**** Recommended I don’t know what I thought Northlight Theatre’s production of "2 Pianos 4 Hands" would be – a concert, maybe – but it turned out to be something quite different. It does feature concert-level performances but it’s more about the process of learning to play the piano than it is about the final product. It’s funny, heart-wrenching and a very good story. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended If country music is your jam – like my friend Nancy - you’ll definitely want to see "Country Is: The Music of Main Street in Concert", the last musical of the Canterbury Summer Theatre’s season. Even though country music is not my jam, I really did enjoy the show. The three cast members are talented, enthusiastic and energetic, although they were a teensy bit pitchy on a couple of songs. 3 ½ Spotlights
**** Recommended "The Mystery of Amelia Earhart" starring Leslie Goddard was an absolutely fascinating show. I didn’t realize how much I didn’t know about Earhart. Goddard, a historian, author, actress and lecturer, did extensive research into Earhart’s childhood and private life as well as her more public persona. In fact, she was totally immersed in Earhart, so much so that she never broke character, even in the Q & A after the show. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended Drury Lane Theatre’s production, "Ain’t Misbehavin’", is a guaranteed good time. An incredibly talented cast, with the music of the onstage orchestra, makes for a toe-tapping revue celebrating the music of Fats Waller. "Ain’t Misbehavin’" is smooth, sexy and polished. I give it 4 Spotlights.
**** Highly Recommended You don’t have to be a fan of "Dancing with the Stars" to appreciate the dazzling spectacle that is "Savor after Hours". It is quite simply breathtaking! This high-energy production features some of the world’s best ballroom dancers flawlessly executing the brilliant choreography of KC Monnie. Helen and I both loved this show! 4 BIG Spotlights
“Grease” is the word at the Skokie Theatre || Reviewed by Keith Laggos, PHD. For TSP News
10-9-8-7…… BLAST OFF, TO THE PAST! || MARRIOTT THEATRE PRESENTS “BEEHIVE” A sixties’ MUSICAL REVIEW BY Bob Rubin, For TSP News
**** Highly Recommended I was a teen in the 60’s – graduated from high school in 1963, from Indiana University in 1967 – so Every Single Song in Marriott’s production of "Beehive: The 60’s Musical" brought memories. Director/Choreographer Deidre Goodwin called the show “a love letter to the music of the 60’s,” but it’s really a love letter to the female singers of the sixties – the early girl groups, Leslie Gore, Marianne Faithful, the Supremes, Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Janis Joplin and more – who often didn’t get the headlines, but were just as good as the guys! 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended Steppenwolf Theatre’s latest production, "Little Bear Ridge Road", is an intimate family drama fraught with angst. Samuel D. Hunter’s exploration of the relationship – or lack thereof – of the last two members of the Fernsby family is both funny and poignant in large part due to the brilliant give-and-take between Laurie Metcalf and Micah Stock. My comment to my friend Nancy at the end - “Wow!” 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended Chicago Shakespeare’s summer show, "Corduroy", directed by Amber Mak, is the perfect show to introduce the small set to live theater. It’s as cute as it can be. It’s colorful, funny, physical, interactive – and it has Corduroy! My six-year-old grandniece, Maeve, loved it. 4 BIG Spotlights
