"The Fantasticks" at Citadel Theatre - Review by Bob Rubin for TSP News and TSP Radio
“The Fantasticks”-So much symbolism! So much fun! So simple and important a moral! So well done!
"Bug" will Creep You Out! - Review by Carol Moore
*** 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 unfortunate end coming almost from the beginning. So, if you want to scare yourself silly, then this is the play for you. 3 Spotlights
"Jeeves Saves the Day" - Review by Carol Moore
**** Recommended **** I love the P.G. Wodehouse stories about Bertie Wooster and his man, Jeeves because they never fail to make me laugh out loud. It is so much fun seeing Bertie and Jeeves come to life on the First Folio stage, they keep me laughing. Audiences must love them too, since “Jeeves Saves the Day” is the fifth appearance of the dynamic duo on the Oak Brook stage. Kudos to Director Joe Foust on a very funny, yet really charming production. 4 Spotlights
"How to Defend Yourself" - Review by Jeffrey Leibham
***RECOMMENDED*** There was certainly quite a buzz in the air at the recent opening night performance of Liliana Padilla's play "How to Defend Yourself." As the audience members filled the lobby of the Victory Gardens Theater, the anticipation level was extremely high. Once inside and seated in their seats it definitely took on a party atmosphere. Padilla's latest script, developed as part of Victory Gardens 2018 IGNITION Festival of New Plays, was receiving its Co-World Premiere with Actors Theatre of Louisville. The very vocal audience instantly embraced this important and essential work and "How to Defend Yourself" marks the emergence of a major new voice in the American theatre. 3 AND 1/2 SPOTLIGHTS
Lots of Suspense in "How A Boy Falls" - Review by Carol Moore
**** Recommended **** Northlight Theatre’s production of “How a Boy Falls” is a wonderfully dark and twisted little mystery by Steven Dietz. It’s so tightly knit that just when you think you’ve figured it out, everything changes. With everyone having secrets, just who’s guilty? If you like mysteries or suspense novels for that matter, you’ll love this play. 3 ½ Spotlights
"Sophisticated Ladies" is a Must-see - Review by Carol Moore
**** Highly Recommended **** Ladies and Gentlemen, Duke Ellington is in Chicago! To be exact, a Duke Ellington celebration, “Sophisticated Ladies”, is wowing audiences at Porchlight Music Theatre. This absolutely fabulous must-see revue is a song and dance extravaganza. Don’t miss this one, it’s on my top ten list for the year! 4 BIG Spotlights
Very Human "Roe" Is a Must-See - Review by Carol Moore
**** Recommended **** The Goodman Theatre’s new production, “Roe”, should be on everyone’s must-see list. Going in, I wasn’t looking forward to seeing this play because I thought it would be all strident and heavy, and yes, politically correct, but it wasn’t. I never cared about the people involved in “Roe v Wade, but this play about two very different women, brought those very real people behind the Supreme Court ruling to life. It was human and poignant and even-handed, even though parts were both strident and political (causing some in the audience to lose their minds). My friend Helen liked it so much she recommended it to some of her friends! 4 Spotlights
The Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show is still Amazing - Review by Carol Moore
**** Recommended **** The Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show pays tribute to 25 years of synchronized Irish dance in a spectacular fashion. The Anniversary Show features the beautiful scenery, haunting music, poetry and song of Ireland. Add in gorgeous costumes and a little extra zing from Spain, Russia and the USA, and you’ve gotta love it! I give “Riverdance” 4 Spotlights
Your Tweens & Teens will love "Short Shakespeare! Comedy of Errors" - Review by Carol Moore
**** Highly Recommended **** I am always in awe when I see one of Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s “Short Shakespeare!” performances! The very idea that someone can abridge one of Shakespeare’s complicated plots into 75 minutes is mind-boggling. Even more impressive, Director Eli Newell staged a full production with an excellent cast, and definitely didn’t dumb it down! This year’s offering, “Short Shakespeare! Comedy of Errors”, was 75 minutes of pure fun. 4 Spotlights
"The Gulf" - Review by Jeffrey Leibham
***RECOMMENDED*** Two women. One boat. A rift between them that is wider than the Gulf of Mexico itself. As long-held little secrets eventually bubble to the surface during what is supposed to be a leisurely afternoon of fishing and sunbathing on the Alabama Delta, these two lovers of six years must face some pretty harsh realities in playwright Audrey Cefaly's insightful character study "The Gulf." 3 SPOTLIGHTS