Goodman's 'A Christmas Carol' remains a favorite Chicago holiday tradition - By Eloise Marie Valadez
For theater fans, the best way to usher in the holiday season is to attend The Goodman Theatre's annual production of "A Christmas Carol."
"Sister Act" is a dancing-in-your-seat musical - By Carol Moore
**** Highly Recommended Drury Lane Theatre’s new production of "Sister Act," one of my favorite musicals, is terrific. Drury Lane productions always include talented actors, beautiful costumes and sets, and really, really good, dancing-in-your-seat music; "Sister Act" fits that criteria perfectly. Kudos to Director E. Faye Butler for ‘hitting it out of the park’! 4 BIG Spotlights
"Amadeus" is Just About Perfect - By Carol Moore
**** Highly Recommended Steppenwolf Theatre’s production of Peter Shaffer’s 1979 play, "Amadeus," is just about perfect. Of course, I thought that about the 1984 movie starring F. Murray Abraham, too. No kidding, when I took my family to see that film, we all thought it was wonderful. In fact, my then seven-year-old son fell in love with Mozart’s music, which turned out to be a life-long love. Steppenwolf’s production of this masterpiece of clashing personalities and court intrigue is magnificent. Kudos to Director Robert Falls in his Steppenwolf debut. 4 BIG Spotlights
"Carmina Burana" had Audience Clamoring for More - By Jeffrey Leibham
****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED**** For avid classical music lovers, "Carmina Burana" tends to hold a special place in their hearts. They flock to venues worldwide to get the opportunity to hear this rarely performed 20th-century cantata composed by Carl Orff every chance that they can get. For others, this somewhat obscure piece holds numerous surprises for its first-time listeners who are curious to discover what all of the fuss is about. Both groups were equally represented in droves at the recent, extremely brief run at Lyric Opera of Chicago, which had the enthusiastic opening night audience -- which was largely made up of members a good 20 to 30 years younger than your average patron attending a traditional opera at Lyric -- clamoring for more. 4 BIG SPOTLIGHTS
"Million Dollar Quartet Christmas" A Rock n' Roll Spectacular - Review by Carol Moore
**** Recommended Marriott Theatre’s holiday offering, "Million Dollar Quartet Christmas," combines the toe-tapping rock music of the original MDQ with favorite holiday tunes. Apparently, Colin Escott, who co-wrote the original, decided to ‘reimagine’ that 1956 jam session with Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley into a jukebox Christmas. If you love old-fashioned rock n’ roll, you’ll be dancing in your seat…and…humming along with your favorite carol. 3 ½ Spotlights
Facility Theatre presents thought-provoking 'Action At A Distance' - By Eloise Marie Valadez
'Action At A Distance' || An innovative theatrical work recently starred on stage at Facility Theatre in Chicago.
Incredible Music in "Hell's Kitchen" - Review by Carol Moore
**** Recommended A 17-year-old girl with an absent father rebelling against her controlling mother is not a new story. What makes "Hell’s Kitchen" different is the music and Alicia Keys! Not actually Alicia Keys, but you couldn’t prove it by the screaming fans in the audience. I would give an A++++ on the voices & music, the choreography too, but just a B- on the story but nobody cared because – Alicia Keys! 4 Spotlights
ANOTHER HAPPY ON STAGE CHRISTMAS STORY IT IS NOT! - A review by Bob Rubin For TSP News
While all the productions Citadel Theatre puts on are terrific, I really hesitated to review this one. Another happy on-stage holiday story…ho hum! And it has nothing to do with the fact that I am Jewish! But…it is my job, so I reluctantly attended the preopening of “Miracle on South Division Street.” And… am I glad I did!
A Musical "As You Like It" is Delightful - Review by Carol Moore
**** Highly Recommended I loved Writers Theatre’s production of "As You Like It," one of Shakespeare’s more complicated comedies. This delightful show was just what I needed! Shakespeare’s words and music are a natural fit in this enjoyable new adaptation by Shaina Taub and Laurie Wooolery. Kudos to Director Braden Abraham, Music Director Michael Mahler and Choreographer Erin Kilmurray, for bringing a new twist on an old favorite. Get your tickets for this terrific holiday show ASAP! 4 BIG Spotlights
"The Capulets" - a new twist on an old tale - Review by Carol Moore
**** Recommended I’d heard of Chicago Repertory Ballet, but I’ve never seen anything of theirs, so I was delighted to get an invitation to see "The Capulets" at the Ruth Page Center. "The Capulets" is a fascinating riff on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, a story ballet focusing on Juliet’s parents. The choreography was sensual, evocative and athletic. The execution was flawless, especially the swordplay! 4 Spotlights