Reviews 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

**** 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

**** 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

**** Highly Recommended  New at Chicago Shakespeare this summer - Circus Abyssinia Ethiopian Dreams, created by brothers Mehari “Bibi” Tesfamariam and Binyam “Bichu” Shimellis. Instead of a three-ring extravaganza, complete with lions, tigers and elephants, we saw individual and group demonstrations of strength, balance, and agility, all done to joyful rhythmic music which seemed to require clapping in time. This is a treat for any circus lover and a great show for the family. 4 BIG Spotlights