Reviews by Carol Moore

**** Recommended **** Marriott’s energetic production of "West Side Story" is an amazing dance spectacular – and Marriott’s in-the-round layout allows the audience to see the dance moves up close and personal – as they say in sports.  Combine Leonard Bernstein’s glorious music and Steven Sondheim’s amazing lyrics, and you have one of the best musicals ever written.  Although it premiered more than fifty years ago, “West Side Story” is continues to be relevant.  The star-crossed lovers, Tony (Jake David Smith) and Maria (Lauren Marie Median), just reach out and grab at your heart strings.  In fact, I was entranced whenever they sang together!   I had tears in my eye at the end, so I give “West Side Story” 4 Spotlights.   

**** Highly Recommended **** Paramount Theatre’s production of "Groundhog Day" was a hoot!  It made me laugh, and maybe more challenging, it made my friend Crista laugh.   Having seen the 1993 movie starring Bill Murray multiple times, I couldn’t imagine how it could be adapted for the stage, but I guess that’s why I’m a reviewer, not a playwright!  Paramount’s "Groundhog Day" is a funny, sentimental yet cynical tribute to a unique and completely over-the-top annual celebration.  The cast, the set, the costumes, the music, the orchestra, everything was just right.  I loved "Groundhog Day", and I think you will too!  4 BIG Spotlights

**** Highly Recommended **** Goodman Theatre’s lyrical production of August Wilson’s "Gem of the Ocean" was a profoundly moving history lesson.  In most of Wilson’s Pittsburgh cycle, the characters are dealing with life the best they can.  In this play which is set in the 1900s, echoes of the Civil War overlay the ordinary difficulties of everyday live.  "Gem of the Ocean" is a long play – just over three hours – but it’s so engrossing I never noticed.  Kudos to the cast, the acting is absolutely superb!   4 Spotlights 

**** Highly Recommended **** Whenever I go to one of TimeLine Theatre’s productions, I know I’m going to see a thoughtful, well-researched, intelligent play usually about the past.  It could be about an event or person of historical significance, but not necessarily.  TimeLine’s latest production, Tyla Abercrumbie’s "Relentless", directed by Ron OJ Parson, is a gripping family story guaranteed to wrench at your heartstrings!  It’s a little long, but I really didn’t notice, I was so wrapped up in the story.  4 Spotlights