**** Recommended "Elvis Presley was a Black Man named Joe" is the new production at Black Ensemble Theatre. At first glance, Jackie Taylor’s tribute to her late brother Joe might seem to be a bit of stretch, but this family story tucked into an Elvis Presley revue just fits. If you’re an Elvis Presley fan like me, then this is the show for you. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended The uber-talented Leslie Goddard has returned to Theatre at the Center for another of her one-woman shows, "Violet Jessup – Titanic Survivor". In our celebrity-obsessed society, it seems most of the stories are about the wealthy and/or famous people who survived or didn’t survive the sinking. This story is different and fascinating, since it’s from the perspective of a crew member. Hurry and grab a ticket, you only have a couple of days to catch Violet Jessup! 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended Teatro La Plaza’s "Hamlet" is an entirely unique interpretation of Shakespeare’s dark and broody play. The exuberant cast took possession of the story and retold it in their own inimitable style, and that style was personal and mostly joyful. They even made it interactive by inviting audience members into the production. 4 Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended Audiences are loving Paramount Theatre’s production of "Waitress", a musical of contrasts. Parts of the story are dark and difficult – domestic abuse, infidelity and single parenthood aren’t usually the subject of a musical. On the other hand, "Waitress" is also about dreams, determination, friendship – and pies. Except for the sound – the orchestra overwhelms the female singers so their mics are turned up to the point their voices are screechy – the production is wonderful. I really enjoyed it. 4 Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended I didn’t know anything about Harold Pinter’s play, "Betrayal," before I saw the Goodman’s revival recently. A friend had mentioned that there was a small controversy over Director Susan V. Booth’s decision to cast older actors – over twenty-somethings – but I never even thought about age as I was drawn into the human drama unfolding on that stage. That a character could maintain that very British stiff upper lip, even while receiving devastating news delivered in the calmest of tones, was a revelation. Kudos to Director Susan V. Booth for a theatrical gem! 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Recommended Steppenwolf Theatre’s production of "Fool For Love" is a perfect gem. It has more angst packed into 68 minutes than you’ll find in plays far longer. Although younger audiences might not be familiar with Sam Shepard, his work stands the test of time. It’s intense, gripping and great theater! 4 Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended "Circus Quixote" is quite simply the most fascinating show of the season, and exactly the pick-me-up we need! Forget that gloomy Quixote in the musical, he takes himself entirely too seriously. This Quixote tilts on his rocking chair, climbs/rides that windmill, and climbs a rope like a circus star. I love this whimsical show produced by Lookingglass Theatre in association with The Actors Gymnasium. I was enthralled from start to finish. 4 BIG Spotlights
*** Recommended If you’re in the mood for laughs, get to The Second City for "We Always Bounce Black: A Black Excellence Comedy Revue." This funny show is built around something called BEN or the Black Excellence Network – on cable or streaming is never specified – with sketches about mini sit-coms, quiz shows and so on. A lot of the content was specific to the black community but I can attest that whites in the audience laughed too as the talented cast pokes fun at most everything. 3 ½ Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended Drury Lane Theatre’s production of "Beautiful – The Carole King Musical" is delighting audiences. The music – one hit after another – is timeless and the choreography is spectacular. "Beautiful" is, without a doubt, my favorite jukebox musical of all time! Hurry and get your tickets, they’ll be going fast for this must-see musical. 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Recommended Northlight Theatre’s production of "The Heart Sellers" is a delightful comedy. In just 90 minutes, you’ll fall in love with these two newcomers to America, one from Korea, the other from the Philippines, and their celebration of its ‘strange’ holiday. The story, set in 1973, was fun to watch as it includes quite a few quaint and time-specific references. I was charmed! 4 Spotlights
