Somewhat Recommended ** Most of you know that I am for the “little guy” and try to help them as much as humanly possible. Haven Theatre, recently rebranded as “HAVEN” and they are working out of The Den Theater complex on Milwaukee Avenue. They are concluding their 2018-2019 season with a “Chicago Premiere” entitled “KISS” that is more of a bold theatrical experience than an evening of pure entertainment.
**** Highly Recommended **** “The Spitfire Grill” is in my top ten list of favorite musicals because of its unique folk/bluegrass score. A microcosm of small-town life, “The Spitfire Grill” is a sweet, poignant story about starting over. Terrific voices, folksy music and a happy ending, what more could you ask for? American Blues Theatre has put together a delightful production! 4 Spotlights
****Recommended **** “True West” is not a new play – in fact, it was written in 1976 – but for some reason, I’d never seen it. I’d heard about it of course, after all it is the play that rocketed Steppenwolf Theatre into the national spotlight. Now that I’ve seen it, I can tell you that it is one of those plays that you watch in a kind of horrified fascination, finding yourself thinking, “that can’t be good”. “True Love” will reach out and grab your attention. 4 Spotlights
Highly Recommended ***** In 1982, Andrew Lloyd Weber brought a musical to Broadway that was a unique blend of his musical abilities and the words of one T,S, Eliot. He took the “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” and with the stories contained therein, brought the world “Cats”. Now in its third re-incarnation, Chicago audiences will love the production now on the stage at The Nederlander Theatre (formerly the Oriental).
★★★★★ Renee Taylor is a funny lady! Do not let the title of her one-woman show , now on stage at The North Shore Center For The Performing Arts in Skokie, “My Life on a Diet” scare you off. This is a true story-telling experience by a lady who has lived the life we hear. Now in her “eighties”, Ms Taylor spends the majority of the 95 minutes ( no intermission) sitting at a comfy desk where the book that she and her late husband Joe Bologna wrote, that details her life, from being a little girl until just “the other day”.
Recommended **** “Over the Tavern” is a nostalgic look at growing up Catholic in the ‘50s. Although the story is set is Buffalo, New York, it could be anywhere, as long as anywhere has a Polish – or Irish or Italian or … – community, a Catholic school, some old-fashioned nuns, and a tavern or two. I grew up in the ‘50s, so my life was a lot like theirs. Although I didn’t live over a tavern, I did live across the street from a Catholic church, school and Convent, so my brothers often got in trouble with the nuns for things they did outside of school. 4 Spotlights
Recommended **** Shakespeare under the stars is one of my favorite summertime activities. First Folio’s outdoor stage set in the lush Mayslake Peabody Estate is the perfect place to watch “Henry V” and a mini-version of the war at Agincourt – and the action was not confined to the stage. Kudos to Director Hailey Rice on an exciting production! 4 Spotlights
Highly Recommended **** “The Wizard of Oz” Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s summer family show is bright, colorful and fun! Kids of all ages will love it! It’s not too long, just 75 minutes, but everything from the original is included. The set is simple, the costumes are colorful, the music is lively, and Toto is a real dog! Everyone will cheer for Dorothy as she outsmarts the Wicked Witch of the West, played by twelve-time Jeff Award winner, Hollis Resnik. 4 Spotlights
Highly Recommended **** If you like a story with an interesting twist, then the Towle Theater’s new production, “String”, is the musical for you. Take a tiny bit of Greek mythology, drop it into a skyscraper somewhere, add a sweet love story with lush music and clever, complicated lyrics, it’s a recipe for success. My friend Nancy and I really enjoyed “String”. Kudos to Director Jeff Casey on another winner. 4 Spotlights
Highly Recommended **** Who knew that ‘80s pop music the people of today’s LGBTQ community and ancient Greece would make a wonderfully farcical jukebox musical? Taking that music, those people and that place – and the right cast – and Kokandy Productions made magic with campy romp, “Head Over Heels”. “Head Over Heels” is a little bit risqué, a tiny bit bawdy, kind of farcical, and very, very funny. 4 Spotlights
