*** 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
**** Highly Recommended Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s production of the North American premiere of "Brokeback Mountain" is an intense, immersive experience spanning 20 years. Tom Pye’s slanted set, complete with sagebrush, will transport you to Wyoming. The lyrical country-western music reinforced the mood, leaving me feeling that I was on that mountain too. I never saw the film but my friend Nancy, who did, said the play was better than the movie. That’s a wow in my book. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended "Deathtrap" is the first production of the summer season for Dunes Summer Theatre, and it’s a good one. "Deathtrap" is a mystery with lots of plot twists and turns. I don’t want to give anything away, so this review is intentionally vague. You don’t want to miss this one! 4 Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended "Monty Python’s Spamalot" is a rollicking romp chock full of silly schtick – all the sight gags, pratfalls and double entendres you could ask for! Eric Idle’s musical is kind of a mash-up of the 1975 film, "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" and bits from the BBC series, "Monty Python’s Flying Circus." Big fan or newby, you’ll be laughing through the whole show! 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Recommended The Goodman Theatre’s production of "Covenant" is a kind of eerie, kind of Southern Gothic, sort of confusing ‘the devil-made-me-do-it drama. At first, I thought it was another story inspired by the legend of Robert Walker, but no, it went off in a direction I never expected. It definitely kept me guessing! 4 Spotlights
Recommended The Towle Theater’s production of "Double-wide, Texas" is funny, farcical comedy about the inmates – oops inhabitants – of a tiny trailer park just outside Tugaloo, Texas. It has the pratfalls and physical comedy of a typical farce, but not the machine-gun fast delivery – this is Texas, after all! You’ll be laughing at this must-see. 4 Spotlights
Highly Recommended Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s production of "The Merry Wives of Windsor" is a raucous romp, full of innuendos, deceptions and salacious misadventures! This is the perfect play for anyone who might otherwise feel intimidated by seeing the name Shakespeare attached. 4 Spotlights.
**** Highly Recommended I had so much fun at "Mrs. Krishnan’s Party" at Chicago Shakespeare – and it really was a party! A production of Indian Ink Theatre in New Zealand, "Mrs. Krishnan’s Party" is hilarious. Since it’s in the Carl and Marilynn Thoma Upstairs Studio you can also enjoy the best view in the city. This is a must-see! 4 Spotlights
