Reviews by Carol Moore

Incredible Talent and Brilliant Choreography lift "Paradise Square" Out of the Ordinary - Review by Carol Moore

**** Recommended **** I was in awe as I watched "Paradise Square" the other night! It’s a show that has the potential to become a classic. It has an interesting story, incredible talent, amazing voices, brilliant choreography and huge production numbers. There was even a standing ovation for Joaquina Kalukango’s rendition of Let It Burn, a song that sent shivers up my spine, it was so great! "Paradise Square" needs a little more work before it’s ready to open on Broadway, however. 4 Spotlights

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"Hundred Days" - Review by Carol Moore

** Somewhat Recommended ** "Hundred Days" is another casualty of the pandemic, forced to close on opening night. Kokandy Productions has chosen to bring it back in a new venue, the Chopin Theatre in Wicker Park. I’m not quite sure what to say about "Hundred Days." On one hand, I saw incredible talent, on the other, I really didn’t like the show. I think this show is one that people will either love it or hate. 2 Spotlights

Reviews by Carol Moore

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Lookingglass Theatre’s production of "Her Honor Jane Byrne" - Review by Carol Moore

**** Recommended **** Lookingglass Theatre’s production of "Her Honor Jane Byrne" had just opened – I think they had four or five previews and opening night – and then the pandemic hit. I never got a chance to see this gripping political drama, so I was happy to see that Lookingglass was reopening with Her Honor Jane Byrne. It was worth the wait! 4 Spotlights

Reviews by Carol Moore

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Creepy "Bug" returns to Steppenwolf - Review by Carol Moore

*** Recommended *** Here’s my dilemma, I saw a play that totally creeped me out – and yet, it was incredibly well-acted. Who knew that Tracy Letts’ 1996 tragi-comedy; "Bug," which literally made my skin crawl, is a cult classic. Although it played a couple of Chicago’s small stages back in the day, I’d never seen it. Unfortunately, I could see the tragic end coming almost from the beginning. If you want to scare yourself silly, then this is the play for you. 3 Spotlights

Reviews by Carol Moore

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Mercury Theater is back with Fabulous "Sister Act" - Review by Carol Moore

***** Highly Recommended ***** "Sister Act" is one of my favorite musicals so I had very high expectations when I went to see Mercury Theater’ new production. I’m happy to say this production not only met my expectations, it exceeded them. This show is absolutely fabulous. An outstanding cast with amazing voices, dance-in-your-seat music with choreography to match, gorgeous costumes – what more could you ask for? Kudos to Director Reneisha Jenkins, Sister Act is just about perfect. 4 BIG Spotlights

Reviews by Carol Moore

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"Pump Boys and Dinettes" A Feel-Good Musical - Review by Carol Moore

**** Recommended **** I’m not a fan of country music, but Porchlight Music Theatre’s new production of "Pump Boys and Dinettes" is a toe-tappin’ good time. "Pump Boys and Dinettes," one of my favorite feel-good musicals, is a guaranteed audience pleaser and perfect for a smaller venue. If you’re looking for a good time, you’ll want to head over to the Ruth Page Center for a performance. I give "Pump Boys and Dinettes" 4 Spotlights.

Reviews by Carol Moore

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"Remember This: The Lesson of Jan Karski" - Review by Carol Moore

**** Highly Recommended **** Sometimes a play comes around that just resonates! "Remember This: The Lesson of Jan Karski" is one of those plays. On a dark stage, one man, using his clothing, a desk and two straight chairs, recounts a harrowing journey through the horrors of war-torn Poland. Here’s the thing that really resonated for me – Jan Karski (David Strathairn), was a real person – but the world forgot. 4 Spotlights

Reviews by Carol Moore

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"What the Constitution Means to Me" - Review by Carol Moore

**** Recommended **** I didn’t know what to expect from "What the Constitution Means to Me." I didn’t have the opportunity to see its abbreviated run just before the pandemic began, as I was having knee surgery. As it turned out, the play really was about the Constitution, and playwright Heidi Schreck’s interpretation of that document. Cassie Beck, who plays Schreck, has a warm and humorous touch. I learned a few things – and had a good time too. 4 Spotlights

Reviews by Carol Moore

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Back at The Second City for "Together at Last" - Review by Carol Moore

**** Recommended **** It felt so normal to walk into the Mainstage at Second City, even kind of surreal. Everything looked the same, felt the same, and yet…There’s a parallel to our lives, everyone went through the last eighteen months together, yet completely apart. So of course "Together at Last," the 109th Mainstage Revue, reflected the last eighteen months and the changes a pandemic has made in all our lives. We’ve been serious long enough, we need some laughter and Together at Last definitely fills that need. 4 Spotlights

Reviews by Carol Moore

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"The Jigsaw Bride" - Review by Carol Moore

** Somewhat Recommended ** The Frankenstein legend continues on in Joseph Zettelmaier’s newest gothic horror story, "The Jigsaw Bride" at First Folio Theatre through November 14th. Although First Folio’s set is suitably gothic, the story itself is really kind of boring. I’ve seen several of Zettelmaier’s plays, and enjoyed all of them – but not this one. 2 ½ Spotlights

Reviews by Carol Moore

Read more about "The Jigsaw Bride" - Review by Carol Moore

Incredible Talent and Brilliant Choreography lift "Paradise Square" Out of the Ordinary - Review by Carol Moore

"Hundred Days" - Review by Carol Moore

Lookingglass Theatre’s production of "Her Honor Jane Byrne" - Review by Carol Moore

Creepy "Bug" returns to Steppenwolf - Review by Carol Moore

Mercury Theater is back with Fabulous "Sister Act" - Review by Carol Moore

"Pump Boys and Dinettes" A Feel-Good Musical - Review by Carol Moore

"Remember This: The Lesson of Jan Karski" - Review by Carol Moore

"What the Constitution Means to Me" - Review by Carol Moore

Back at The Second City for "Together at Last" - Review by Carol Moore

"The Jigsaw Bride" - Review by Carol Moore

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