Spotlight on Reviews

**** 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

****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED  While there is no denying that Puccini's "La Boheme" is one of -- if not the -- world's most beloved and popular operas, Lyric Opera of Chicago took a bit of an artistic gamble when they announced that they would be presenting "La Boheme" during their 2024/2025 season for an astounding ten performances. Just to give you some idea of how gargantuan that number of performances is, most individual operas presented by Lyric Opera each season are scheduled for no more than the standard five performances (sometimes that number can go as high as six if it is a specialized work or one that features a highly-coveted new rising star or one who is already established as a superstar in the international opera world). The risk on Lyric's part has paid off quite handsomely with this gorgeous production which feels as fresh and vital as it must have felt immediately upon its premiere in 1896. 4 BIG SPOTLIGHTS

**** Highly Recommended  The Joffrey Ballet’s Grainger Academy’s Winning Works, presented annually at the Museum of Contemporary Art, is a performance I await with great anticipation. It’s a chance to see brand new pieces by new choreographers, all ALAANA (African, Latinx, Asian, Arab and Native American) artists, performed by up-and-coming dancers who get a chance to shine.  Each piece is preceded by a short video in which the choreographer explains his/her vision, while working with the dancers.  This year’s program was absolutely fabulous.  4 BIG Spotlights

Towle Theater’s first production of their 22nd season did not disappoint. The musical, “The Mad Ones,” tells the story of 18- year-old, Sam ( played by Lauren Reece), who loses her impetuous best friend, Kelly (played by Madison Meeron), who is killed in an accident.