Experimental production stars at Chicago's TUTA Theatre - By Eloise Marie Valadez
Theater fans will be engrossed in an experimental play currently being presented by TUTA Theatre in Chicago.
Circus Abyssinia Ethiopian Dreams is Awesome! - Review by Carol Moore
**** 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
"Beauty and the Beast" - Review by Carol Moore
**** 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
‘The Color Purple’ a musical hit at Goodman Theatre - By Eloise Marie Valadez
The stage of The Goodman Theatre in Chicago is currently aglow with a soaring production of “The Color Purple: The Musical.” The production runs through Aug. 3 at Goodman's Albert Theatre.
"Baby" - Review by Carol Moore
**** 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
‘Love's Labour's Lost” - Review By Eloise Marie Valadez
‘Love's Labour's Lost” proves entertaining choice for outdoor theater viewing
"Forever Plaid" - Review by Bob Rubin for TSP News
Climb into this time machine and glide back to the 50’s and ‘60s with "Forever Plaid."
‘Dhaba on Devon Avenue’ - Review by Crista Zivanovic
‘Dhaba on Devon Avenue’ an enchanting serving of food for the soul -- and potential second chances
Chef Neeraj’s world is closing in on him in more ways than one. And, despite his talented daughter and sous chef Rita’s tireless efforts to update and enhance the traditional Sindhi menu to revive their decades-old Devon Avenue restaurant in Chicago, Neeraj is having not having it.
"Outside Mullingar" - Review by Carol Moore
**** 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.
"Always Something There..." - Review by Carol Moore
**** 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