**** Highly Recommended **** There isn’t one thing I’d change about “Orphée et Eurydice”, the first ever collaboration between the Lyric Opera and the Joffrey Ballet. I can truthfully say that I was in awe – all that Joffrey grace and beauty, three amazing voices and gorgeous music! Bravo! 4 BIG Spotlights

Even knowing that Hubbard Street Dance thrives on taking risks, I couldn’t have visualized their recent cutting-edge program, “Space, in Perspective”, which took place all over the Harris Theater – and I do mean all over! It was exciting to be a part of that audience for a couple of reasons. The first, of course, was the grace and strength of the dancers. Second, was the unique opportunity to watch them dance against the backstage environs at the Harris. My only complaint – I couldn’t be everywhere! 4 BIG Spotlights

**** Highly Recommended **** Cirque du Soleil’s newest production, “Luzia: A Waking Dream of Mexico” is truly spectacular. If you’ve never seen a Cirque show, you will think it’s amazing. On the other hand, to a Cirque devotee, which I am, it’s a tad disappointing. Cirque’s customary colorful costumes, masks and scenery are here, as well as the musical background. Although more circus than Cirque, “Luzia” is still awesome. 4 Spotlights

**** Highly Recommended **** When I saw Chicago Tap Theatre’s fantastical science fiction tap opera, “Changes”, it felt like a time warp, flashing me back to my favorite space hero on TV, Flash Gordon, traveling through the galaxy in his spaceship, fighting cosmic villains. Everything was there - a hero, a villain, minions, captured/oppressed people, a rocket, even a cheesy laser weapon. Choreographer Mark Yonally’s ingenious choreography uses tap shoes to tell the story. Add to that the spacey score (pun intended), a mélange of David Bowie’s song tracks with live additions by CTT Music Director Kurt Schweitz and Lighting Designer Dustin Derry’s laser lighting, and you get a spectacle. 4 Spotlights

**** Highly Recommended **** When I was a child, I was obsessed with ballet. I was positive I was going to be a ballerina when I grew up, but alas, I wasn’t any good at it. As an adult, I’m aware of my limitations, but I still love ballet and so I feel very privileged to be invited to attend the Joffrey Ballet’s performances. Their spring engagement, “Global Visionaries”, is a brilliant smorgasbord of contemporary ballet. The incredibly talented Joffrey dancers execute the most complicated choreography with flawless technique and timing. 4 Spotlights

**** Highly Recommended **** If you’re a fan of the Rolling Stones, you have to see “Exhibitionism – The Rolling Stones” while the show is in town. With over 500 original objects from the Stones’ private collections, this is the definitive exhibition of Stones memorabilia. Chicago is the third stop for “Exhibitionism” after it premiered in London, followed by a star-studded success in New York. Next stop on the tour is Sydney, Australia. I’m a lifelong Stones fan, and I loved this show! 4 BIG Spotlights

***** Highly Recommended ***** Cavalia Odysseo is an awesome show, in fact, I’d call it totally spectacular! It is definitely one of the best things I’ve ever seen. Odysseo is all about horses – horses with riders, horses running free, horses following a trainer – no bridles, no halters, no reins – amazing! It’s horses, horses, horses, blended with unique, human circus acts. I loved it! 4 BIG Spotlights

****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED**** "More Than a Letter" is a joyous celebration of LGBTQ composers and musicians. Presented by Chicago Sinfonietta this program enjoyed two performances over the past week, one in Naperville and the other in downtown Chicago. The guest conductor was Michael Morgan of the Oakland Symphony and former Assistant Conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. 4 SPOTLIGHTS