Reviews by Carol Moore

**** Recommended **** Paramount’s production of Dreamgirls was exactly what I expected to see – a big, spectacular, sparkly, sequined extravaganza.  Set in the 60s, Dreamgirls is loosely modeled on the experiences and successes of the Supremes, minus Motown.  Fans of 60s music will love this show.  People were chair dancing all over the auditorium. Unfortunately, it was also loud, so loud that I couldn’t understand what the actors were saying.  3 1.2 Spotlights

*** Recommended *** Black Ensemble Theatre’s latest production, "My Brother Langston" is a play with music, a tribute to poet and civil rights leader, Langston Hughes, written and directed by Rueben Echoles.  Based on the title, I thought this would be a bio play about Hughes, but it’s much more autobiographical, with Hughes (brilliantly portrayed by actor Chris Taylor) telling his own story.  The production struggles –his life story jumps willy-nilly from personal relationships to the Harlem Renaissance and back again, but the moments of his poetry shine brightly.  3 Spotlights  

**** Highly Recommended **** TimeLine Theatre is known for their thoughtful, well-researched, intelligent plays based on real people, real history.  In addition to meeting those criteria, "Campaigns, Inc.", a story about the very first political consulting firm – and its female founder – is poignant and surprisingly funny and so very relevant today!  Guess what?  Dirty tricks in politics have been around for a long time!  Kudos to Director Nick Bowling, "Campaigns, Inc." is one of my top ten plays of 2022.  4 BIG Spotlights   

**** Highly Recommended **** The Second City e.t.c.’s 46th Revue, "Great Altercations" is downright hilarious.  Everywhere I looked, the folks in the audience were laughing – not polite little titters, either – I’m talking guffaws!  And this revue is family friendly!  We all know that family situations and altercations can be hilarious – afterwards.  This revue is all about pointing out the humor in things we’ve all experienced.  4 BIG Spotlights