News. Criticism. Gossip. The shows not  to be missed — and the shows to avoid at all costs. The Theater Loop is hosted by  chief theater critic for the Chicago Tribune. We're the online destination for breaking news and reviews of Chicago-area theater, from the downtown shows to suburban theaters to the off-Loop scene. Stop here often to feel the pulse of America’s most vibrant theater city. Plus coverage of Broadway and beyond, and reviews from Tribune writer  Tribune critic Chris Jones on Twitter.  Tribune theater editor Doug George  Get the latest Chicago theater news and reviews delivered to your mailbox weekly.  to view your member profile and add or remove newsletters.  the original Chicago, R-rated version, is coming back at American Theater Company. |  "The Original Grease" is young and heartfelt, says Chris Jones.  The 2011 non-Equity nominations are in.  Saying au revoir to Chicago, but not goodbye ... "You will still see me eating at RL." |   Plus Chris Jones talks to Oprah about her  Gearing up for the annual summer comedy festival, in Chicago June 14-19.  What do the moments before "South Side of Heaven" look like? Read Nina Metz's story for the Tribune.  Reviews and photos for theater in Chicago and suburbs, including critic's picks from Chris Jones, Nina Metz and Kerry Reid.  Through May 29 at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire  Through June 26 by Route 66 at Mercury Theatre  Open run at the Briar Street Theatre  Through July 10 at Steep Theatre Company  Through July 17 at TimeLine Theatre  Through June 12 at Chicago Shakespeare Theater  Open run at the Apollo Theater  Through June 26 at American Theater Company  Through May 29 by Bailiwick Chicago at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts  Through July 3 by Theo Ubique at No Exit Cafe  Open run at Second City  Through June 19 at Lifeline Theatre  Through June 5 at the Broadway Playhouse  by Teatro Vista at Theater Wit  at the Tribune's Freedom Center  by American Blues at the Biograph  by Porchlight Music Theatre at Stage 773  at A Red Orchid Theatre  at the Royal George Theatre  by BoHo at Theater Wit  at the Royal George Cabaret  at the St. James Theatre  at the Richard Rodgers Theatre  at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre  at the Neil Simon Theatre  at the Walter Kerr Theatre  at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre  at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre  at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre  at the Vivian Beaumont Theater
Conan O'Brien taping his show "Conan" on TBS in 2010. At the TBS Upfront presentations in New York Wednesday morning, Conan O'Brien said that his late-night TBS talk show would be hitting the road. He'll head to the Beacon Theatre...