**** Recommended **** Lookingglass Theatre’s production of "Her Honor Jane Byrne" had just opened – I think they had four or five previews and opening night – and then the pandemic hit. I never got a chance to see this gripping political drama, so I was happy to see that Lookingglass was reopening with Her Honor Jane Byrne. It was worth the wait! 4 Spotlights
*** Recommended *** Here’s my dilemma, I saw a play that totally creeped me out – and yet, it was incredibly well-acted. Who knew that Tracy Letts’ 1996 tragi-comedy; "Bug," which literally made my skin crawl, is a cult classic. Although it played a couple of Chicago’s small stages back in the day, I’d never seen it. Unfortunately, I could see the tragic end coming almost from the beginning. If you want to scare yourself silly, then this is the play for you. 3 Spotlights
**** Recommended **** A new opera at Chicago’s storied and beloved Lyric Opera is always a welcome event, especially this season, which marks a joyous return for Midwest opera-lovers after a closed house last year due to the Covid 19 pandemic. The Lyric premiere of a new production of “Florencia en el Amazones,” a 1996 opera by famed late Mexican composer Daniel Catan, is cause for celebration. It debuted at Civic Opera House Saturday night, Nov. 13. 4 Spotlights
***** Highly Recommended ***** "Sister Act" is one of my favorite musicals so I had very high expectations when I went to see Mercury Theater’ new production. I’m happy to say this production not only met my expectations, it exceeded them. This show is absolutely fabulous. An outstanding cast with amazing voices, dance-in-your-seat music with choreography to match, gorgeous costumes – what more could you ask for? Kudos to Director Reneisha Jenkins, Sister Act is just about perfect. 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Recommended **** I’m not a fan of country music, but Porchlight Music Theatre’s new production of "Pump Boys and Dinettes" is a toe-tappin’ good time. "Pump Boys and Dinettes," one of my favorite feel-good musicals, is a guaranteed audience pleaser and perfect for a smaller venue. If you’re looking for a good time, you’ll want to head over to the Ruth Page Center for a performance. I give "Pump Boys and Dinettes" 4 Spotlights.
**** Highly Recommended **** Sometimes a play comes around that just resonates! "Remember This: The Lesson of Jan Karski" is one of those plays. On a dark stage, one man, using his clothing, a desk and two straight chairs, recounts a harrowing journey through the horrors of war-torn Poland. Here’s the thing that really resonated for me – Jan Karski (David Strathairn), was a real person – but the world forgot. 4 Spotlights
***RECOMMENDED*** To state the fact that the Lyric Opera of Chicago has a passionate love affair with Mozart’s "The Magic Flute" may be a bit of an understatement.
**** Recommended **** I didn’t know what to expect from "What the Constitution Means to Me." I didn’t have the opportunity to see its abbreviated run just before the pandemic began, as I was having knee surgery. As it turned out, the play really was about the Constitution, and playwright Heidi Schreck’s interpretation of that document. Cassie Beck, who plays Schreck, has a warm and humorous touch. I learned a few things – and had a good time too. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended **** It felt so normal to walk into the Mainstage at Second City, even kind of surreal. Everything looked the same, felt the same, and yet…There’s a parallel to our lives, everyone went through the last eighteen months together, yet completely apart. So of course "Together at Last," the 109th Mainstage Revue, reflected the last eighteen months and the changes a pandemic has made in all our lives. We’ve been serious long enough, we need some laughter and Together at Last definitely fills that need. 4 Spotlights
** Somewhat Recommended ** The Frankenstein legend continues on in Joseph Zettelmaier’s newest gothic horror story, "The Jigsaw Bride" at First Folio Theatre through November 14th. Although First Folio’s set is suitably gothic, the story itself is really kind of boring. I’ve seen several of Zettelmaier’s plays, and enjoyed all of them – but not this one. 2 ½ Spotlights
