Reviews by Carol Moore

**** Highly Recommended **** Recently, someone asked me why so many theaters choose "The Sound of Music"?  Simply put – it’s one of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s classic musicals, it’s family friendly and the love story is timeless.  As we were driving to Aurora to see the Paramount Theatre production, I learned that my friend Helen loved the music and knew the words to every song, but that she’d never seen the show.  Afterwards, she said she loved the show, and was glad to finally see how the songs fit into the story.  The music was glorious, the cast is outstanding and the children were delightful.  I give "The Sound of Music" 4 Spotlights

**** Highly Recommended **** The audience was clearly ready and waiting for The Lion King on opening night, judging by the cheers that greeted the first notes sung by Rafiki the Mandrill (Gugwana Diamini).  There were expressions of sheer awe on children’s faces as animals – everything from giraffes to elephants – walked up the aisles.  The Lion King is nothing short of spectacular!  I was fascinated by the costumes, entranced by the story.  Everything about “The Lion King” is larger than life!  I give it 4 Spotlights. 

**** Highly Recommended **** Every family has their own holiday traditions.  In my family it was A Christmas Story, my children’s favorite Christmas movie.  No matter how many times I see this nostalgic story, I always laugh!  “You’ll shoot your eye out” has become a family catchphrase.  Over the years it has become one of my favorite plays, although I was never all that fond of the musical.  Marriott Theatre’s production of A Christmas Story: The Musical has changed my mind!  4 BIG Spotlights

**** Recommended **** To open their final season, First Folio decided to reprise Jeeves Intervenes, which first appeared on the stage in the Mayslake library in 2008.  Most of the original cast members have returned too, making this a delightful evening.  Jeeves Intervenes is a comedy of manners, in a time when disputes and conflicts were settled with civility and good manners.  You can’t help laughing as Jeeves rescues that lovable twit, Bertie Wooster from family follies and his own scrapes.  Jeeves Intervenes is slightly insane and totally hilarious.  4 Spotlights