****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED The Chicago premiere of Kurt Weill/Georg Kaiser's "Der Silbersee (The Silver Lake)" is clearly an excellent example of that. This exquisite "Der Silbersee" is quite a polished production and, technically speaking, the best work that Chicago Opera Theater has done thus far. 4 SPOTLIGHTS
**** Highly Recommended The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of "Hamnet," now playing at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, is perfect. Honestly, I read Maggie O’Farrell’s book, "Hamnet," and I have to say there isn’t a single thing I’d change about this play. It was the best adaptation of a book that I’ve ever seen – and the acting is superb! 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended "Holiday" is absolutely charming, a delicious treat in the middle of a dreary, cold winter. This modern adaptation of a Cary-Grant-meets-Katherine-Hepburn comedy will have you laughing in no time flat. It has a brilliant cast, gorgeous costumes and two sumptuously decorated sets. "Holiday" is a must-see! 4 BIG Spotlights
DEI * AFFIRMATIVE ACTION * MERIT BASED * FIXING DISCRIMINATION || This “fairness” is the subject of the stage play, “Admissions”
**** Highly Recommended "American Icons" is a demonstration of all that makes the Joffrey such a leader in contemporary ballet. Opening night was totally awesome! The Joffrey’s classically trained, incredibly talented dancers execute the most complicated choreography with flawless technique and timing – and they make it look easy! 4 BIG Spotlights
***RECOMMENDED*** Great artists seek inspiration from the most unlikely of sources. For the beloved American soprano Renée Fleming, processing the effects of constant isolation and quarantine following the recent global health pandemic, that solace was found in the tranquility of nature.
There's something funny happening onstage at Oil Lamp Theater in Glenview. The quaint theater opened its 2026 season with "The Outsider," continuing through Feb. 2
I really enjoyed Wonderlove: The Stevie Wonder Experience, a recent concert at Theatre at the Center.
**** Highly Recommended My first reaction after seeing Steppenwolf’s production of "The Dance of Death" was a heartfelt WOW! August Strindberg wrote an awesome play; Conor McPherson’s new adaptation and stellar acting brought the already dark humor into sharper focus – and more laughs. This play, which is like a “master class in marital warfare,” kept me on the edge of my seat. It might have been the inspiration for the 1989 film, "The War of the Roses." 4 BIG Spotlights
"The Outsiders," with a book by Adam Rapp with Justin Levine, is one of the best musical theater productions to hit The Windy City in aw
