"Beau," "The Wash," and Lots of News

History Unfolds: Perceptions Theatre’s “The Wash”

This isn’t a traditional review, nor is it a review at all. For the first time in my 10+ years of writing about theater, I can’t actually review this show properly. That’s because The Wash produced by Perceptions Theatre, was written by my friend and critical colleague Kelundra Smith. She and I have been friends for over ten years after we met at the National Critics Institute.

But there is a reason I wanted to write about this show for you all. Even though I can’t review it without a huge bias, I want to implore you to see this show for one reason in particular: Smith’s writing. Centered on the Atlanta Washerwomen’s Strike of 1881, this show digs deep into a history that could have been washed away—lost to our collective knowledge. Not only does Smith resurrect this important story, she brings it to life.

Although the washerwomen of history who began the movement (Matilda Crawford, Sallie Bell, Carrie Jones, Dora Jones, Orphelia Turner, and Sarah A. Collier) aren’t mentioned explicitly in the show, they are represented. Smith creates six different women who launch this movement. She masterfully crafted a show that was both poignant and witty, though I would expect nothing less.

What will really strike you about The Wash, though, is the meticulous care and attention paid. From every word, or lack thereof, the show thrives on the love of the art. Smith shows us, without a doubt, that those professional observers of art can also be adept at creating it. This play, in many ways, feels like a love letter. Not just to the group of interracial women who stood up against unfair labor practices and wage theft, not even to her home of Atlanta, but to the craft itself. I rarely get to see a play like this, a true gift to the actors who play the roles, that pushes forward both theater as an art form and our collective human experience.

“The Wash,” is now playing through November 30 at ETA Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 S South Chicago Ave, Chicago. Tickets are available online.

New York City Special Edition

“Beau” is Beautiful: A Review of “Beau the Musical”

You know that feeling when your knees buckle as you’re trying to follow a casket down an all too long aisle after a funeral? When you think you’re ok and suddenly, out of nowhere, your legs decide otherwise?

That’s what Beau the Musical did to me—but in the most healing way.

I know that sounds contradictory. Perhaps it is. Even still, Beau unlocked so many memories from my own life that I didn’t even realize were sitting in the back of my mind. For instance, the red-and-black checkered jacket you see throughout the show immediately brought my maternal grandfather to mind. I remember him wearing one just like it. I wondered what he would’ve thought of the show.

With the undertone of its pop-country score, this queer coming-of-age story sounds unlike any I’ve heard before. More honkytonk than Hedwig, it spoke to the soul of this queer audience member who grew up on almost nothing but country. With concept, book, music, and lyrics by Douglas Lyons and music by Ethan D. Pakchar, there is a whole lot to love about Beau.

As the show opens, the audience meets Ace Baker and his band. You’re in The Distillery in Nashville, where the band first played. Like a musical memory play, the show unfolds a tapestry of Ace’s life as a teen just coming into his own, navigating queerness as a young person, and developing a relationship with his grandfather, Beau. Near the top of the show, Ace says, “I can assure you it’ll be honest,” in reference to their performance.

And boy howdy, he wasn’t kidding.

I have struggled for over a week to fully encapsulate what this show can do. Its raw emotion digs into places you didn’t know could be dug any deeper. Giving grace to topics like complicated family dynamics, coming out, and learning to love yourself, no matter what age you are. When you’re someone who has gone through all three, it can take you out at the knees. But don’t worry, you’ll get picked up again.

The evening I experienced Beau was with several understudies, including Tyler Donovan McCall as Ace. While McCall did swallow lyrics throughout the show, it didn’t bother me so much as it might in any other circumstance. Simply because Beau, as a musical, is so electrifying and honest, you could easily argue that Ace drops lyrics as he gets too wrapped up in the emotion of it all. And I’d believe you.

Given the newness of this work, I don’t want to tell you too much about it. It’s so short that it feels as if any detail is too much. All I can really do is implore you to see it and learn all about Beau.

“Beau the Musical” is now playing through January 4 at The Distillery at St. Luke's, 308 W 46th St, New York, NY. Tickets are available online.

Chicago A&E News

• Alma at Hotel Zachary is hosting a new Holiday Charcuterie Gift Box Workshop in partnership with Cheesescapes and Maverick Wines on Thursday, December 11, from 6 – 8 p.m. During the workshop, guests will craft and style their own holiday charcuterie gift boxes to take home, while also enjoying a personal tasting plate of artisan cheeses paired with Maverick wines. The workshop costs $70 per person, and reservations are required for the experience via Alma's OpenTable page.

• Big Star has transformed its Wrigleyville location into a festive Holiday Honkey Tonk Pop-Up, blending Nashville nightlife with holiday sparkle and over-the-top decor. The pop-up features a special menu of festive food and drink specials, including Smokey Brisket Nachos, Rhinestone ‘Ritas, and Winter Old Fashioneds. With a soundtrack blending holiday classics and modern country favorites, the Honkey Tonk Pop-Up is available during all service hours for guests to enjoy.

