***** Recommended I really enjoyed the Goodman Theatre’s production of "Ashland Avenue," written by Lee Kirk, a comedy filled with family angst. Kevin Depinet’s amazing set is part of the fun. How many TV sets can you count? And then there’s the cardboard cutout. The story wasn’t that original but it worked. It’s a little on the long side, however. 3 ½ Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended Drury Lane Theatre’s production of "Dial M for Murder" is stylish and sophisticated in a very British way. Seething resentment hides behind drinks and civilized behavior in a posh Mayfair drawing room. The talented cast not only kept everyone’s attention, they were able to convey unspoken nuances too. By the way, the title is something of an anachronism, considering that at least a third of the audience has never used a dial telephone. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended Although I’m not a Sherlock Holmes fan, I really did enjoy the Towle Theater’s production of "Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson, Apt 2B". Kate Hamil’s play describes itself as “Cheerfully desecrating the stories of Sir Arthur Connan Doyle.” All the key characters from Conan Doyle’s books are there – in one form or another – and the cast has fun portraying them. 3 ½ Spotlights
**** Recommended Marriott Theatre’s bright new production of "Catch Me If You Can" is so much fun! The first time I saw this musical, it reminded me of cotton candy, all pink and fluffy, not a lot of substance. All that is still true, but so what! This talented cast has enthusiastically embraced the essential zaniness, all the ‘who me’ moments, the sheer hubris of the cons. Kudos to Director Jessica Fisch and Choreographer Deidre Goodwin for a terrific production. 4 Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended "Come from Away" is on my list of top 10 musicals ever! I can’t remember when a production moved me like this one does. This show is an emotional rollercoaster; it made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me cheer. In fact, the entire Paramount Theater audience stood and cheered at the end. Out of the tragedy on 9/11 comes a marvelous story of hope and friendship. Paramount Theatre’s production of "Come from Away" is a must-see. Kudos to Director Trent Stark. 4 BIG Spotlights
*** Recommended "44 – THE MUSICAL", a bawdy musical parody of the Obama years playing at the Studebaker Theater, is slick, satiric and glamorous. While the voices are glorious and the show is entertaining and funny, there’s not a lot of substance and it’s way too long. Don’t try to find meaning, just sit back and enjoy watching caricatures of well-known political figures. If you’re offended by profanities like the f-bomb – which is repeated multiple times in one song, you should probably skip this show. 3 Spotlights
**** Recommended Hersey Felder has returned to Writers Theater in another tour de force performance as Sergei Rachmaninoff in "Rachmaninoff and the Tsar." As we’ve come to expect from the longtime Chicago favorite, Felder combines acting with a concert-level piano performance. I loved the performance although I thought the premise – a dying composer resurrecting a long-dead tsar to get an apology – was a bit of a stretch. 4 Spotlights
**** 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
