SOMETHING’S AFOOT - A review by Bob Rubin for TSP
It was fun and delightful! This little neighborhood theater with only seating capacity of 100+ put on a “downtown performance” of a musical called "Something’s Afoot"
Drury Lane's Production of "The KIng and I" is Stunning - Review by Carol Moore
**** Highly Recommended **** Although "The King and I" has always been one of my favorite musicals, I’d forgotten just how wonderful this musical is! Drury Lane’s stunning new production of "The King and I" is a feast for the eyes as well as for the ears. The cast is outstanding, the children are darling, the voices are amazing, and if you watch carefully, you might even see an elephant! it’s been a long time since I’ve been to Siam – I was really happy to return! 4 BIG Spotlights
Nobody is better at contemporary jazz than Giordano Dance Chicago - Review by Carol Moore
**** Highly Recommended **** Nobody is better at contemporary jazz than Giordano Dance Chicago. Their spring program, Illuminate, was a masterpiece of movement. The world premiere of Autumn Eckman’s Retroverse was worth the two-year wait, while the other premiere, 3, choreographed by Joshua Blake Carter, was a joy to watch. The Giordano dancers are so strong, so talented, so creative, they absolutely blew me away! 4 Spotlights
"A Recipe for Disaster" revisited - Review by Carol Moore
*** Recommended *** "A Recipe for Disaster" revisited … I was surprised to get an invitation to experience "A Recipe for Disaster" recently, since I’d reviewed the show last fall. In the meantime, co-creators Rick Bayless and Amy Rubenstein joined the cast on select dates, so Windy City invited us back. Although there are several new cast members, the story is the same – everything that could go wrong on influencer night at the Contumacious Pig, does go wrong. The show is a lot of fun, even the second time around, and the food and drink samplings are mostly delish. Bayless and Rubenstein even stick around for a Q and A after the performance. 3 Spotlights
"Good Night, Oscar" is ready for Broadway! - Review by Carol Moore
**** Highly Recommended **** Let me see, what can I say about the Goodman Theatre’s new production "Good Night, Oscar" that someone else hasn’t already said. Hmm, I’ll say it anyway. "Good Night, Oscar" is ready for Broadway! No kidding! This was one of the most interested, most engrossing, most entertaining plays I’ve seen in a very long time. In my opinion, Sean Hayes just boosted his acting creds from TV star to mega-star! You can’t miss with this one! 4 BIG Spotlights
Lyric Opera's "Fire Shut Up in My Bones" - Review by Jeffrey Leibham
****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED**** Lyric Opera of Chicago's bold initiative to present one contemporary, English-language opera on their mainstage each season continues with their latest offering, which closes the 2021/2022 season. "Fire Shut Up in My Bones" is particularly special because it is a collaboration of numerous extremely talented artists and performers whose voices rarely are heard in the major opera houses throughout the world and whose story focuses exclusively on that of a traditionally marginalized community. Congratulations are in order to all of the staff at Lyric for following through on their daring commitment in bringing this essential work to Chicago, which is a co-production of Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Metropolitan Opera and Los Angeles Opera.
How the Hell Did I Get Here? a charming autobiographical musical - Review by Carol Moore
**** Recommended **** How the Hell Did I Get Here? is a charming autobiographical musical starring Lesley Nicol, a British actress whose most famous part here in America, at least, was that of Mrs. Padmore in Downton Abbey. Nicol uses a light-hearted approach to sharing her life story using songs, pictures and anecdotes. How the Hell Did I Get Here? isn’t ‘rocket science’ as far as musicals go, but it was definitely entertaining. 3 ½ Spotlights
"Stand Up If You’re Here Tonight" - Review by Carol Moore
**** Recommended **** Over the years, I think I’ve heard entirely too many motivational speakers. None of them ever seem to get where I am or what I’m feeling. Curiously, this Man (Jim Ortlieb) in the American Blues Theater production of "Stand Up If You’re Here Tonight" seemed to understand exactly how long it had been since any of us felt connected. John Kolvenbach has written a brilliant script, incorporating the angst of the past two years in among the motivational clichés. Ortlieb, who can play almost any part and give it credibility, made it look easy as he convinced the opening night audience (full of critics – skeptics all) to read from a paper, clap, sigh, hum, or stand on cue. Amazing! 4 Spotlights
Dinner at Stolp Island Social + "Sweat" at the Copley = One Great Evening - Review by Carol Moore
**** Recommended **** "Sweat" is the first production in the Bold Series at the newly renovated Copley Theater inside North Island Center, across the street from the Paramount Theatre, Aurora. The new Copley is a 165 seat, state-of-the-art space. Before the show, my friend Nancy and I had a delicious dinner at Amy Morton’s newest restaurant, Stolp Island Social, next door to the Paramount at 5 E. Galena Blvd. Altogether, we had a wonderful evening. 4 Spotlights
"Tosca" makes Triumphant Return to the Lyric - Review by Jeffrey Leibham
****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED**** Giacomo Puccini's widely-beloved and extremely popular opera "Tosca" has made a triumphant return to the Lyric Opera in a new-to-Chicago production. Featuring majestic sets designed by the late Jean-Pierre Ponnelle and the exquisite costumes of the late Marcel Escoffier (including a reproduction of the legendary blood-red velvet gown worn by Maria Callas for the premiere of Franco Zeffirelli's 1964 Covent Garden production) this is the 19th production of "Tosca" that Lyric has presented in its 67-year history. However, this version is notable for the refreshing diversity represented on stage as well as in the orchestra pit. 4 Spotlights