**** Recommended It’s Black Ensemble Theatre’s 50th anniversary season and their reboot of their 2000 hit, "The Jackie Wilson Story," written by Black Ensemble founder Jackie Taylor, is a must-see in my book. Jaitee Thomas does a terrific job as Jackie Wilson and the back-up ensemble is phenomenal. In fact, my friend Helen said the show was absolutely perfect! 4 BIG Spotlights
Red Revolution: The Taylor Swift Experience starring Tiffany Lidster was indeed an experience. Theatre at the Center was rocking with hits like Ready for It, Fearless and Style.
***RECOMMENDED*** If you are curious to find out what a mash-up of classical Greek mythology, Mexican folklore and liberal doses of surrealism and some sprinklings of early feminist empowerment might look like, you are in luck. Lyric Opera of Chicago is presenting the Midwest premiere of "El ultimo sueno de Frida y Diego," a work composed by Gabriela Lena Frank in 2022 with a highly poetic libretto written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Nilo Cruz. Not only is this production visually striking -- one would certainly hope that that was the case in an opera which depicts the lives of two very famous artists/muralists -- but the score composed by Frank is exceptional, veering from the ethereal to downright enchanting. 3 SPOTLIGHTS
Music Theater Works is currently presenting "Cats" as the opening of its 2026 season at The North Shore Center for The Performing Arts and is striking a big hit with this show. From the cast's powerful vocals and acting abilities to the clever choreography, colorful costumes and dramatic makeup, this production stands out on many levels.
I wanted to love or at least like this new interpretation of Puccini’s heartbreaking opera, “Madama Butterfly.” A beautiful, riveting tragedy of love -- and life – lost, with Puccini’s thrillingly beautiful music infusing depth and drama, audiences have kept this opera a favorite almost since its debut in 1904.
The latest production starring on stage at The Goodman's Owen Theatre features a mix of emotions and a blend of tragic, comic and heartfelt situations.
**** Highly Recommended Joffrey Ballet’s Grainger Academy’s 14th Annual Winning Works, presented at the Museum of Contemporary Art, is a performance I await with great anticipation. It’s a chance to see brand new pieces by new choreographers, all ALAANA (African, Latinx, Asian, Arab and Native American) artists, performed by up-and-coming dancers who get a chance to shine. This year’s program was absolutely fabulous! 4 BIG Spotlights
Porchlight Music Theatre’s workshop-style staging of "Shake It Away: The Ann Miller Story" starring Kayla Boye is a light and entertaining tribute to the star. Kayla Boye is a powerhouse as she channels the glamorous star. However, I do wish there had been a bit more substance to the story, it left me wanting more.
**** "The Marvelous Wonderettes" is a delightful, surprisingly funny musical with a terrific cast with excellent comedic chops. Some people might call it a jukebox musical, since it’s chock full of the music of the ‘50s and ‘60s, but it’s more than that. Be prepared for a good time, this one is a must see. 3 ½ Spotlights
