Spotlight on Reviews

****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED**** If you mention "The Nutcracker" to anyone they will more than likely have visions of sugar plum fairies dancing through their head or at least the iconic music of Tchaikovsky's famous "Suite" ringing in their ears. But for those of you who may want a slightly different interpretation than what the Joffrey Ballet is offering (or any other dance company, for that matter), you should head to the Chopin Theater -- and quickly. For the tenth consecutive year, the House Theatre of Chicago is offering their ballet-free version of this family-friendly holiday classic. If you've never seen it before, you will be surprised by how emotionally raw this work can be at times. If you have been fortunate to have seen it over the recent years that have turned this into an annual holiday gem for the House Theatre, a repeat visit is in order as this adaptation has been gently refined with some key changes in casting and technical execution. With a show that is this unique and special, here's hoping that it may run for at least another ten years or more. 4 Holiday SPOTLIGHTS

**** Highly Recommended **** After seeing Lookingglass Theatre’s production of “The Steadfast Tin Soldier” for the second time, I can say this holiday pantomime is special every time you see it.  If you’re looking for a holiday outing for your family, this should be the show.  Featuring five uber-talented artists, amazing puppets, talented musicians, fantastical costumes and more, “The Steadfast Tin Soldier” is completely charming.  Mary Zimmerman’s interpretation of the Hans Christian Anderson story is done entirely in pantomime.  I loved it!  4 BIG Holiday Spotlights

**** Recommended **** The Second City continues to do what they do best, making people laugh, and laugh, and laugh some more, with their 108th Mainstage Revue, “Do You Believe in Madness?” The Second City formula – a revue filled with snarky commentary on the news of the day, silly sketches, music, improv, audience participation, even a little slapstick comedy – has been very successful over the years. In honor of a milestone birthday – The Second City turns sixty (60) on December 16th – they’ve put together the funniest revue I’ve seen in several years! 4 Spotlights

**** Highly Recommended **** “Oliver!” is another of my favorite musicals.  I’ve seen the show so many times I can almost recite the dialogue, not to mention the lyrics of most of the songs, but so what!  The score is one great song after another starting with “Food, Glorious Food”.  Some other favorites - “I'd Do Anything (for your)”, “Where is Love?”, “Consider Yourself (one of the family)”, “Who Will Buy”, and “As Long As He Needs Me”.  The Marriott production is just plain terrific!  Take your family, your kids/grandkids, they’ll love it!  4 BIG Spotlights