Midwest Big Band with Jim Bulanda By Nancy Henke-Konopasek
Theatre at the Center took on the feel and sounds of the 30s, 40s, and 50s Las Vegas big band era when the Midwest Big Band with Jim Bulanda filled the stage on April 27th
"Da Vinci Code" - Review by Carol Moore
**** Highly Recommended Drury Lane’s production of "Da Vinci Code", adapted by Rachel Wag staff and Duncan Abel, based on Dan Brown’s bestseller, kept me on the edge of my seat. I must say, even if you’ve read the book and/or seen the movie – which I did – you will be drawn into the mystery. The casting is spot-on, the staging impressively mysterious. Kudos to Director Elizabeth Margolius. Hurry and get your tickets for this must-see show! 4 BIG Spotlights
"Titanic the Musical"
**** Highly Recommended I found myself captivated by Marriott Theatre’s production of "Titanic the Musical". It turns out that Marriott’s arena-style stage is ideal for depicting the idea of Titanic. We don’t need a ship to tell the story, we need the people on board to tell their stories. Kudos to Director Connor Gallagher for keeping the focus on them. I can’t say enough about this cast – their faces told the story – pride, hope, boredom, envy, joy, fear, panic and finally acceptance. I am in awe! 4 BIG Spotlights
"A Jukebox For The Algonguin" - Review by Bob Rubin For TSP News
I’ve had encounters with a few senior residences. First my mother, then my mother-in-law and how far behind could I be? And so did Paul Stroili, the creator of this fun story. It was his inspiration to write “A Juke Box for The Algonquin”. His characters are looking for some extra excitement and especially desiring that old time rock n’ roll music.
The Blooze Brothers - Review by Carol Moore
The Blooze Brothers April 11th concert at Theatre at the Center was a blast! I can’t remember when I had more fun at a concert. The Blooze Mobile was parked out front, the bar was open and the band was ROCKING!
"The Book of Grace" - Review by Carol Moore
** Somewhat Recommended You may find the Steppenwolf production of "The Book of Grace" heavy going. I know I did. It’s dark, violent, and ugly. As I watched, I tried to figure out where playwright Suzan-Lori Parks was going with it, but I never could. I just watched the story unfold with horror. Apparently, "Book of Grace: is a timely follow-up to her earlier play, "Top Dog/Underdog". If that's the case, I’m glad I missed that one! Although I do applaud the work done by the cast, this is not a play for the faint of heart. 2 Spotlights
Aerial Dance Chicago "Stardust" - Review by Jeffrey Leibham
****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED**** Aerial Dance Chicago recently celebrated their 25th Anniversary season with a stunning evening comprised of a dozen works that the company originated and performed during the course of their artistic development. The gradual evolution of their bold, fluid and unique style is on full display here. Artistic Director Chloe Jensen, along with Assistant Director Karen Fisher Doyle, have meticulously curated this collection, which is titled "Stardust," from over 300 works that Aerial Dance Chicago has created over the course of the last quarter century. 4 SPOTLIGHTS
SOARING, Life, Light, and Legacy - Review by Carol Moore
**** Highly Recommended Nobody is better at contemporary jazz than Giordano Dance Chicago. Their winter engagement, SOARING, Life, Light, and Legacy, was dedicated to Nan Giordano’s son Keenan Giordano Casey and it was nothing short of spectacular. The program included three brand new pieces, the reprise of 2024’s Red and Black, and two pieces from the Giordano repertoire. The Giordano dancers – who are dancing in every piece – are so strong, so talented, so creative, they are awesome! 4 BIG Spotlights
"Now and Then" - Review by Carol Moore
**** Recommended Sometimes I’ll see a play which will just resonate. Hammond Community Theatre’s production of "Now and Then" is one of those plays. As the story unfolded, I found myself totally involved with the characters, hoping things would work out for them, even as I could see the writing on the wall. The cast is really good at making the odd and unusual seem normal. 4 Spotlights
"Dead Man's Cell Phone" - Review by Bob Rubin for TSP News
So many theaters do the same old same old productions. Nothing against these but they just keep reappearing. I guess they prefer to go the safe classic route with tried and trues but a repeat every 5-10 years would be sufficient. So…my hats off to neighborhood theater Skokie Theatre for having the courage to try something out of the box.