The Gone to Paradise concert at Theatre at the Center on September 19th was just as much fun as their first TATC concert in 2024. As a Parrothead from way back, I can honestly say that their concerts are almost as much fun as an actual Jimmy Buffet concert – and I saw many of those!
***RECOMMENDED*** For the casual audience member attending an operatic performance, it is usually not necessary to know much about a production's narrative beforehand. That's the job of the librettist. If you have a good librettist, the story unfolds in real-time, it beautifully complements the rhythm of the composer's score and it is easily understood. However, if the source material happens to be Shakespeare or Greek tragedy, perhaps, you may want to do a little bit of research ahead of time. No need to dig out your old Edith Hamilton edition of "Mythology" however, in order to appreciate the season-opener "Medea" at Lyric Opera of Chicago. Just peruse the synopsis in your program before the curtain rises. The first paragraph will grant you vital information that will fill in memory gaps to Medea's backstory while also helping to answer questions that have major significance on what is her motivation for ultimately devising such a sinister plan. 3 SPOTLIGHTS
*** Recommended Remy Bumppo’s latest production, "Wish You Were Here," is a series of vignettes about four female friends in Iran. Although the acting was outstanding, I was a little underwhelmed. I thought the vignettes, while interesting and even at times poignant, were rather superficial. I think maybe the play was about how hard it is to keep friendships going when times are tough, but maybe not. Maybe I missed the point playwright Sanaz Toossi was trying to make. 3 Spotlights
**** Recommended Elizabeth McGovern, who stars as Ava Gardner in "AVA: The Secret Conversations," is one heck of an actress. I watched her play Lady Cora Crawley in every episode of Downton Abbey – and all three movies – and she was very good, but somehow dwarfed by the bigger personalities – her mother-in-law, her daughter, etc. – around the Abbey. Seeing her in this role, I see what a great actress she really is. 4 Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended Steppenwolf Theatre opens their season with a fascinating family drama, "Mr. Wolf." Rajiv Joseph’s play is about a family dealing the return of a 15-year-old daughter who was kidnapped as a toddler. Can she develop a relationship with these strangers? Can the adults work through all their hostility toward each other and work together? Was the kidnapper a mild-mannered astronomy professor or a total whack job? The answers to these questions kept me spellbound til the end. 4 Spotlights
***** Recommended I really enjoyed the Goodman Theatre’s production of "Ashland Avenue," written by Lee Kirk, a comedy filled with family angst. Kevin Depinet’s amazing set is part of the fun. How many TV sets can you count? And then there’s the cardboard cutout. The story wasn’t that original but it worked. It’s a little on the long side, however. 3 ½ Spotlights
Blues fans will want to take a seat in the audience for Black Ensemble Theatre's newest show.
“Blue Heaven,” which was written and directed by Daryl D. Brooks, is the current show starring on stage at BET. The production runs to Oct. 26. “Blue Heaven,” tells a type of fantasy story, where five deceased legendary blues artists, while gathered in a club in what is meant to be the great beyond, talk about their lives and careers and share their music with one another.
**** Highly Recommended Drury Lane Theatre’s production of "Dial M for Murder" is stylish and sophisticated in a very British way. Seething resentment hides behind drinks and civilized behavior in a posh Mayfair drawing room. The talented cast not only kept everyone’s attention, they were able to convey unspoken nuances too. By the way, the title is something of an anachronism, considering that at least a third of the audience has never used a dial telephone. 4 Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended The Joffrey Ballet’s "Carmen" was magnificent. Georges Bizet’s glorious music combined with Liam Scarlett’s emotive choreography danced with incredible artistry by the Joffrey company is a spectacle not to be missed! I must say I had forgotten just how evocative this music can be. Seriously, "Carmen" blew me away - the music, the choreography, the costumes, just wow! I can’t say enough about the Joffrey dancers who always execute the most complicated choreography with flawless technique and grace. Don’t miss it! 4 BIG Spotlights
The sounds of Mexican Mariachi music starred on stage recently at The Auditorium Theatre in Chicago.
Music fans recently had the opportunity to enjoy a performance by the popular Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan when the group brought its 2025 EL Legato Tour show to Chicago. It proved to be a night mixing exuberant, romantic and melodious sounds that easily drew audience members in.
