Heartfelt performances star in 'The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao' * By Eloise Marie Valadez
The latest production starring on stage at The Goodman's Owen Theatre features a mix of emotions and a blend of tragic, comic and heartfelt situations.
Joffrey Ballet’s Grainger Academy’s 14th Annual Winning Works * By Carol Moore
**** Highly Recommended Joffrey Ballet’s Grainger Academy’s 14th Annual Winning Works, presented 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. This year’s program was absolutely fabulous! 4 BIG Spotlights
"Shake It Away: The Ann Miller Story" * By Carol Moore
Porchlight Music Theatre’s workshop-style staging of "Shake It Away: The Ann Miller Story" starring Kayla Boye is a light and entertaining tribute to the star. Kayla Boye is a powerhouse as she channels the glamorous star. However, I do wish there had been a bit more substance to the story, it left me wanting more.
"The Marvelous Wonderettes" is a Must-see * By Carol Moore
**** "The Marvelous Wonderettes" is a delightful, surprisingly funny musical with a terrific cast with excellent comedic chops. Some people might call it a jukebox musical, since it’s chock full of the music of the ‘50s and ‘60s, but it’s more than that. Be prepared for a good time, this one is a must see. 3 ½ Spotlights
The "Swingset" is a charming comedy - By Carol Moore
**** Recommended I didn’t know what to expect when I went to see the Midwest premiere of The Swingset: An Adult Comedy at Theatre at the Center. This special Valentine’s Day performance turned out to be unexpectedly funny and rather charming. If you have a chance to see this engaging story in the future, I recommend it.
Chicago Opera Theater's "Der Silbersee" is Exquisite - By Jeffrey Leibham
****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED The Chicago premiere of Kurt Weill/Georg Kaiser's "Der Silbersee (The Silver Lake)" is clearly an excellent example of that. This exquisite "Der Silbersee" is quite a polished production and, technically speaking, the best work that Chicago Opera Theater has done thus far. 4 SPOTLIGHTS
Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of "Hamnet" is superb - By Carol Moore
**** Highly Recommended The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of "Hamnet," now playing at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, is perfect. Honestly, I read Maggie O’Farrell’s book, "Hamnet," and I have to say there isn’t a single thing I’d change about this play. It was the best adaptation of a book that I’ve ever seen – and the acting is superb! 4 BIG Spotlights
"Holiday" is absolutely charming - By Carol Moore
**** Highly Recommended "Holiday" is absolutely charming, a delicious treat in the middle of a dreary, cold winter. This modern adaptation of a Cary-Grant-meets-Katherine-Hepburn comedy will have you laughing in no time flat. It has a brilliant cast, gorgeous costumes and two sumptuously decorated sets. "Holiday" is a must-see! 4 BIG Spotlights
ADMISSIONS * Review by Bob Rubin For TSP News
DEI * AFFIRMATIVE ACTION * MERIT BASED * FIXING DISCRIMINATION || This “fairness” is the subject of the stage play, “Admissions”