***RECOMMENDED*** "Hedda Gabler" In a punchy new adaptation by Mark O'Rowe, which feels both deferential to Ibsen's original text while also being extremely modern, several company members of The Artistic Home give credible performances under Monica's Payne's solid direction. 3.5 SPOTLIGHTS
**** Recommended Steppenwolf Theatre’s production of "Fool For Love" is a perfect gem. It has more angst packed into 68 minutes than you’ll find in plays far longer. Although younger audiences might not be familiar with Sam Shepard, his work stands the test of time. It’s intense, gripping and great theater! 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended It was an absolute pleasure to see Hubbard Street Dance Chicago performing their Season 47: Winter Series at the Harris Theatre. The three-part program (with two intermissions) featured pieces choreographed by Ohad Naharin, FLOCK: Alice Klock & Florian Lochner, James Gregg and Johan Inger. I was in awe of the grace and strength displayed by the entire ensemble. 4 Spotlights!
**** Highly Recommended "Golden Hour" is a demonstration of all that makes the Joffrey such a leader in contemporary ballet. The performance included two recent pieces from the Joffrey repertoire and two world premiere pieces. The Joffrey’s classically trained, incredibly talented dancers execute the most complicated choreography with flawless technique and timing – and they make it look easy! 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended "Circus Quixote" is quite simply the most fascinating show of the season, and exactly the pick-me-up we need! Forget that gloomy Quixote in the musical, he takes himself entirely too seriously. This Quixote tilts on his rocking chair, climbs/rides that windmill, and climbs a rope like a circus star. I love this whimsical show produced by Lookingglass Theatre in association with The Actors Gymnasium. I was enthralled from start to finish. 4 BIG Spotlights
*** Recommended If you’re in the mood for laughs, get to The Second City for "We Always Bounce Black: A Black Excellence Comedy Revue." This funny show is built around something called BEN or the Black Excellence Network – on cable or streaming is never specified – with sketches about mini sit-coms, quiz shows and so on. A lot of the content was specific to the black community but I can attest that whites in the audience laughed too as the talented cast pokes fun at most everything. 3 ½ Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended Drury Lane Theatre’s production of "Beautiful – The Carole King Musical" is delighting audiences. The music – one hit after another – is timeless and the choreography is spectacular. "Beautiful" is, without a doubt, my favorite jukebox musical of all time! Hurry and get your tickets, they’ll be going fast for this must-see musical. 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Recommended Northlight Theatre’s production of "The Heart Sellers" is a delightful comedy. In just 90 minutes, you’ll fall in love with these two newcomers to America, one from Korea, the other from the Philippines, and their celebration of its ‘strange’ holiday. The story, set in 1973, was fun to watch as it includes quite a few quaint and time-specific references. I was charmed! 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended Writers Theatre’s production of "Frida…A Self Portrait," is a stunning one-woman show written by and starring Vanessa Severo, directed by Joanie Schultz. Frida Kahlo was a complex woman who lived large. Kudos to Severo, I can’t even imagine how difficult the writing process must have been. It was a truly fascinating performance. 4 Spotlights
**** Shattered Globe Theatre’s production of "Lobby Hero" is definitely one of my top three plays so far his year. I was so absorbed in the story I almost forgot it was a story! Somehow, an unassuming little play was transformed into a moving experience, and I think it’s the unexpected humor. Add to that the outstanding performance by newcomer Elliot Esquivel and you get a gem! Get a ticket now! 4 Spotlights
