**** 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
**** 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
**** 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
**** Recommended Canterbury Summer Theatre’s third production of the season, Calvin Berger, is about four high school students at the beginning of their senior year – all hormones and angst. The very first song of the show, Security Meltdown, expresses a lot of that angst. Playwright John Berst has cleverly merged high school crushes/dating into the Cyrano de Bergerac story. I really enjoyed it. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended "Frankie & Johnny in the Clair de Lune" is a quiet story about two lonely people who happened to hook up one night at her studio walk-up in New York City. The interaction between these two people kept my attention. 4 Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended Audiences for Goodman Theatre’s summer hit, "Iceboy!" an old-fashioned screwball comedy, never stopped laughing. The world premiere is actually titled "Iceboy! or The Completely Untrue Story of How Eugene O’Neill Came to Write The Iceman Cometh" which is an insane title, but does explain why Eugene O’Neill appears in the show. This one is a must-see! 4 BIG Spotlights
*** Recommended Steppenwolf Theatre’s production of "Catch As Catch Can" features brilliant acting, a gorgeous set, some very funny dialogue, and unfortunately, a very confusing story line. I kept trying and trying to figure out who was who and what was going on but eventually, I just gave up. 3 Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended The circus is in town! Water for Elephants is one of the most imaginative, exciting new shows I’ve seen in a long time. I was glad to see that Rick Elice’s adaptation really brought Sara Gruen’s complicated tale to life. That doesn’t always happen. Don’t miss this one! 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended If you’re looking for some cool summer fun on a warm evening, the world premiere of "Untitled Vampire Play" is the show for you. It’s a vampire rom-com – a young man from Chicago meets a gorgeous gal who happens to be a vampire. Can true love prevail? There are jealous siblings (hers), skeptical parents (his) and then there’s that pesky vampire hunter. "Untitled Vampire Play" is refreshing and fun. Don’t miss it! 4 BIG Spotlights
