**** Highly Recommended **** “The Spitfire Grill” is in my top ten list of favorite musicals because of its unique folk/bluegrass score. A microcosm of small-town life, “The Spitfire Grill” is a sweet, poignant story about starting over. Terrific voices, folksy music and a happy ending, what more could you ask for? American Blues Theatre has put together a delightful production! 4 Spotlights
****Recommended **** “True West” is not a new play – in fact, it was written in 1976 – but for some reason, I’d never seen it. I’d heard about it of course, after all it is the play that rocketed Steppenwolf Theatre into the national spotlight. Now that I’ve seen it, I can tell you that it is one of those plays that you watch in a kind of horrified fascination, finding yourself thinking, “that can’t be good”. “True Love” will reach out and grab your attention. 4 Spotlights
Recommended **** “Over the Tavern” is a nostalgic look at growing up Catholic in the ‘50s. Although the story is set is Buffalo, New York, it could be anywhere, as long as anywhere has a Polish – or Irish or Italian or … – community, a Catholic school, some old-fashioned nuns, and a tavern or two. I grew up in the ‘50s, so my life was a lot like theirs. Although I didn’t live over a tavern, I did live across the street from a Catholic church, school and Convent, so my brothers often got in trouble with the nuns for things they did outside of school. 4 Spotlights
Recommended **** Shakespeare under the stars is one of my favorite summertime activities. First Folio’s outdoor stage set in the lush Mayslake Peabody Estate is the perfect place to watch “Henry V” and a mini-version of the war at Agincourt – and the action was not confined to the stage. Kudos to Director Hailey Rice on an exciting production! 4 Spotlights
Highly Recommended **** “The Wizard of Oz” Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s summer family show is bright, colorful and fun! Kids of all ages will love it! It’s not too long, just 75 minutes, but everything from the original is included. The set is simple, the costumes are colorful, the music is lively, and Toto is a real dog! Everyone will cheer for Dorothy as she outsmarts the Wicked Witch of the West, played by twelve-time Jeff Award winner, Hollis Resnik. 4 Spotlights
Recommended **** For me, “Darling Grenadine” has been difficult to write about because of the subject – addictions, specifically alcoholism. With alcoholism in my immediate family, I can truthfully say “been there, done that” about many of the behaviors depicted. There’s no denying that “Darling Grenadine” is a hauntingly beautiful musical, but I don’t recommend it for anyone with similar family issues. 3 ½ Spotlights
Highly Recommended **** Who knew that ‘80s pop music the people of today’s LGBTQ community and ancient Greece would make a wonderfully farcical jukebox musical? Taking that music, those people and that place – and the right cast – and Kokandy Productions made magic with campy romp, “Head Over Heels”. “Head Over Heels” is a little bit risqué, a tiny bit bawdy, kind of farcical, and very, very funny. 4 Spotlights
* Somewhat Recommended * I was really looking forward to seeing “Pride and Joy: The Marvin Gaye Musical” because I’ve always loved Marvin Gaye’s music. What a disappointment! The cast is talented – they all have really good voices – and the music is Motown, but the book (the storyline) is awful! If I were to rank the jukebox musicals I’ve seen over the years, “Pride and Joy” would probably come in dead last. 1 Spotlight
**** Highly Recommended **** I have a new entry to my personal top ten musicals, “Six”! I loved this new pop-rock concert musical starring the six wives of Henry VIII so much that I’ve downloaded the soundtrack – and bought tickets to see it again! How’s that for a recommendation? I’m telling you, I LOVE this show! 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Recommended **** “Falsettos” is an unusual musical in that it defies classification. It’s about the angst-ridden lives of six New Yorkers, but it’s not annoying – at least most of the time. It has funny bits, but it’s not a comedy. It has really sad bits, but it’s not a tragedy. The entire script is sung, but it’s not an opera or even an operetta. It’s actually a musical soap opera about “homosexuals with children”, but it’s also a beautiful musical experience sung by six outstanding voices. 4 Spotlights