• Chicago Magic Lounge announces the debut of Magic is People, a new one-man show by founding company member and Chicago’s “Best Bar Magician,” Justin Purcell. Inspired by the belief that “magic is people,” Purcell creates an intimate and interactive experience that blurs the line between performer and audience using dry wit and expert sleight-of-hand. The show runs Wednesdays at 7:00 pm from January 7 through March 25, 2026, in the Harry Blackstone Cabaret, with tickets available starting at $42.

• Goodman Theatre’s Centennial Season continues with Holiday, a contemporary reimagining of Philip Barry’s classic Roaring Twenties love story adapted by the late Tony Award winner Richard Greenberg. The production is directed by Tony Award winner Robert Falls and features an extensive cast, including Rammel Chan, Christiana Clark, and Molly Griggs. Holiday runs from January 31 through March 1, 2026, in the 856-seat Albert Theatre, with tickets priced from $34 to $104. Tickets are now available online.

• Hell in a Handbag Productions is presenting the world premiere of the holiday parody, The Real Housewives of The North Pole, written by Artistic Director David Cerda. Directed by Tommy Bullington and featuring a large ensemble cast, the production runs from November 20, 2025, through January 4, 2026. The show will be staged at The Clutch, the company's performance space in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood, with tickets currently on sale online.

• Late Nite Catechism presents Christmas Bingo: It’s a Ho-Ho-Holy Night!, written by Vicki Quade, is a hit interactive holiday comedy bringing together Christmas and the game of Bingo. The show features the character Mrs. Mary Margaret O’Brien, who engages the audience in playing bingo while answering humorous questions about Christmas traditions and Catholic facts. This one-night-only performance runs on December 18 in the Erin Room at the Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago, with tickets available for $40.

• Lucky Dorr is hosting its annual holiday pop-up bar, Lucky Lodge, which will be open daily from Sunday, November 23, through December 31. The festive space features cozy decorations and serves exclusive seasonal beers, signature hot cider, and holiday crowlers to-go. Guests are also invited to bring a copy of their holiday card to add to the bar’s special framed display, filling the Lucky Lodge with community cheer.

• Mordecai is bringing back its annual Mistletoe Holiday Pop-Up Bar for the festive season. The pop-up boasts over-the-top decorations and features an exclusive, holiday-inspired food and cocktail menu. Mistletoe is a limited engagement running from November 21 through January 4, 2026, with reservations available online.

• Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy and The Joffrey Ballet have announced a new partnership to celebrate the 10th anniversary of two-time Tony Award-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon’s production of The Nutcracker. To commemorate the milestone, Oberweis created the limited-edition Nutcracker Peppermint Swirl, a flavor featuring rich sugar cookie ice cream swirled with a festive crimson peppermint ribbon. This sweet treat will be available throughout December in 4oz tubes at all Oberweis scoop shops, select grocery stores, and at the Lyric Opera House during The Nutcracker's run from December 5-28, 2025.

• PlayMakers Laboratory welcomes back its original sketch show, That's Weird, Grandma: Holiday Party!, for five performances only, running December 5–14, 2025. The family-friendly comedy, directed by Linnaea Groh, features a professional ensemble that adapts raucous sketches, songs, and movement pieces from stories written by Chicago elementary school students. These imaginative, often hilarious, stories—including holiday-inspired content—will be performed at the Neo-Futurist Theater, with tickets available for $25 for adults and $15 for youth.

• Porchlight Music Theatre is presenting The Irish … and How They Got That Way, an irreverent musical history written by Pulitzer Prize winner Frank McCourt. The production charts the tumultuous 20th and 21st centuries of Irish history through McCourt's trademark satirical wit, humor, and boundless love for his people. Directed by David Girolmo, the show is underscored by a glorious score featuring classic songs like "Danny Boy" alongside U2's "I Still Haven’t Found What I Am Looking For," and runs from January 31 to March 15, 2026, at The Ruth Page Center for the Arts. Tickets are available online.

• Smoke Daddy's Wrigleyville location transforms into Daddy’s Winter Wonderland throughout December, featuring a festive, floor-to-ceiling holiday takeover with vintage tinsel décor. The wonderland hosts regular themed activities, including happy hour Monday through Thursday, Trivia Thursdays, and Musical Bingo Fridays. Additionally, Daddy's Winter Wonderland will offer a special Santa Brunch on the morning of December 20.

• Steppenwolf Theatre and Mark Cortale are presenting A Merry Little Christmas with Megan Hilty, starring the two-time Tony Award nominee and her music director, Matt Cusson. They will perform a mix of classic and contemporary holiday tunes, along with Broadway favorites, to get audiences in the holiday spirit. The show has three performances only—Friday, December 12 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, December 13 at 3 pm and 7:30 pm—at the Downstairs Theater, with tickets ranging from $99 to $149.

• Swift Tavern is extending its hours throughout the duration of Winterland to welcome guests before and after enjoying the nearby festivities at Gallagher Way. The tavern will now offer weekend brunch service on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., followed by dinner service. On Fridays, the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with Saturday dinner ending at 10 p.m. and Sunday dinner at 9 p.m.

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