**** 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
**** I really enjoyed Dunes Arts Summer Theatre production of "Outside Mullingar," a fascinating family drama set in Ireland. The characters are argumentative, contrary, negative in outlook, and they can hold a grudge for a lifetime. "Outside Mullingar" is a poignant love story about two lonely people who find each other in spite of themselves. 4 Spotlights.
**** Recommended As I watched "Always Something There …", Marriott Theatre’s time-traveling jukebox musical, I was hit with a case of déjà vu. My daughter graduated from high school in 1989, so I totally recognized those clothes, those hairdos and those songs. The story’s been done before – "Peggy Sue Got Married" comes to mind – but this ensemble cast makes the difference. They are young, talented and enthusiastic, combine that talent with something like 23 hits of the 80s, the result is an outstanding production. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended Canterbury Summer Theatre’s production of "A Year with Frog and Toad" is a charming little family-friendly musical. Both adults and children will enjoy it. The songs are clever and light-hearted, with just enough humor to keep the adults in the audience awake. I really enjoyed it. 3 ½ Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended Drury Lane’s production of "Always… Patsy Cline" is absolutely fabulous! Aja Alcazar is brilliant as Patsy! Her voice just fits. Add in Bri Sudia’s comedy and you get a hit! You can’t help but tap your toe to the music. I really enjoyed the show, and so will you! 4 BIG Spotlights
Recommended I’m not quite sure where Steppenwolf’s latest, "You Will Get Sick," fits on the quirkiness scale, but it must be close to the top. My friend and I walked out trying to figure out just what we’d seen. We had questions, so many questions! No kidding, all the questions aside, "You Will Get Sick" is a very good play. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended Black Ensemble’s latest show, "That’s What Friends Are For: Gladys, Dionne & Patti," written and directed by Daryl D. Brooks, features the music of three musical icons. Although the plot is thin, the music is fabulous. 4 Spotlights
