Ghosts and Gods Entertain Audiences

The one act musical Once on This Island finally arrives in Chicago after the 2017 Broadway production won a Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical.

The tale of Ti Moune is the story about an orphan girl guided by four island gods who save her life. She sets out on a journey to discover love over the course of creative story.

From the beginning there is an overwhelming amount of activity at the massive Cadillac Palace Theatre. It's already hard to follow much of the tale without doing homework beforehand, then added to that audience members sit on the stage to distract and the performers rush through much of the setup. When the show slows down, onlookers can really enjoy some of the nice singing and unique presentation.

Be warned there is no intermission, so bathroom break, and some of the sex is so graphic onstage that the young actress playing the part of Ti Moune had her own eyes covered!

If you want to hear some interesting vocals such as Tyler Hardwick's rendition of "Some Girls" and see storytelling shown in innovative ways, then Once on This Island is the show for you through Feb. 2. Tickets can be found at BroadwayInChicago.com.

A musical that was more my style the same week is Whisper House by Black Button Eyes Productions. This is another Chicago premiere that many have been waiting for.

The story involves a young boy, ghosts and a lighthouse during World War II.

The cast does a nice job, especially with Leo Spiegal tackling the difficult role of Christopher. Kate Nawrocki steals some scenes as the festiy character Lily and Karmann Bajuyo stands out as Yasuhiro. T.J. Anderson doesn't quite grasp his dual roles until it's too late and stops the momentum the other actors provide.

Duncan Sheik's Whisper House is a very different show than his previous musical endeavor Spring Awakening, but some of the music is on par with it. "Play Your Part" is an example of this and should have been a radio hit.

Whisper House will captivate now through Feb. 15 at The Athenaeum Theatre with tickets by phone at 773-935-6875.

Still looking for something magical onstage? Look no further than the Chicago Magic Lounge. If you can find your way inside, then try to arrive early with close up magic performed in the bar area and before the headliner in the seats surrounding the stage at 5050 N. Clark Street. With a ton of restaurants in the Andersonville area, this is just what locals needed in the world of entertainment.

The main magician Trent James provides tongue in cheek humor and some tricks that have to be seen to be believed in his latest offering Pure Lies.

Visit ChicagoMagicLounge.com for tickets before the strong drinks, delicious food and the talented James all disappear!