**** Highly Recommended I really enjoyed "Operation Mincemeat" playing at the CIBC Theatre through October 11th. It had me laughing from the first minute. It’s a very British comedy – in a Monty Python/Benny Hill kind of way. The music is lively, the lyrics are clever and kind of tricky, and the cast of five is really quite brilliant. This one’s a must-see. 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended Your toes will be tapping, your fingers will be snapping, as the marvelous music of Duke Ellington takes over the Yard, in Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s production of "Play On!" It’s remarkable how well Ellington’s music fits into the plot of Twelfth Night. My friend Crista and I really enjoyed this one. Great cast, incredible choreography, colorful costumes and set, and of course, Ellington’s music. 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Recommended The Goodman Theatre & The 7 Fingers’ production of "The Attic – Things I’ve Seen While Lying On My Back" is one of the most creative shows I’ve seen in a long time. As I was watching, I had a case of Cirque de Soleil déjà vu. Of course, this is Shana Caroll’s tale of landmark moments in her life – and she was a trapeze artist at Cirque – so it all made sense. At any rate, this show is a must-see. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended The uber-talented Leslie Goddard returned to Theatre at the Center for another of her one-woman shows, "Abigail Adams: First Lady of Firsts." I really enjoy Ms. Goddard’s show because she’s always so knowledgeable about her subjects. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended I really enjoyed seeing the TimeLine production and world premier of "The Birth of the Pill." The acting was absolutely superb, the topic timely, the seemingly simple set design cleverly included multiple locations, and I got to see TimeLine’s brand new theater – which is a beautiful space. This play is a must-see, especially for women. 4 Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended If you loved "Dirty Dancing," the 1987 film starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, you will love "Dirty Dancing: The Musical," playing at Broadway in Chicago’s Nederlander Theatre. The movie, with a few changes, has been transported to the stage. It was obvious that this audience loved the movie, since they greeted every iconic song/scene with cheers. I wish "Dirty Dancing" was playing for a month or two, then everyone could see it twice! I loved this show! 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Recommended Paramount Theatre’s production of "Mean Girls" is very pink! Actually, it’s very funny and it has a couple of interesting twists. I really liked the production – the voices, the spectacular choreography and staging, the costumes and even the very pink scenic design. Although my friend Helen loved the show, it left me cold. I remember those girls. It’s not a good memory. 4 spotlights
**** Highly Recommended "Come from Away" is on my list of top 10 musicals ever! I can’t remember another play which moves me like this one does. In 2026, with the 25th anniversary of 9/11, it’s particularly poignant. Out of that tragedy comes a marvelous story of hope and friendship. No kidding, it’s an emotional rollercoaster; you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll cheer. Marriott’s production of Come from Away is a must-see. 4 Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended **** Of all the jukebox musicals out there, I think "Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story" might just be my favorite. I remember dancing to Buddy Holly’s music at more than one sock hop – and then crying when I heard about that plane crash – so of course I started dancing in my seat when I heard that first song. In fact, "Buddy" is just like going to a rock concert. Although it’s the story of Buddy Holly’s brief life in the spotlight, Buddy is also a rock concert. Drury Lane will be rockin’ through October 18th. 4 BIG Spotlights
**** 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
