The Neverly Brothers By Nancy Henke-Konopasek
The Neverly Brothers took rock n’ roll fans on a musical tour of rock history featuring hits from 1955 to 1965, from Elvis to The Beatles, on Father’s Day Sunday, June 15, at Theatre at the Center.
"An Iliad" - Review by Carol Moore
Although I didn't get a chance to see the Court Theatre's remount of their 2011 hit, "An Iliad," I thought I'd share my review of the 2013 remount.
The remount of the Court Theatre’s 2011 hit, “An Iliad”, is still amazing! Timothy Edward Kane’s performance as the Poet, a man who tells and retells the story of the Trojan War, is a ‘tour de force’. If you missed it last time – and even if you saw it then - make sure you see An Iliad this go round, it’s a 4 Spotlight play.
"Kimberly Akimbo" - Review by Carol Moore
**** Recommended I enjoyed watching "Kimberly Akimbo." It was well-written, funny, and ultimately heart-wrenching. Carolee Carmello was brilliant as Kimberly who had to navigate her way through a new high school while managing a rare genetic disease, totally dysfunctional parents and a larcenous aunt. On the other hand, I was appalled when said larcenous aunt provided a step-by-step how-to-commit a crime in Act II. 3 ½ Spotlights
"42 Balloons" - Review by Carol Moore
**** Recommended "42 Balloons," the new musical at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre is a terrific summer musical. The story is crazy but true – and straight out of the 80s, so it has some pathos too. The ensemble – an 8-person Greek chorus - is young, attractive and perky. The music is catchy, bright and kind of nonsensical – who sings about 42 balloons and a lawn chair? Loved the 80s choreography. The set and staging rates somewhere between cool and awesome! This was a fun show to watch. 4 Spotlights
Diana, The Musical - A Review by Bob Rubin For TSP News
Helen Shaw…You’re wrong! Prior to going to see this production at Theo Theater, I checked to see where it had played and looked at reviews. “Diana, The Musical” played in New York City just before the Pandemic closed down live theater. Helen Shaw, an NYC reviewer said this… “ “Diana The Musical” is almost as bad as her (Princess Diana) marriage!” I had low expectations after reading Ms. Shaw’s review. And, what a nice surprise… I loved it!
"Iraq, but Funny" - Review by Carol Moore
**** Highly Recommended For once, a play totally lives up to its name. "Iraq, but Funny" is a screwball comedy that had the opening night audience in stitches. I didn’t know what to expect, but this show was so funny I missed lines because people were laughing. Playwright Atra Asdou ties the stories of five generations of Assyrian women into the history of the area by using the British guy as narrator and comic relief to tie it all together brilliantly. 4 BIG Spotlights
"My Fair Audrey" - By Carol Moore
"My Fair Audrey" is Hilary Ann Feldman’s tribute to Audrey Hepburn playing at Theatre at the Center through June 17th.
"Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland" - Review by Carol Moore
**** Once again, I’m in awe of the Joffrey Ballet. Their whimsical, fantastical production of "Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland," choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, is dazzling! I’m completely in love with this production! The music, the choreography, the costumes, the puppetry, the scenery – just wow! Then there’s the dancers – and in addition to executing the most complicated choreography with flawless technique and timing, they can act! Don’t miss it! 4 BIG Spotlights
"Misery" - Review by Carol Moore
**** Highly Recommended Who knew that Janet Davies could act? That genial ‘woman about town’ from ABC news is starring in "Misery," the first production of the season at Dunes Arts Summer Theater, and she’s killing it! Davies owns the part of Annie, the crazy stalker fan run amok. I really don’t like creepy thrillers - I didn’t read "Misery" and I didn’t see the movie – so I wasn’t looking forward to seeing this play. I have to say it caught me and never let go. Everything about this production is first-rate. Don’t miss it. 4 Spotlights
"Flight" - Review by Carol Moore
**** Highly Recommended I really enjoyed the Towle Theatre’s concert presentation of "Flight," an original musical. A cast of 14, all wearing black, sang the libretto with the accompaniment of a live orchestra. Although they were standing at music stands, they were using their faces and bodies to convey emotion. There was even a tiny bit of choreography. All in all, a really good time. I’m not sure why this little musical hasn’t gotten much exposure, but good news for the Towle. "Flight" deserves a chance to shine 4 Spotlights