**** Recommended "Deathtrap" is the first production of the summer season for Dunes Summer Theatre, and it’s a good one. "Deathtrap" is a mystery with lots of plot twists and turns. I don’t want to give anything away, so this review is intentionally vague. You don’t want to miss this one! 4 Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended "Monty Python’s Spamalot" is a rollicking romp chock full of silly schtick – all the sight gags, pratfalls and double entendres you could ask for! Eric Idle’s musical is kind of a mash-up of the 1975 film, "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" and bits from the BBC series, "Monty Python’s Flying Circus." Big fan or newby, you’ll be laughing through the whole show! 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Recommended The Goodman Theatre’s production of "Covenant" is a kind of eerie, kind of Southern Gothic, sort of confusing ‘the devil-made-me-do-it drama. At first, I thought it was another story inspired by the legend of Robert Walker, but no, it went off in a direction I never expected. It definitely kept me guessing! 4 Spotlights
Recommended The Towle Theater’s production of "Double-wide, Texas" is funny, farcical comedy about the inmates – oops inhabitants – of a tiny trailer park just outside Tugaloo, Texas. It has the pratfalls and physical comedy of a typical farce, but not the machine-gun fast delivery – this is Texas, after all! You’ll be laughing at this must-see. 4 Spotlights
Highly Recommended Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s production of "The Merry Wives of Windsor" is a raucous romp, full of innuendos, deceptions and salacious misadventures! This is the perfect play for anyone who might otherwise feel intimidated by seeing the name Shakespeare attached. 4 Spotlights.
**** Highly Recommended I had so much fun at "Mrs. Krishnan’s Party" at Chicago Shakespeare – and it really was a party! A production of Indian Ink Theatre in New Zealand, "Mrs. Krishnan’s Party" is hilarious. Since it’s in the Carl and Marilynn Thoma Upstairs Studio you can also enjoy the best view in the city. This is a must-see! 4 Spotlights
I had an opportunity recently to see Provision Theater & Unshackled present their production of "Ben-Hur A Live Radio Play" on the stage at Theatre at the Center. The 90-minute production was an awesome experience!
**** Recommended It’s Black Ensemble Theatre’s 50th anniversary season and their reboot of their 2000 hit, "The Jackie Wilson Story," written by Black Ensemble founder Jackie Taylor, is a must-see in my book. Jaitee Thomas does a terrific job as Jackie Wilson and the back-up ensemble is phenomenal. In fact, my friend Helen said the show was absolutely perfect! 4 BIG Spotlights
Porchlight Music Theatre’s workshop-style staging of "Shake It Away: The Ann Miller Story" starring Kayla Boye is a light and entertaining tribute to the star. Kayla Boye is a powerhouse as she channels the glamorous star. However, I do wish there had been a bit more substance to the story, it left me wanting more.
**** "The Marvelous Wonderettes" is a delightful, surprisingly funny musical with a terrific cast with excellent comedic chops. Some people might call it a jukebox musical, since it’s chock full of the music of the ‘50s and ‘60s, but it’s more than that. Be prepared for a good time, this one is a must see. 3 ½ Spotlights
