*** Recommended *** John Leguizamo’s “Latin History for Morons” is really, really funny, until it’s not, because, guess what? We’re the morons! When Leguizamo learned that his son’s history books completely ignored the contributions of Latins, he decided to do something about it. I actually did learn a few things over the course of the evening. 3 Spotlights
**** Recommended **** I’ve never been a fan of the whole Sherlock Holmes thing, so I wasn’t all that excited about seeing “Sherlock’s Last Case”. I think I’ve always been a bit turned off by all that arrogant know-it-all behavior, so needless to say, a play called “Sherlock’s Last Case” wasn’t on my bucket list. Describe me as surprised, “Sherlock’s Last Case” is a quirky little mystery with a serious cliff hanger at intermission. Sherlock is just as arrogant as always, but Watson brings him back to earth – at least for a little while. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended **** I can’t remember the last time I saw, Henrik Ibsen’s 1879 classic, “A Doll’s House” – maybe when I was in college. At the time, I remember thinking that the story line was totally out of touch. Flash forward to 2019, Writers Theatre, and Sandra Delgado’s fresh modern adaptation. With the #metoo movement, Ibsen’s play about the powerlessness of women is once again relevant. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended **** We think we know everything there is to know about celebrities – even celebrities from history. On the other hand, how would their choices in life look if we had a different perspective? Why did my child do that ________ (fill in the blank)? That’s the point of “Mother of the Maid”, Northlight Theatre’s poignant historic drama about the mother of Joan d’Arc, played to perfection by Kate Fry. Kudos to Director BJ Jones on an amazing production. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended **** If you’ve never been an actor, I’m sure you’ve wondered – I know I have – what’s going on backstage. Do you ever wish you could go back there and see what’s going on? “Bernhardt/Hamlet”, an amusing backstage romp centered on legendary actress Sarah Berhhardt, will give you a glimpse at the things those actors get up to when the audience isn’t around. The first act runs a tiny bit long, but otherwise it’s a wonderful show. 4 Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended **** I think everyone must have had the feeling sometime – you wish you could be a fly on the wall and see/hear what’s going on in that room. With his brilliant drama, “Five Presidents”, Playwright Rick Cleveland has allowed all of us to get a glimpse of the things presidents and former presidents say to each other when they’re alone. It’s a fascinating look into history in a kinder, gentler time in American history. “Five Presidents” should be a must-see on everyone’s calendar. 4 BIG Spotlights
*** Recommended *** “Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic” is the perfect opportunity to introduce your children/grandchildren to live theater. This fast-moving, brightly colored show is chock full of multiple Muppets and friends in high-energy dance numbers done to rhythmic music designed to get the kids dancing, too. All your favorite Sesame Street learning blocks – numbers, letters and colors – are here too! 3 Spotlights
*** Recommended *** “King Hedley II”, the ninth play (1985) in August Wilson’s Pittsburgh cycle. You know that quote about “…the worst of times” – I think it applies to “King Hedley II”. Supply side economics and the trickle down theory didn't work very well in Pittsburgh's black community. This bleak story, a true tragedy, is the probably the darkest in the series. Although it’s beautifully acted, I was in no mood for cheerful chatter when I walked out of the Court Theatre. 3 Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended **** “The King’s Speech” is a wonderful play. It’s a gripping but very human story of a man whose public persona – King of England – was larger than life. In his private life, he was an intensely proud and private man called Bertie, who never wanted to be king. Whatever you do, don’t skip this play because you saw the movie. The story is pretty much the same, but pared down to just a few characters, who are superbly portrayed by a terrific cast. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended **** I have mixed feelings about “The Color Purple”. On the one hand, the Drury Lane production was excellent; on the other, I’m not in love with the musical itself. Alice Walker wrote a really powerful book, which Steven Spielburg made into a really powerful movie. Why not a really powerful play? Maybe even a play with music – like at church, or in the juke joint or when Shug is feeling like singing. The musical’s script is actually quite different from that of the 1985 movie which starred Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, Danny Glover and Margaret Avery. There were some rough spots, but overall, a good show. 3 ½ Spotlights
