"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
Trinity Irish Dance 35 - Review by Carol Moore
**** Recommended I loved watching the company of Trinity Irish Dance 35 performing in the intimate Edlis Neeson Auditorium at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The dancers are strong, athletic and precise while executing some of the most difficult dance steps you’ll ever see and it was a lot easier to watch their footwork in the smaller space. By the way, they are nothing like the Irish dancers you see everywhere around St. Pat’s Day. What they do is more like an Irish drill team than Riverdance. In fact, it’s a hybrid of Irish step and American tap. An Irish band onstage makes the performance even more unique. 4 BIG Spotlights
Hubbard Street Dance Spring Series - Review by Carol Moore
**** Highly Recommended I always look forward to a performance of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. The artistry, grace, strength and athleticism of this troop of dancers is outstanding. The Season 47: Spring Series featured a repeat of last season’s Sweet Gwen Suite, the world premiere of Beauty Chasers, and the return of Blue Soup which premiered in 2002. The performance was breath-taking. 4 Spotlights
Ballet Chicago's "Balanchine & Beyond" - Review by Carol Moore
**** Recommended Ballet Chicago, celebrating its 30th Anniversary, presented Balanchine & Beyond at the Harris Theatre recently. By the way, although they’ve been around for 30 years, this is another ‘new to me’ company. The program included two Balanchine masterpieces, Serenade and Rubies as well as two pieces by Resident Choreographer Ted Seymour, his Dánzon! and a new children’s piece. 3 1/2 Spotlights
Ballet 5:8 "Of Light and Shadow" - Review by Carol Moore
**** Recommended Of Light and Shadow, a performance by Ballet 5:8 demonstrated the company’s versatility with the world premiere of Celestia; a beautiful pas de deux danced to a live piano solo, Corinthians 13:13; a dark, dark and more contemporary piece, The Cave; and finally, an interpretive piece, The Space In Between. Since I love ballet, I was delighted to be in the audience for this performance. 3 ½ Spotlights
"Cats" - Review by Carol Moore
**** Highly Recommended Paramount Theatre’s new production of "Cats" is nothing short of spectacular. Kudos to Director Trent Stark for his circus-inspired production. In spite of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s lush musical score, "Cats" has always been my least favorite musical, so I totally shocked my family and friends by even seeing the show, but guess what? I loved it from start to finish. When you see a trapeze hanging above the audience, you’ll know you’re in for something special. "Cats" is a family friendly show. 4 BIG Spotlights
"This Too Shall Slap" - Review by Carol Moore
**** Highly Recommended I think Second City’s 113th Mainstage Revue, "This Too Shall Slap" is the funniest I’ve ever seen. I can’t remember the last time I laughed that hard! Everywhere I looked, people in the audience were laughing. There’s only one really political sketch, although some zingers fly by. Although there’s a little less audience participation, there’s more sketches and zingers to keep you laughing. 4 big Spotlights