**** Highly Recommended Joshua Harmon’s "Prayer for the French Republic", a Northlight Theatre co-production with Theater Wit, is an exceptional family drama which spans 70 years. This is not a short story, so it runs a bit long, three acts with two intermissions. I’ve had a hard time writing a review because this is an excellent play, but I didn’t become emotionally involved and I’m not sure why. 4 Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended Drury Lane’s production of "Da Vinci Code", adapted by Rachel Wag staff and Duncan Abel, based on Dan Brown’s bestseller, kept me on the edge of my seat. I must say, even if you’ve read the book and/or seen the movie – which I did – you will be drawn into the mystery. The casting is spot-on, the staging impressively mysterious. Kudos to Director Elizabeth Margolius. Hurry and get your tickets for this must-see show! 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended I found myself captivated by Marriott Theatre’s production of "Titanic the Musical". It turns out that Marriott’s arena-style stage is ideal for depicting the idea of Titanic. We don’t need a ship to tell the story, we need the people on board to tell their stories. Kudos to Director Connor Gallagher for keeping the focus on them. I can’t say enough about this cast – their faces told the story – pride, hope, boredom, envy, joy, fear, panic and finally acceptance. I am in awe! 4 BIG Spotlights
** Somewhat Recommended You may find the Steppenwolf production of "The Book of Grace" heavy going. I know I did. It’s dark, violent, and ugly. As I watched, I tried to figure out where playwright Suzan-Lori Parks was going with it, but I never could. I just watched the story unfold with horror. Apparently, "Book of Grace: is a timely follow-up to her earlier play, "Top Dog/Underdog". If that's the case, I’m glad I missed that one! Although I do applaud the work done by the cast, this is not a play for the faint of heart. 2 Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended Porchlight Music Theatre’s production of "Titanique" is a campy comedy gem! No need to worry, "Titanique" only makes fun of the schmaltzy movie, not the actual wreck. This is Celine Dion’s own wacky spin on Titanic and it’s over-the-top, raunchy, laugh-out-loud comedy, with plenty of one-liners, improv, puns and pratfalls, lots of sparkly costumes, and of course, Dion’s music. Ladies, get your BFFs and see this show. You’ll love it! 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended "Sunny Afternoon" – based on the music of the Kinks, is an absolute blast! Walking into the Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, you’ll feel the excitement and anticipation in the air. Leading with You Really Got Me, they’ll cover the Kinks’ hit songs, including many that were never released here in America – and you’ll be dancing in your seat! By the way, never, did I ever, think I’d see the ENTIRE audiences at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre on their feet dancing – and they were! 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended I was kind of surprised when I read that the Copley Theatre was doing "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee". It’s a sweet, silly, ultimately happy musical about a group of snarky fifth grade misfits competing for a trophy and the chance to go to the national Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. Although it’s one of my favorites, it’s also a favorite show for community/high school theater groups – which means it’s been a tad overdone. That said, the Copley’s high-energy production was terrific – definitely out-spelling the competition! 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended "Elvis Presley was a Black Man named Joe" is the new production at Black Ensemble Theatre. At first glance, Jackie Taylor’s tribute to her late brother Joe might seem to be a bit of stretch, but this family story tucked into an Elvis Presley revue just fits. If you’re an Elvis Presley fan like me, then this is the show for you. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended The uber-talented Leslie Goddard has returned to Theatre at the Center for another of her one-woman shows, "Violet Jessup – Titanic Survivor". In our celebrity-obsessed society, it seems most of the stories are about the wealthy and/or famous people who survived or didn’t survive the sinking. This story is different and fascinating, since it’s from the perspective of a crew member. Hurry and grab a ticket, you only have a couple of days to catch Violet Jessup! 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended Teatro La Plaza’s "Hamlet" is an entirely unique interpretation of Shakespeare’s dark and broody play. The exuberant cast took possession of the story and retold it in their own inimitable style, and that style was personal and mostly joyful. They even made it interactive by inviting audience members into the production. 4 Spotlights
