Red Revolution: The Taylor Swift Experience * By Carol Moore
Red Revolution: The Taylor Swift Experience starring Tiffany Lidster was indeed an experience. Theatre at the Center was rocking with hits like Ready for It, Fearless and Style.
"El ultimo sueno de Frida y Diego" * By Jeffrey Leibham
***RECOMMENDED*** If you are curious to find out what a mash-up of classical Greek mythology, Mexican folklore and liberal doses of surrealism and some sprinklings of early feminist empowerment might look like, you are in luck. Lyric Opera of Chicago is presenting the Midwest premiere of "El ultimo sueno de Frida y Diego," a work composed by Gabriela Lena Frank in 2022 with a highly poetic libretto written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Nilo Cruz. Not only is this production visually striking -- one would certainly hope that that was the case in an opera which depicts the lives of two very famous artists/muralists -- but the score composed by Frank is exceptional, veering from the ethereal to downright enchanting. 3 SPOTLIGHTS
Music Theater Works presents exuberant production of 'Cats' * By Eloise Marie Valadez
Music Theater Works is currently presenting "Cats" as the opening of its 2026 season at The North Shore Center for The Performing Arts and is striking a big hit with this show. From the cast's powerful vocals and acting abilities to the clever choreography, colorful costumes and dramatic makeup, this production stands out on many levels.
Ozawa’s new “Butterfly” is a superb production worth seeing, but the ingenius virtual-reality simulation misses its mark * By Crista Zivanovic
I wanted to love or at least like this new interpretation of Puccini’s heartbreaking opera, “Madama Butterfly.” A beautiful, riveting tragedy of love -- and life – lost, with Puccini’s thrillingly beautiful music infusing depth and drama, audiences have kept this opera a favorite almost since its debut in 1904.
Heartfelt performances star in 'The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao' * By Eloise Marie Valadez
The latest production starring on stage at The Goodman's Owen Theatre features a mix of emotions and a blend of tragic, comic and heartfelt situations.
Joffrey Ballet’s Grainger Academy’s 14th Annual Winning Works * By Carol Moore
**** Highly Recommended Joffrey Ballet’s Grainger Academy’s 14th Annual Winning Works, presented at the Museum of Contemporary Art, is a performance I await with great anticipation. It’s a chance to see brand new pieces by new choreographers, all ALAANA (African, Latinx, Asian, Arab and Native American) artists, performed by up-and-coming dancers who get a chance to shine. This year’s program was absolutely fabulous! 4 BIG Spotlights
"Shake It Away: The Ann Miller Story" * By Carol Moore
Porchlight Music Theatre’s workshop-style staging of "Shake It Away: The Ann Miller Story" starring Kayla Boye is a light and entertaining tribute to the star. Kayla Boye is a powerhouse as she channels the glamorous star. However, I do wish there had been a bit more substance to the story, it left me wanting more.
"The Marvelous Wonderettes" is a Must-see * By Carol Moore
**** "The Marvelous Wonderettes" is a delightful, surprisingly funny musical with a terrific cast with excellent comedic chops. Some people might call it a jukebox musical, since it’s chock full of the music of the ‘50s and ‘60s, but it’s more than that. Be prepared for a good time, this one is a must see. 3 ½ Spotlights
The "Swingset" is a charming comedy - By Carol Moore
**** Recommended I didn’t know what to expect when I went to see the Midwest premiere of The Swingset: An Adult Comedy at Theatre at the Center. This special Valentine’s Day performance turned out to be unexpectedly funny and rather charming. If you have a chance to see this engaging story in the future, I recommend it.