"Cosi fan tutte" is a masterwork of two very gifted artists: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's music has the power to magically transport you to warmer climes and Lorenzo Da Ponte's hilarious libretto will tickle your funny bone and melt whatever frost may be accumulating in your polar vortex-hardened heart.
**** Recommended "Stereophonic" is kind of a difficult play to review. First, it’s a drama with music, not a musical. I think a lot of people didn’t like it, since many of them left at intermission. Maybe they thought it was going to be a jukebox musical. Second, it has four acts, one intermission, and comes in at a whopping 3 hours long (give or take five minutes). Finally, it felt like a documentary, gritty and truthful. I’m recommending "Stereophonic," with a slight caveat – remember, creativity just doesn’t go in a straight line. 3 ½ Spotlights
"The Enormous Crocodile: The Musical" stars at The Studebaker Theater in Chicago.
***RECOMMENDED*** While all of the scandal that surrounded its 1905 premiere in Dresden, Germany has since vanished, Richard Strauss' opera "Salome" still enraptures audiences and may even shock a few today who are not familiar with its incredibly enigmatic music and the details of its corrupt and base cast of characters. In a stunning Lyric Opera of Chicago debut, soprano Jennifer Holloway brings a commanding confidence to her interpretation of the title role. Also, in another remarkable Lyric debut, conductor Tomas Netopil shines as he guides an expanded Lyric Opera orchestra through Strauss' challenging score. 3 SPOTLIGHTS
Theatre at the Center was rocking with the music of Eliminator: The Premier ZZ Top Tribute on January 24th with plenty of fans of their bluesy sound in the audience.
There are plenty of laughs to be found in the recent production being presented currently at Chicago's Broadway Playhouse.
Chicago Opera Theater presented a mix of heartfelt tunes, love songs, whimsical and patriotic pieces during its recent winter program.
Theater fans have the opportunity to enjoy four engaging works by young playwrights currently in Chicago.
I think that “Annie” is my all-time favorite musical. It is no wonder that I have seen it about 10 times, including the film versions. I am going to get up on a pedestal and tell you…this is the best production I have ever seen, including the one I saw on Broadway.
