**** Highly Recommended Audiences for Goodman Theatre’s summer hit, "Iceboy!" an old-fashioned screwball comedy, never stopped laughing. The world premiere is actually titled "Iceboy! or The Completely Untrue Story of How Eugene O’Neill Came to Write The Iceman Cometh" which is an insane title, but does explain why Eugene O’Neill appears in the show. This one is a must-see! 4 BIG Spotlights
*** Recommended Steppenwolf Theatre’s production of "Catch As Catch Can" features brilliant acting, a gorgeous set, some very funny dialogue, and unfortunately, a very confusing story line. I kept trying and trying to figure out who was who and what was going on but eventually, I just gave up. 3 Spotlights
A riveting production of a classic is starring at TUTA Theatre in Chicago. "Crime and Punishment," which has been adapted by Marilyn Campbell and Curt Columbus, continues at TUTA Theatre. The play has been extended to Aug. 23.
**** Highly Recommended The circus is in town! Water for Elephants is one of the most imaginative, exciting new shows I’ve seen in a long time. I was glad to see that Rick Elice’s adaptation really brought Sara Gruen’s complicated tale to life. That doesn’t always happen. Don’t miss this one! 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended If you’re looking for some cool summer fun on a warm evening, the world premiere of "Untitled Vampire Play" is the show for you. It’s a vampire rom-com – a young man from Chicago meets a gorgeous gal who happens to be a vampire. Can true love prevail? There are jealous siblings (hers), skeptical parents (his) and then there’s that pesky vampire hunter. "Untitled Vampire Play" is refreshing and fun. Don’t miss it! 4 BIG Spotlights
House of DOV recently unveiled its newest dance work in the Chicagoland area - the world premiere of "Circle of Apathy"
**** Highly Recommended Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s production of the North American premiere of "Brokeback Mountain" is an intense, immersive experience spanning 20 years. Tom Pye’s slanted set, complete with sagebrush, will transport you to Wyoming. The lyrical country-western music reinforced the mood, leaving me feeling that I was on that mountain too. I never saw the film but my friend Nancy, who did, said the play was better than the movie. That’s a wow in my book. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended "Deathtrap" is the first production of the summer season for Dunes Summer Theatre, and it’s a good one. "Deathtrap" is a mystery with lots of plot twists and turns. I don’t want to give anything away, so this review is intentionally vague. You don’t want to miss this one! 4 Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended **** The Joffrey Ballet’s production of "Eugene Onegin" is dramatic, elegant, romantic, poignant and truly exquisite. Seeing Yuri Possokhov’s emotive choreography interpreted with incredible artistry by the Joffrey company was a transformative experience. Every movement demonstrated acting ability as well as grace and artistry. "Eugene Onegin" – c’est magnifique! 4 BIG Spotlights
The Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre at Noyes Cutural Center in Evanston recently opened its new season with the acclaimed play "Gee's Bend." The show continues to Sunday, June 7th
