My apologies to several theaters - I know I owe more than one review. I tried to get everything done in advance, but I just plain ran out of time before my knee replacement surgery. Scary, right?!? I'm home recovering, doing lots of physical therapy, and finally feeling up to writing again. I'll get those reviews written and posted as soon as possible. Carol
*** Recommended *** Decisions, decisions, decisions! Why do people make decisions? They make them for lots of reasons, both personally and professionally. They probably have the best intentions, they might think about possible outcomes, but they’re positive everything will come out the way they expected. The elephant in the room – all those unforeseen consequences. A decision and its ultimately devastating consequences proves to be the crux of the story in “Roan @ the Gates”, American Blues Theater’s intense new production. 3 ½ Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended **** I’m having a hard time finding the right words to describe the Joffrey Ballet’s most recent engagement, “The Times Are Racing”. Combining two elegant pieces, “Commedia” and “Bliss”, set to the music of Igor Stravinsky, with a staccato pas de deux, “Mono Lisa”, a comedic slice of life, “The Sofa” and the title piece, which I’ve seen described as a ballet in sneakers, made for an evening of brilliant, artistic, intense, athletic, physical, comedic, minimalist, contemporary and cutting edge ballet. As always, the Joffrey dancers execute the most complicated choreography with flawless technique while a live orchestra adds depth to the experience. “The Times Are Racing” is quite literally a celebration of the human body. 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended **** “An American in Paris” is a romantic, graceful yet athletic celebration in dance set to the glorious music of George Gershwin. ‘Amazing’ was the word I heard over and over in the Drury Lane lobby after the show. “An American in Paris” is in my top five favorite musicals, so I had really expectations. I’m happy to say that the absolutely exquisite Drury Lane exceeded my expectations. They nailed it! 4 BIG Spotlights
*** Recommended *** Here’s my dilemma, I saw a play that totally creeped me out – and yet, it was incredibly well-acted. Who knew that Tracy Letts’ 1996 tragi-comedy; “Bug”, which literally made my skin crawl, is a cult classic. Although it played a couple of Chicago’s small stages back in the day, I’d never seen it. Unfortunately, I could see the unfortunate end coming almost from the beginning. So, if you want to scare yourself silly, then this is the play for you. 3 Spotlights
**** Recommended **** I love the P.G. Wodehouse stories about Bertie Wooster and his man, Jeeves because they never fail to make me laugh out loud. It is so much fun seeing Bertie and Jeeves come to life on the First Folio stage, they keep me laughing. Audiences must love them too, since “Jeeves Saves the Day” is the fifth appearance of the dynamic duo on the Oak Brook stage. Kudos to Director Joe Foust on a very funny, yet really charming production. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended **** Northlight Theatre’s production of “How a Boy Falls” is a wonderfully dark and twisted little mystery by Steven Dietz. It’s so tightly knit that just when you think you’ve figured it out, everything changes. With everyone having secrets, just who’s guilty? If you like mysteries or suspense novels for that matter, you’ll love this play. 3 ½ Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended **** Ladies and Gentlemen, Duke Ellington is in Chicago! To be exact, a Duke Ellington celebration, “Sophisticated Ladies”, is wowing audiences at Porchlight Music Theatre. This absolutely fabulous must-see revue is a song and dance extravaganza. Don’t miss this one, it’s on my top ten list for the year! 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Recommended **** The Goodman Theatre’s new production, “Roe”, should be on everyone’s must-see list. Going in, I wasn’t looking forward to seeing this play because I thought it would be all strident and heavy, and yes, politically correct, but it wasn’t. I never cared about the people involved in “Roe v Wade, but this play about two very different women, brought those very real people behind the Supreme Court ruling to life. It was human and poignant and even-handed, even though parts were both strident and political (causing some in the audience to lose their minds). My friend Helen liked it so much she recommended it to some of her friends! 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended **** The Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show pays tribute to 25 years of synchronized Irish dance in a spectacular fashion. The Anniversary Show features the beautiful scenery, haunting music, poetry and song of Ireland. Add in gorgeous costumes and a little extra zing from Spain, Russia and the USA, and you’ve gotta love it! I give “Riverdance” 4 Spotlights
