‘Fiddler on the Roof’ - By Eloise Marie Valadez
Music Theater Works has a hit with its latest production || ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ continues to draw audiences at North Shore Center
"Parade" - Review by Carol Moore
**** Recommended I had to look it up, but I discovered that the last time I saw a production of "Parade" was in 2005. A revival is a long time coming – and the results were worth waiting for. This is a beautiful production, but it is not a happy story. Based on a true and very dark episode in Georgia history, Parade explores anti-Semitism in the south. "Parade" is a must-see musical. 4 Spotlights
"Amélie" - Review by Carol Moore
**** Highly Recommended Kokandy Productions always seem to choose edgy, unique, sometimes odd, but always interesting musicals. "Amélie" definitely fits that criteria. It’s dreamy, romantic, charming and very, very French. I’m not sure exactly how Director Derek Van Barham achieved a blocking miracle! The available space is miniscule, but everyone fits somehow as they keep moving into different configurations – all without bumping into each other or the audience. 4 BIG Spotlights
"TWIHARD! A Twilight Musical Parody" - Review by Carol Moore
**** Recommended It’s kind of difficult for me to write a review of "TWIHARD! A Twilight Musical Parody" because I’m pretty sure I might have seen one of the movies. On the other hand, I enjoyed a funny, pun-filled musical parody performed by a talented cast while the audience was filled with devotees of the show who absolutely loved it. Helen and I didn’t get many of the jokes but we loved the show anyway. 4 Spotlights
"Billie Jean" - Review by Carol Moore
**** Recommended I really enjoyed Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s world premiere production of "Billie Jean." Although there wasn’t a lot of suspense to the story – it’s all about Billie Jean King’s life in tennis – it kept my attention. I thought I knew a lot about Billie Jean King, after all, she’s a sports legend, but there was a lot that was new to me. 4 Spotlights
"Twisted Melodies" - Review by Carol Moore
**** Recommended "Twisted Melodies" is the story of Donny Hathaway, a songwriter and soul music legend who struggled with mental illness his entire adult life. Kelvin Roston, Jr. wrote and stars in this play with music, a tour de force performance as the tortured songwriter. By the way, in addition to singing Hathaway’s songs, he also plays the keyboard accompaniment. It’s hard to watch Hathaway’s struggles, but kudos to Roston for a nuanced performance. 4 Spotlights
"She Loves Me" -Review by Carol Moore
**** Recommended I really enjoyed the Dunes Arts Summer Theatre production of "She Loves Me," a charming musical love story set in pre-war Budapest. The cast is strong, the production is well-staged, the music is light and melodic, and, of course, they live happily ever after! You’ll probably recognize the plot, you’ve seen it in "You’ve Got Mail." After the beach, why not head to the theater. You’ll be glad you did. 4 Spotlights
"Superhero" - Review by Carol Moore
**** Recommended I really enjoyed the Towle Theater’s production of "Superhero," a touching coming-of-age musical. Family angst is a playwright’s meat and potatoes, and this show delivers. How does an angry, grieving teen deal with being uprooted from his friends, his school, his home and all the reminders of his dad? Simon (Grayson Kamel) looks for a superhero. "Superhero" isn’t a huge soaring musical extravaganza, but it has a lot of heart. 3 ½ Spotlights
Late Nite Catechism - Review By Nancy Henke-Konopasek
Theatre at the Center in Munster was transformed into a Catholic school classroom on July 20, 2025, when Liz Cloud as “Sister” took the stage wearing the full habit of the old-school nun in the one-woman show, Late Nite Catechism. The show, celebrating its 32nd anniversary, was written by Vickie Quade and Maripat Donovan. This nostalgic comedy involves lots of audience interaction, so no two shows are the same.
Experimental production stars at Chicago's TUTA Theatre - By Eloise Marie Valadez
Theater fans will be engrossed in an experimental play currently being presented by TUTA Theatre in Chicago.