A stellar production of one of the most beloved musicals is soaring onstage courtesy of Music Theater Works || "West Side Story" is currently running through Aug. 30 at The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie.
**** Recommended "The Notebook," now at the Nederlander Theatre truly brings the story to life. I think Bekah Brunstetter’s adaptation is better than the movie. It’s a play with music, as Ingrid Michaelson’s melodic, emotional score fits the story perfectly Don’t look for big production numbers, flashy choreography or sparkly costumes. Be sure to bring your tissues, you’ll need them! 4 BIG Spotlights
The Outsiders" is back heating up the Cadillac Palace Theatre stage. || The production, in its return visit to The Windy City, runs to Aug. 16 at Cadillac Palace Theatre.
The Pulitzer Prize-nominated play "In the Continuum" is giving audiences something to think about at Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre in Evanston
**** Recommended "Avenue Q" is one of my favorite musicals, so I was delighted to make the drive to Michiana to see the Dunes Summer Theatre’s production. "Avenue Q" is inspired by "Sesame Street", but it’s definitely not G-rated! An adults-only spoof of a well-known public TV children’s show is not for the faint-of-heart. It’s absolutely hilarious – and totally profane. I love it! 4 Big Spotlights
For more than 50 years, Ross Summer Music Theatre has produced a musical. Founders, Jerauld (Jerry) Reinhart, choral director at Merrillville High School for 39 years, and his wife, Margilee, envisioned a summer performance venue, an onstage classroom, for teens and young adults. They have been so successful, the MHS auditorium has been named the Reinhart Auditorium in their honor.
A mix of classic tunes starred on the playlist at a recent concert at Munster's Theatre at the Center || The trio Girls Like Us was in the house and celebrated America's 250th birthday with a 90-minute show
**** Recommended "The Taffetas" is a musical revue which pays tribute to the girl groups of the 50s. Four singing sisters from Muncie, Indiana (America’s Home Town) are featured on a national television show. Head to Canterbury Summer Theatre for an enjoyable show! 3 ½ Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended Kokandy Productions has put together a creative, colorful, intense and immersive production of the iconic sixties’ tribal-rock musical "Hair." Returning to the Age of Aquarius is always a trip – and Kokandy made it fun! Hair has some of my favorite songs – other than Motown, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones – you get the picture – from the sixties. In addition to the title song, the song list includes "Aquarius," "Ain’t Got No," "I Believe in Love," "Easy to Be Hard," "Electric Blues" and "Good Morning Starshine." This show is a must-see! 4 BIG Spotlights
The Olivia Show—A Tribute to Olivia Newton-John & Grease, staring Sabrina Plaisance-Sia, took the Theatre at the Center audience back to the 70s and 80s. Sabrina Plaisance delivered an entertaining tribute that captured the look, spirit, and personality of the beloved singer, Olivia Newton-John.
