Spotlight on Reviews

**** Highly Recommended **** You can’t help but feel nostalgic when you see Theatre at the Center’s production of “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”.  Just wait, the terrific cast will sing and dance themselves right into your hearts.  You’ll be humming along to Berlin’s wonderful melodies, too.  Unless you’re a curmudgeon, I guarantee you’ll be in the holiday mood when the fabulous cast sings the title song.  I give “White Christmas” 4 BIG Holiday Spotlights.       

***** Highly Recommended ***** I’m a Jane Austin fan.  I’ve read and reread all of her books, wry commentaries on the courtship rituals of the English gentry.  The Bennett family, described so well in “Pride and Prejudice”, is dear to me.  I loved Northlight Theatre’s 2016 production of “Miss Bennett: Christmas at Pemberley”, so I was happy to see that Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon had written a companion play set ’downstairs’ at Pemberley.  “The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley” is fresh and witty, fitting perfectly into Jane Austin’s world.  I loved it.  4 BIG Holiday Spotlights. 

****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