**** Highly Recommended The circus is in town! Water for Elephants is one of the most imaginative, exciting new shows I’ve seen in a long time. I was glad to see that Rick Elice’s adaptation really brought Sara Gruen’s complicated tale to life. That doesn’t always happen. Don’t miss this one! 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended If you’re looking for some cool summer fun on a warm evening, the world premiere of "Untitled Vampire Play" is the show for you. It’s a vampire rom-com – a young man from Chicago meets a gorgeous gal who happens to be a vampire. Can true love prevail? There are jealous siblings (hers), skeptical parents (his) and then there’s that pesky vampire hunter. "Untitled Vampire Play" is refreshing and fun. Don’t miss it! 4 BIG Spotlights
House of DOV recently unveiled its newest dance work in the Chicagoland area - the world premiere of "Circle of Apathy"
**** Highly Recommended Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s production of the North American premiere of "Brokeback Mountain" is an intense, immersive experience spanning 20 years. Tom Pye’s slanted set, complete with sagebrush, will transport you to Wyoming. The lyrical country-western music reinforced the mood, leaving me feeling that I was on that mountain too. I never saw the film but my friend Nancy, who did, said the play was better than the movie. That’s a wow in my book. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended "Deathtrap" is the first production of the summer season for Dunes Summer Theatre, and it’s a good one. "Deathtrap" is a mystery with lots of plot twists and turns. I don’t want to give anything away, so this review is intentionally vague. You don’t want to miss this one! 4 Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended **** The Joffrey Ballet’s production of "Eugene Onegin" is dramatic, elegant, romantic, poignant and truly exquisite. Seeing Yuri Possokhov’s emotive choreography interpreted with incredible artistry by the Joffrey company was a transformative experience. Every movement demonstrated acting ability as well as grace and artistry. "Eugene Onegin" – c’est magnifique! 4 BIG Spotlights
The Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre at Noyes Cutural Center in Evanston recently opened its new season with the acclaimed play "Gee's Bend." The show continues to Sunday, June 7th
Wow! I expected a small neighborhood production of “Damn Yankees” at Theo (now called The Fred Anzevino Theatre in honor of the late founder and Artistic Director). The production I saw prompted me to watch the 1958 Hollywood film, to make some comparisons.
Sounds of Summer: A Beach Boys Tribute ushered in the summer season at Theatre at the Center in Munster on Sunday afternoon.
**** Highly Recommended "Monty Python’s Spamalot" is a rollicking romp chock full of silly schtick – all the sight gags, pratfalls and double entendres you could ask for! Eric Idle’s musical is kind of a mash-up of the 1975 film, "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" and bits from the BBC series, "Monty Python’s Flying Circus." Big fan or newby, you’ll be laughing through the whole show! 4 BIG Spotlights
