Reviews by Carol Moore

**** 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

** Somewhat Recommended ** If you’re an "Oklahoma!" purist, you’ll probably find the new touring production at the CIBC Theatre heavy going.  If you’re open to a completely new interpretation of this perennial favorite, then this is the show for you!  Although it’s advertised as Rodgers & Hammerstein’s "Oklahoma!", it’s just not.  Director Daniel Fish had a new idea.  Now I don’t care if he changed the set, the costumes and the time line, but he wasn’t finished.  He also changed the songs!  They do still sing the original lyrics but the music is played bluegrass style.  The talented cast tried to win me over but no, I am a purist.  2 ½ Spotlights

***** Highly Recommended ***** The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre is rocking with the return of Q Brothers Christmas Carol.  The Q Brothers Collective (GQ, JQ, Jax and Pos) have yanked Ebenezer Scrooge and the gang into the 21st century!  I’ve seen this cheeky, snarky, funny and very, very original musical every year (and twice one year – but that’s another story) since it premiered in 2013 as a developmental work-in-progress (that’s 7 years, I think), and it still makes me laugh!  It’s become my very own holiday tradition!  4 BIG Spotlights   

*** Recommended *** "Pretty Woman: The Musical" is a likeable show that mostly follows the plot line of the 1990 film starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.   The music is good but not memorable.  The talented cast includes Broadway favorite Adam Pascal and Olivia Valli (Frankie Valli’s granddaughter).  It was entertaining and engaging.  3 Spotlights || A sad note: Pretty Woman has cancelled the rest of the Chicago performance due to COVID.