Reviews by Carol Moore

*** Recommended *** “Grease is the word…” at least through June 4th in Oakbrook Terrace.  The kids at Rydell High are back in a colorful, exuberant and energetic production complete with plenty of teen angst and rock and roll!  Overall, I liked the show but – and this is a big but – they never actually did the Hand Jive!  They danced all over the stage, but those hand motions were only in evidence for about 10 beats.  What’s that about?  If you’re going to include the song, you’d better do the dance!  I guess that makes me a Grease purist (lol).  3 Spotlights

*** Recommended *** A jukebox musical is a story written to feature hit songs of a popular music group or genre.  More often than not, these musicals turn out to be light, frothy musical romps.  "Jagged Little Pill", which features the music of Alanis Morissette’s album of the same name, definitely breaks that mold.  It’s dark, depressing and sad, but it did have a real impact.   I thought Act I was somewhat over-choreographed and the music was so loud I had a hard time understanding the words in many of the songs.  3 Spotlights

**** Recommended **** It’s official, "The Book of Mormon" is just as funny the second time around!  The show has lots of off-color jokes, one liners, pop culture references, and pratfalls.  In fact, the show hadn’t even opened when some ministers were objecting to the off-color and/or offensive content.  Bawdy content aside, The Book of Mormon, written by Trey Parker and Robin Lopez, the duo responsible for TV hit South Park, is a Tony-winning Broadway blockbuster musical, complete with a talented cast, sparkly costumes, snappy choreography, even a tap-dancing chorus line!  I give The Book of Mormon 4 BIG Spotlights

*** Recommended *** I’m still not sure how I feel about Goodman Theatre’s production of "Layalina".  On the one hand, the cast was superb and I loved the set!  On the other hand, although I could figure out how the first act led into second, there were just too many unanswered questions.  Layal is a complete mystery.  What was she doing during the missing 17 years?  Did she resent being forced to raise her siblings?  How/why was she also raising Amin.  Was he her cousin or her husband’s brother?  3 Spotlights