about ‘Penelope’ (and its program)

Daily Rehearsal: All about ‘Penelope’ (and its program)

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1. The opening of Penelope at Steppenwolf was last night. Instead of talking about the mixed bag of a production, let’s talk about the program, which was clearly printed before John Mahoney unfortunately had to leave the production due to a death in the family — he’s still featured prominently on the cover. Other than that, my seating partner remarked that it was the thickest program he’d ever seen. So let’s give a round of applause to the company for not wasting trees on a reprint.

2. And more on Penelope, from others: Find out about how the play, written by Enda Walsh, was adapted from the Greek epic you know and maybe finished in high school, in this profile from the Sun-Times. And The Fourth Walsh starts her review off with this statement: “I love men. Wars, Nascar, fantasy football… I don’t always *get* men but I love them.” Read more of these comments that become less personal and more review-y.

3. What is the private event at iO this Thursday WHY IS IT CLOSED? What shows will you be missing? The Classy D, the Collectibles, Michael Pizza and The Scene at the Cabaret; The ‘Verse: Another Firefly Story and Ugly & Delicious presents Ragamuffins JODY. Someone please clear up this pressing improv-related matter.

4. Read a beautiful homage to Merce Cunningham by New York Times critic Alastair Macaulay, where he laments the loss of this troupe. “Cunningham extended dance, radically; he also extended our minds,” writes Maculay. “A Cunningham season could be fun, drama, challenge, poetry and therapy. For many of us there was no greater adventure. It is hard to start putting this into the past tense.”

5. ATC’s It’s a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play has been extended through December 30. 

Questions? Tips? Email kdries@wbez.org.