This review by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press on June 2, 2005. Like most Americans, I am totally ignorant of whatever traits the people of Bulgaria possess. So it’s hard to say whether George Bernard Shaw was being fair to Bulgarians when he set his 1894 satire of love and war, “Arms and the… Continue reading Play review: ‘Arms and the Man’
Author: Robert Loerzel
Robbie Fulks: 2005 interview
This article by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press on May 12, 2005. A country boy from the South ends up living in Chicago, longing for that “Carolina moon” of his youth. That’s the plot line of “Georgia Hard,” the title track of the new album by Robbie Fulks, who grew up in North… Continue reading Robbie Fulks: 2005 interview
Behind the scenes of Mary Zimmerman’s ‘Silk’
This article by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press on April 28, 2005. It’s late March, and Mary Zimmerman has one month to go before her newest play, “Silk,” opens at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre. The Goodman’s publicists are busy putting out press releases about the Tony Award-winning Evanston resident’s latest effort. Full-page advertisements for “Silk” are… Continue reading Behind the scenes of Mary Zimmerman’s ‘Silk’
Wilco (The Hubcap)
This article by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press on February 10, 2005. An old wheel cover from a Plymouth once sat on the shelves of a store in Libertyville, but now it’s the hubcap heard ’round the world. Glenn Kotche, drummer for the Chicago rock band Wilco, uses the hubcap in his unusual… Continue reading Wilco (The Hubcap)
Hideout’s not so hidden anymore
This article by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press on September 23, 2004. How long does it take to find the Hideout? These days, many fans of indie rock and alt-country know exactly where the Chicago bar is. It may be located on a side street surrounded by warehouses and old factories, without any real… Continue reading Hideout’s not so hidden anymore
Tony Bennett Q&A
This article by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press on August 26, 2004. Tony Bennett, who will perform a sold-out concert Saturday at Ravinia, talked with Pioneer Press earlier this summer about his career and the art of the song. Q: Are you working on a new album? A: I’m just finishing it up.… Continue reading Tony Bennett Q&A
Film review: ‘The Manchurian Candidate’ (2004)
This review by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press. THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE *** Director Jonathan Demme keeps up a fever pitch in this delirious nightmare of political paranoia, but despite some compelling action, it’s never as convincing as John Frankenheimer’s version from 1962. The original must have seemed joltingtly surreal when it first came… Continue reading Film review: ‘The Manchurian Candidate’ (2004)
Edward Albee interview
This article by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press on February 18, 2004. Edward Albee, one of the most famous living playwrights, says he never writes second drafts. “I don’t do rewrites,” said Albee, who will speak Saturday at Dominican University in River Forest. “I don’t do drafts. There’s a danger present in doing draft… Continue reading Edward Albee interview
John Mahoney takes star turn in ‘Salinas’
This article by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press on May 7, 2003. John Mahoney is one of the Chicago area’s best-known actors, but he rarely gets the chance to play the lead role in a feature film. Mahoney, who has lived in Oak Park for the past 12 years, didn’t start acting until he… Continue reading John Mahoney takes star turn in ‘Salinas’
Almost famous: The story of the Vertebrats’ ‘Left in the Dark’
This article by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press on March 6, 2003. Winner of the Chicago Headline Club’s Peter Lisagor Award. “Left in the Dark” wasn’t a radio hit or a gold record. Its composer, Ken Draznik of Palatine, hadn’t earned a penny in royalties from the 1979 song — until last month.… Continue reading Almost famous: The story of the Vertebrats’ ‘Left in the Dark’