**** Highly Recommended **** “The Play that Goes Wrong” is one of the funniest plays I’ve ever seen. In fact, I can’t remember when I laughed so much, and I wasn’t alone. Everyone was laughing, all the time! The laughter, which started well before the show began, continued until the end. If you’re feeling blue, “The Play that Goes Wrong” will chase those blues away! Don’t miss it! 4 BIG Spotlights

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

***RECOMMENDED*** Just in time for the holidays, Lyric Opera of Chicago has given all of the arts lovers in the area an incredible gift -- their charming new production (which is a Lyric premiere) of "Cendrillon." Beautifully directed by Laurent Perry (who also designed the fantastic costumes) and conducted by the esteemed Sir Andrew Davis, Jules Massenet's 1899 opera is presented here in an exquisitely wrapped present complete with a neatly tied large bow on top. Perfect for sparkling under the Christmas tree. Massenet's score is as lively and effervescent as the bubbles in the glass of champagne you may raise to ring in the New Year. 3 SPOTLIGHTS

***** Highly Recommended ****** The Goodman Theatre’s 41st annual production of “A Christmas Carol”, which remains essentially the same from year to year, is a holiday tradition for many families, spanning generations. The Goodman lobby is festive with decorations and a sparkling holiday shopping area. Now in its 41st year, “A Christmas Carol” is once again practically perfect – fabulous cast, lavish sets and colorful period costumes. I give it 4 Holiday Spotlights.

**** Highly Recommended **** If you’re looking for a special holiday outing for your family, Lookingglass Theatre’s production of “The Steadfast Tin Soldier” would be a really special treat. Featuring five uber-talented artists, amazing puppets, 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 Spotlights

★★★★★ Dealing with families and their customs and traditions is not always easy for an outsider. In Danai Guirira’s comedy, “Familiar”, now on the main stage at Steppenwolf Theatre, we have a mixed marriage and are privy to the day before the ceremony is to take place.

***** Highly Recommended ***** Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s newest venue, The Yard, is rocking with the return of” “Q Brothers Christmas Carol”. Please note: this is not “A Christmas Carol” as Dickens wrote it. The Q Brothers Collective (GQ, JQ, Jax and Pos) have yanked Ebenezer Scrooge and the gang into the 21st century! I’ve seen this original, cheeky, fun musical every year since it premiered in 2013 as a developmental work-in-progress (that’s 5 years!), and it still makes me laugh! It’s become my holiday tradition. 4 BIG Spotlights

My apologies to Theatre at the Center. I meant to get this review up sooner, but I've had some personal problems which prevented it. I'm soooo sorry for the delay!

**** Recommended **** Theatre at the Center’s production of “Miracle on 34th Street” is a charming musical adaptation of the 1947 movie. This is your chance to sit back and enjoy a nostalgic trip to a time when children asked Santa for actual toys rather than electronic gadgets. If you have children or grandchildren, this is a golden opportunity to introduce them to live theater. Judging by the starry-eyed small people I saw in the audience, “Miracle on 34th Street” is a hit. By the way, Meredith Wilson (“The Music Man”) wrote the book, music and lyrics, including one of my favorites, “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”. Kudos to TATC Artistic Director Linda Fortunato and the rest of the production crew at TATC. 3 ½ Spotlights