In Ike Holter's new drama "Hit the Wall," Buckley played an initially apolitical drag queen whose consciousness is raised one night at New York's Stonewall Inn, when gay Americans fought back against routine harassment. This was a stunning piece of acting from a mostly unknown young performer: raw, complex, authoritative and deeply vulnerable. You could not take your eyes off Buckley's beautiful Carlson or fail to feel the power of defiance.
In Ike Holter's new drama "Hit the Wall," Buckley played an initially apolitical drag queen whose consciousness is raised one night at New York's Stonewall Inn, when gay Americans fought back against routine harassment. This was a stunning piece of acting from a mostly unknown young performer: raw, complex, authoritative and deeply vulnerable. You could not take your eyes off Buckley's beautiful Carlson or fail to feel the power of defiance.
When Cusack, surely the best Dot/Marie that this prismatic Stephen Sondheim musical has ever seen, started to sing "Children and Art" in Gary Griffin's masterful production of "Sunday in the Park With George," truths and emotions seemed to pour from the stage in great waves. This wasn't flashy acting; just a deeply honest interpretation of some of the greatest lyrics ever penned. It was an unforgettable piece of acting from this Denver-born artist.
When Cusack, surely the best Dot/Marie that this prismatic Stephen Sondheim musical has ever seen, started to sing "Children and Art" in Gary Griffin's masterful production of "Sunday in the Park With George," truths and emotions seemed to pour from the stage in great waves. This wasn't flashy acting; just a deeply honest interpretation of some of the greatest lyrics ever penned. It was an unforgettable piece of acting from this Denver-born artist.
Chicago stages were filled with memorable performances in 2012, many the work of veteran local actors who have only improved with age. So in our annual tribute to the city's incomparably talented stock of actors of all stripes, here's our list of the 10 best performances of the year. It appears in alphabetical order. -- Chris Jones