**** Recommended Northlight Theatre’s production of "The Heart Sellers" is a delightful comedy. In just 90 minutes, you’ll fall in love with these two newcomers to America, one from Korea, the other from the Philippines, and their celebration of its ‘strange’ holiday. The story, set in 1973, was fun to watch as it includes quite a few quaint and time-specific references. I was charmed! 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended Writers Theatre’s production of "Frida…A Self Portrait," is a stunning one-woman show written by and starring Vanessa Severo, directed by Joanie Schultz. Frida Kahlo was a complex woman who lived large. Kudos to Severo, I can’t even imagine how difficult the writing process must have been. It was a truly fascinating performance. 4 Spotlights
**** Shattered Globe Theatre’s production of "Lobby Hero" is definitely one of my top three plays so far his year. I was so absorbed in the story I almost forgot it was a story! Somehow, an unassuming little play was transformed into a moving experience, and I think it’s the unexpected humor. Add to that the outstanding performance by newcomer Elliot Esquivel and you get a gem! Get a ticket now! 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended I really enjoyed "Avaaz," a one-man show in which Michael Shayan channels his Iranian-Jewish mother. It’s funny, it’s poignant, it’s touching and it’s really darn hard to review. I can’t even remember how many times I’ve rewritten this intro, not to mention the rest. Enough! It’s a really good show – go see it! 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended "Fun Home" isn’t really a musical, rather it’s a bittersweet little play which happens to have music intrinsic to the story. "Fun Home," based on Alison Bechdel’s best-selling graphic memoir of the same name, was a huge hit on Broadway. By the way, ‘fun home’ is an inside joke referring to the family funeral home, not an amusement park fun house! 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended "Jaja’s African Hair Braiding" is wowing audiences at Chicago Shakespeare. I don’t know a lot about African hair braiding, but I’ve been in a lot of salons, and Jaja’s felt real! Clashing personalities, compelling stories, all the dish, yet a united front when real trouble comes knocking. "Jaja’s African Hair Braiding" is at times funny, poignant, snarky, and sad. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended Need some laughs to lift the post-holiday blues? I’ve got the show for you! "Shucked" is a laugh riot. Honest, I started laughing during the first song – coincidentally called "Corn" – and never stopped! The story is pure schmaltz but the one-liners never stop! Hurry and get your tickets, "Shucked" is only here to the end of the week. 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Recommended Kayla Shipman absolutely sparkles in the Music Theater Works production of "Legally Blonde." Her Elle Woods is fierce and very, very smart as well as drop-dead gorgeous. Harvard Law never saw her coming! "Legally Blonde" is well-written, has clever songs and is downright funny. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended The "Dickens’ Christmas Carol Dinner Show" is a somewhat abridged, totally schmaltzy, retelling of the Dickens classic. Originally adapted into a radio-style script by Philip Potempa it was CVPA’s first post-Covid show, transferred to the stage in 2022 and restaged in 2024. New this year – an abridged children’s version. 3 1/2 Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended **** For the last several years (try 15 or more), one of my favorite holiday treats has been the Towle Theater’s "A Fabulous 50’s Christmas." The show, conceived by retiring Towle Artistic Director, Jeff Casey, is modeled on the old Perry Como/Andy Williams Christmas specials our parents/grandparents watched in the 50s. 4 Spotlights
