**** Recommended I had to look it up, but I discovered that the last time I saw a production of "Parade" was in 2005. A revival is a long time coming – and the results were worth waiting for. This is a beautiful production, but it is not a happy story. Based on a true and very dark episode in Georgia history, Parade explores anti-Semitism in the south. "Parade" is a must-see musical. 4 Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended Kokandy Productions always seem to choose edgy, unique, sometimes odd, but always interesting musicals. "Amélie" definitely fits that criteria. It’s dreamy, romantic, charming and very, very French. I’m not sure exactly how Director Derek Van Barham achieved a blocking miracle! The available space is miniscule, but everyone fits somehow as they keep moving into different configurations – all without bumping into each other or the audience. 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Recommended It’s kind of difficult for me to write a review of "TWIHARD! A Twilight Musical Parody" because I’m pretty sure I might have seen one of the movies. On the other hand, I enjoyed a funny, pun-filled musical parody performed by a talented cast while the audience was filled with devotees of the show who absolutely loved it. Helen and I didn’t get many of the jokes but we loved the show anyway. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended I really enjoyed Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s world premiere production of "Billie Jean." Although there wasn’t a lot of suspense to the story – it’s all about Billie Jean King’s life in tennis – it kept my attention. I thought I knew a lot about Billie Jean King, after all, she’s a sports legend, but there was a lot that was new to me. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended "Twisted Melodies" is the story of Donny Hathaway, a songwriter and soul music legend who struggled with mental illness his entire adult life. Kelvin Roston, Jr. wrote and stars in this play with music, a tour de force performance as the tortured songwriter. By the way, in addition to singing Hathaway’s songs, he also plays the keyboard accompaniment. It’s hard to watch Hathaway’s struggles, but kudos to Roston for a nuanced performance. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended I really enjoyed the Dunes Arts Summer Theatre production of "She Loves Me," a charming musical love story set in pre-war Budapest. The cast is strong, the production is well-staged, the music is light and melodic, and, of course, they live happily ever after! You’ll probably recognize the plot, you’ve seen it in "You’ve Got Mail." After the beach, why not head to the theater. You’ll be glad you did. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended I really enjoyed the Towle Theater’s production of "Superhero," a touching coming-of-age musical. Family angst is a playwright’s meat and potatoes, and this show delivers. How does an angry, grieving teen deal with being uprooted from his friends, his school, his home and all the reminders of his dad? Simon (Grayson Kamel) looks for a superhero. "Superhero" isn’t a huge soaring musical extravaganza, but it has a lot of heart. 3 ½ Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended New at Chicago Shakespeare this summer - Circus Abyssinia Ethiopian Dreams, created by brothers Mehari “Bibi” Tesfamariam and Binyam “Bichu” Shimellis. Instead of a three-ring extravaganza, complete with lions, tigers and elephants, we saw individual and group demonstrations of strength, balance, and agility, all done to joyful rhythmic music which seemed to require clapping in time. This is a treat for any circus lover and a great show for the family. 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended The newest iteration of one of my favorite Disney musicals, "Beauty and the Beast," is absolutely spectacular. While the story is unchanged, this 30th anniversary production directed and choreographed by Matt West, has the addition of new special effects and lots of razzle-dazzle which boosts it from beautiful to truly enchanting. The audience was spellbound! This show is a must-see! 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Recommended Canterbury Summer Theatre’s second production of the season, "Baby," is a charming story. Three couples, a college town and pregnancy - plenty of material there. The story is funny, upbeat, poignant and personal. "Baby" resonates with audiences. 3 ½ Spotlights
