Spotlight on Reviews

*** Recommended   "Fiddler on the Roof" is often called a ‘timeless classic.’  That means audiences expect to see/hear the musical they remember.  Drury Lane’s new, somewhat reimagined "Fiddler" is NOT the musical anyone remembers.  Although you’ll hear the same music and see the same characters, you won’t see a fiddler, or a roof, for that matter.  In fact, there are no props at all!  My friend Nancy liked this "Fiddler", I’m not so sure.  3 Spotlights

****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED   During the 2021/2022 season, Lyric Opera of Chicago presented Terence Blanchard's contemporary opera "Fire Shut Up in My Bones" a mere six months after its premiere at the Metropolitan Opera. That production, which was the second opera that Blanchard had ever composed, proved to be a very popular selection with Lyric audiences as well as a huge critical success. While Blanchard was in Chicago for rehearsals of "Fire Shut Up in My Bones," talk quickly turned to presenting his first opera during a future season. Thankfully, that time has now arrived. "Champion," which Blanchard has described as "an opera in jazz" is a triumph.  4 BIG SPOTLIGHTS

** Somewhat Recommended   Some of you may find the new Shattered Globe production, Flood, heavy going.  I know I did.  Although the cast really, really tried, the whole concept just didn’t work.  It was a lot like that sense of frustration I had when I watched the violin players on the deck of Titanic – an exercise in futility. Although it’s billed as a comedy, there’s just nothing funny about Flood.  2 ½ Spotlights

**** Highly Recommended   The Porchlight Music Theatre production of Anything Goes is practically perfect.  I wouldn’t change a thing – except maybe the location – this show belongs on Broadway!  Run, don’t walk … I know, that’s a ridiculous thing to say in the age of the Internet, but you know what I mean … and get your tickets!  Call me old-fashioned – I love Anything Goes!  Cole Porter’s tunes are catchy, with clever lyrics that you can actually hear and understand – and Meghan Murphy was born to play Reno Sweeney!  4 BIG Spotlights!