**** Recommended A 17-year-old girl with an absent father rebelling against her controlling mother is not a new story. What makes "Hell’s Kitchen" different is the music and Alicia Keys! Not actually Alicia Keys, but you couldn’t prove it by the screaming fans in the audience. I would give an A++++ on the voices & music, the choreography too, but just a B- on the story but nobody cared because – Alicia Keys! 4 Spotlights
While all the productions Citadel Theatre puts on are terrific, I really hesitated to review this one. Another happy on-stage holiday story…ho hum! And it has nothing to do with the fact that I am Jewish! But…it is my job, so I reluctantly attended the preopening of “Miracle on South Division Street.” And… am I glad I did!
**** Highly Recommended I loved Writers Theatre’s production of "As You Like It," one of Shakespeare’s more complicated comedies. This delightful show was just what I needed! Shakespeare’s words and music are a natural fit in this enjoyable new adaptation by Shaina Taub and Laurie Wooolery. Kudos to Director Braden Abraham, Music Director Michael Mahler and Choreographer Erin Kilmurray, for bringing a new twist on an old favorite. Get your tickets for this terrific holiday show ASAP! 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Recommended I’d heard of Chicago Repertory Ballet, but I’ve never seen anything of theirs, so I was delighted to get an invitation to see "The Capulets" at the Ruth Page Center. "The Capulets" is a fascinating riff on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, a story ballet focusing on Juliet’s parents. The choreography was sensual, evocative and athletic. The execution was flawless, especially the swordplay! 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended The uber-talented Leslie Goddard returned to Theatre at the Center for another of her one-woman shows, "The Life and Legend of Lizzie Borden." Yes, indeed, it was Lizzie Borden herself, telling her story. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended The Towle Theater’s production of "Little Shop of Horrors" wowed northwest Indiana audiences for just two short weekends. What a shame! Although their space is tiny for a show of this size, they made it work using minimal props and scenery. I really enjoyed this one. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended After the opening performance of "Paranormal Activity" at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, a group of us were talking about the performance, which we had enjoyed. Somebody said that it had been way too long since we’d seen a good suspense-filled play – maybe since "Wait until Dark." At any rate, if you love shows about things that go bump in the night, you’ll love this one. 4 Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended Why revive "Sound of Music" for a national tour? Simply put – it’s one of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s classic musicals, it’s family friendly, the love story is timeless and it’s the 65th anniversary of "The Sound of Music" on stage. This production is enchanting. 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended The Q Brothers Collective – GQ, JQ, Jax and Pos – are back at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre with their unique take on Julius Caesar. "Rome Sweet Rome" is fresh, cheeky, fun and very original. Loved it! 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended TimeLine Theatre’s production of Sandra Delgado’s new play, "Hundreds and Hundreds of Stars," at Lookingglass Theatre, is really timely, since the central character, Clara, artfully played by Delgado herself, is part of the sandwich generation – and dealing with immigration. The story is poignant and thought-provoking. Since it’s set in an earlier, more friendly time, Clara has time to get a lawyer and plead her case in court. 4 Spotlights
