★★★★★ Most of you know that I adore the work at Redtwist Theatre, that little “black box” on Bryn Mawr, where they continue to bring strong drama in an intimate setting. It is difficult not to, based on the work they continue to bring to their stage. Currently, they are presenting the Chicago premiere of a play that was a huge success at South Coast Rep, “Going To A Place Where You Already Are”, written by Bekah Brunstetter.

Highly Recommended **** I guess I should preface my review by saying that I LOVE “The King and I”! It has been one of my very favorites since I was involved with the Music Theatre of Highland Park’s summer production in 1960 featuring Patrice Munsel as Anna and Victor Jory as the King.

**** Recommended **** “Pass Over”, Steppenwolf’s new play in the Upstairs Theatre, is an uncomfortable modern riff on “Waiting for Godot”. While “Godot” is meant to be absurd and meaningless, “Pass Over” is neither. In fact, the street corner war zone is stark reality for many young black men. “Pass Over” isn’t a ‘likeable’ play, but it will leave you thinking. 3 ½ Spotlights.

**** Recommended **** “Native Gardens” is a funny, biting one-act play about neighbors. If political correctness is your litmus test for a play, I’m pretty sure “Native Gardens” will fail. In fact, Karen Zacarías gleefully embraces all those handy “isms”, converting them into comedic zingers. If you’re going to be offended, stay home! “Native Gardens” had me laughing within minutes! 3 Spotlights

**** Recommended **** “Her Majesty’s Will” is a campy, irreverent romp which hazards a guess as to what Shakespeare did with his ‘lost years’. David Blixt says that he wrote “Her Majesty’s Will (Will & Kit Adventures Book 1)” in part as an homage to Bob Hope and Bing Crosby in those “Road” movies. In his adaptation of “Her Majesty’s Will” for the Lifeline stage, Robert Kauzlaric wisely incorporates that silly, tongue-in-cheek, just-buddies charm. 3 ½ Spotlights

**** Recommended **** “King Liz” is a fast-paced, nitty-gritty glimpse into the fiercely competitive world of sports agents. Whether you love professional sports or absolutely loathe them, “King Liz” will draw you in. Sit back – in the most comfortable seats you’ll find at any theater in Chicago – and enjoy. “King Liz” will make you laugh, gasp, and maybe even tear up. 3 ½ Spotlights

**** Highly Recommended **** If you’ve never seen “Parade”, be aware that this is not your standard ‘upbeat’ musical. “Parade” has a gripping story written by Alfred Uhry, with rich, glorious music by Jason Robert Brown. Kudos to Writers Theatre, Director Gary Griffin and the incredibly talented for bringing this historically important but rarely staged musical to Chicago audiences. 4 Spotlights

**** Highly Recommended **** When I read that Remy Bumppo and Silk Road Rising would be collaborating on Tanika Gupta’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel, “Great Expectations”, I knew I had to see it! Setting the story in India during the British Raj totally met all of my expectations (don’t groan too loud). “Great Expectations” is fascinating. It’s long, but it never drags. In fact, it kept my interest squarely on the stage. 4 Spotlights