**** Highly Recommended **** When I saw Chicago Tap Theatre’s fantastical science fiction tap opera, “Changes”, it felt like a time warp, flashing me back to my favorite space hero on TV, Flash Gordon, traveling through the galaxy in his spaceship, fighting cosmic villains. Everything was there - a hero, a villain, minions, captured/oppressed people, a rocket, even a cheesy laser weapon. Choreographer Mark Yonally’s ingenious choreography uses tap shoes to tell the story. Add to that the spacey score (pun intended), a mélange of David Bowie’s song tracks with live additions by CTT Music Director Kurt Schweitz and Lighting Designer Dustin Derry’s laser lighting, and you get a spectacle. 4 Spotlights

**** Highly Recommended **** When I was a child, I was obsessed with ballet. I was positive I was going to be a ballerina when I grew up, but alas, I wasn’t any good at it. As an adult, I’m aware of my limitations, but I still love ballet and so I feel very privileged to be invited to attend the Joffrey Ballet’s performances. Their spring engagement, “Global Visionaries”, is a brilliant smorgasbord of contemporary ballet. The incredibly talented Joffrey dancers execute the most complicated choreography with flawless technique and timing. 4 Spotlights

**** Highly Recommended **** If you’re a fan of the Rolling Stones, you have to see “Exhibitionism – The Rolling Stones” while the show is in town. With over 500 original objects from the Stones’ private collections, this is the definitive exhibition of Stones memorabilia. Chicago is the third stop for “Exhibitionism” after it premiered in London, followed by a star-studded success in New York. Next stop on the tour is Sydney, Australia. I’m a lifelong Stones fan, and I loved this show! 4 BIG Spotlights

***** Highly Recommended ***** Cavalia Odysseo is an awesome show, in fact, I’d call it totally spectacular! It is definitely one of the best things I’ve ever seen. Odysseo is all about horses – horses with riders, horses running free, horses following a trainer – no bridles, no halters, no reins – amazing! It’s horses, horses, horses, blended with unique, human circus acts. I loved it! 4 BIG Spotlights

****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED**** "More Than a Letter" is a joyous celebration of LGBTQ composers and musicians. Presented by Chicago Sinfonietta this program enjoyed two performances over the past week, one in Naperville and the other in downtown Chicago. The guest conductor was Michael Morgan of the Oakland Symphony and former Assistant Conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. 4 SPOTLIGHTS

**** Highly Recommended **** Although I saw Chicago Tap Company’s incredibly creative “Time Steps”, a story told in dance, last year, I didn’t know much about the company. Since I was fascinated by their style of tap dance, I decided then that I’d definitely go to see them dance again. When I got an invitation to see CTT’s “Liaison”, an international exploration of tap dance, I was ready to go! Ab Fab production! 4 Spotlights

Highly Recommended **** The Joffrey Ballet’s “Game Changers”, another brilliant smorgasbord of contemporary ballet, includes “Fool’s Paradise”, a graceful, sensual, and very sexy ballet; “Infra”, a strong yet mournful urban abstract; and finally, the intricate and ever-changing patterns of “Year of the Rabbit”. As always, the Joffrey dancers execute the most complicated choreography with flawless technique while a live orchestra adds depth to the experience. I give “Game Changers” 4 Spotlights.

***** Highly Recommended ***** The Joffrey Ballet’s “new” version of “The Nutcracker”, choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon is magnificent. By setting “The Nutcracker” against the Columbian Exposition of 1893, Wheeldon has given the city a unique gift. I am in awe! Loved everything about “The Nutcracker”. 4 BIG Spotlights!