**** Recommended Steppenwolf Theatre’s new production, "The Thanksgiving Play," is a biting satire about political correctness. In this story about an elementary school Thanksgiving play, political correctness has totally run amok. The characters are such earnest, self-righteous and self-congratulatory people that I absolutely hated them, yet I laughed at their antics. 3 ½ Spotlights
**** Recommended Picture the ultimate sleaze-ball of all time, put him up against his own mortality, and you’ll get "Judgment Day," the world premiere comedy playing in the Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. It’s not a new idea but it stars Jason Alexander – who can deliver a devastatingly funny one-liner better than anyone – and it’s hilarious. I laughed so hard my face hurt! 4 Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended Goodman Theatre’s lyrical production of "Joe Turner’s Come and Gone" is a masterpiece – and a history lesson. In this play, the second in August Wilson’s Century Cycle, set in the 1910s, echoes of the Civil War overlay the ordinary difficulties of everyday life. As in most of Wilson’s Pittsburgh cycle, the characters are dealing with life the best they can – but because it’s Wilson, there’s a bit of mysticism too. Kudos to the cast, the acting is absolutely superb! 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended "Jump," Shattered Globe’s final production of the season, is a gripping and poignant drama about grief, loss and the fallout from suicide with a couple of surprising twists to keep it interesting. It’s beautifully done, but kind of heavy going. In fact, I found myself tearing up several times. A warning - some characters vape and/or smoke. 3 ½ Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended Congo Square Theatre’s stellar production of "How I Learned What I Learned" wasn’t what I expected, it was much better! I guess I thought this autobiographical one-man show would have more of the conflict and sense of place, not to mention the woo-woo factor, found in August Wilson’s plays. Instead, it’s filled with anecdotes about growing up in Pittsburgh’s Hill District and other hard-learned life lessons. Don’t miss this tour de force performance by Harry Lennix. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended Drury Lane Theatre’s revival of "Guys and Dolls" is a throwback to the ‘50s. The score is pure nostalgia, filled with songs I remember my mom singing – songs like "Luck Be a Lady," "A Bushel and a Peck" and "Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat." The characters are over-the-top – especially Miss Adelaide (Alanna Lovely) who totally steals the show! The gamblers – sinners all – are a hoot. Can these sinners be saved? Probably not, but that’s half the fun! 4 Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended "The Music Man" is back in town! You don’t want to miss Marriott’s fresh new production of this musical classic, it’s a gem! Kudos to Director/Choreographer Katie Spelman, the cast is terrific and the choreography is not to be missed. The turn-of-the-century story might seem a bit dated but the music is timeless. 4 Big Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended Don’t miss Hersey Felder’s "Monsieur Chopin – A Play with Music!" As we’ve come to expect from the longtime Chicago favorite, Felder gives a tour de force performance. In developing his biographical scripts, Felder does extensive research. The resulting performances show meticulous attention to detail. Combining acting with concert-level piano performance, Hersey Felder literally became Fryderyk Chopin. It was a cozy and intimate picture of a very talented, complicated man. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended Although the Court Theatre has mounted an outstanding production, some of you – like my guest, Helen – might find "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" heavy going. Indeed, I felt like I was watching Waiting for Godot, one of the most boring plays ever written! The questions of the day - who are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and why should we care? Tom Stoppard’s absurdist play, a riff on a line from the final scene in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, tries to answer those questions. 3 ½ Spotlights
**** Reommended I didn’t expect to like "Inanimate" as much as I did, but it pulled me in and wouldn’t let go! This quirky little comedy has interesting and somewhat eccentric characters who live in a small town with a thriving Walmart and empty storefronts in a dying downtown. "Inanimate" explores something called objectum sexuality (a sexual attraction to inanimate objects), with wit and grace. 3 ½ Spotlights
