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 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
**** 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.
**** Highly Recommended The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of "Hamnet," now playing at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, is perfect. Honestly, I read Maggie O’Farrell’s book, "Hamnet," and I have to say there isn’t a single thing I’d change about this play. It was the best adaptation of a book that I’ve ever seen – and the acting is superb! 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended "Holiday" is absolutely charming, a delicious treat in the middle of a dreary, cold winter. This modern adaptation of a Cary-Grant-meets-Katherine-Hepburn comedy will have you laughing in no time flat. It has a brilliant cast, gorgeous costumes and two sumptuously decorated sets. "Holiday" is a must-see! 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended My first reaction after seeing Steppenwolf’s production of "The Dance of Death" was a heartfelt WOW! August Strindberg wrote an awesome play; Conor McPherson’s new adaptation and stellar acting brought the already dark humor into sharper focus – and more laughs. This play, which is like a “master class in marital warfare,” kept me on the edge of my seat. It might have been the inspiration for the 1989 film, "The War of the Roses." 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended As I watched Porchlight Music Theatre’s new production, "The Irish … and How They Got That Way," I felt like I was watching my family history. The narrative storytelling by the ensemble cast of four, interspersed with Irish music, was witty, interesting, historical, and sometimes downright sarcastic (especially when describing the English and how they got that way - food). "The Irish …" is charming and I give it 4 Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended Drury Lane’s production of On Your Feet! The Story of Emelio and Gloria Estefan is just spectacular! It’s a toe-tapping, dance-in-your seat musical based on the life stories of international superstars Gloria and Emilio Estefan. Unlike the usual jukebox musical, On Your Feet is intelligent, emotional and very well-acted. I give it 4 BIG Spotlights.
**** 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
**** Highly Recommended Music Theater Works’ production of "Annie" was delightful. The show was even more enjoyable when I heard delighted laughter from my grand-niece Maeve, who just turned eight. Although I’ve seen many productions of this perennial holiday favorite, this is the first time I’ve been able to share the joy with a little girl. Maeve was definitely into the show, laughing at all the ‘little girl’ jokes. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - "Annie: is the perfect show to introduce young people to live theater. 4 Spotlights
