Spotlight on Reviews

***** Highly Recommended ***** The Joffrey Ballet’s “Chicago-centric” version of "The Nutcracker", choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, is quite simply magnificent. By setting “The Nutcracker” against Chicago’s Columbian Exposition of 1893, Wheeldon gave the city a unique gift.  This was the fifth time I’ve seen/reviewed “The Nutcracker” and I still love everything about it!  I did notice that a few things which were just slightly different, which actually improved on something that I thought was just about perfect.  Every movement was graceful, precise and exquisitely performed.  By the way, Tchaichovsky’s glorious music was played by the Lyric Opera Orchestra conducted by Scott Speck, the Joffrey’s Music Director.  4 BIG Holiday Spotlights!

**** Recommended **** As I’ve come to expect, Paramount Theatre’s production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s "Cinderella" was truly wonderful.  The cast, the costumes, the set, the music were fairy-tale perfect.  If you’re bringing a small princess to the show, be aware that this is not the Disney version of Cinderella, the songs are all different and there’s no Bibbidy Bobbidy Boo in this show!  It was a joy to watch!  4 Spotlights

**** Recommended **** If you’re looking for some adults-only holiday cheer, then I have the play for you!  "Who’s Holiday", a one-woman show starring Veronica Garza as 40-something Cindy Lou Who.  Garza had us in stitches from start to finish.  "Who’s Holiday" is raucous, raunchy and absolutely hilarious.  4 Spotlights

**** Recommended **** Marriott Theatre’s new production of "Kiss Me Kate" is just plain wonderful.  This 1948 backstage musical about a theater company doing The Taming of the Shrew has all the right elements – battling stars who also happen to be exes, bumbling gangsters who get hooked on Shakespeare, young lovers with issues, and fabulous songs by Cole Porter.  Who would have thought that Porter and Shakespeare had anything in common?  4 BIG Spotlights