**** Recommended Fans of the beloved TV show "The Golden Girls" will love "Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue!" I was only an occasional viewer, but I must say, this cast has the ladies’ character quirks down pat. This is a comedy that anyone – TV viewer or not – will enjoy. The cast is terrific and the laughs are real! 4 Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended Since I knew absolutely nothing about Sufjan Stevens or his 2005 concept album Illinois, I didn’t know what to expect when I went to see Illinoise at Chicago Shakespeare. Judging by all the cheers from the audience, everyone else was in on the secret. Stevens’ music portrays Illinois – the people, the history, the geography – while throwing in zombies, killer wasps and UFOs. The company tells these stories completely in exquisite dance routines. I am in awe! 4 BIG Spotlights
*** 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 In the Heights, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s exhilarating tribute to Washington Heights is wowing audiences at the Marriott Theatre. Miranda’s clever, complicated lyrical cadence, a definite precursor to Hamilton, is combined with vibrant salsa and hip hop rhythms. Add in a brilliant cast who make complicated choreography look easy, and you’ll have a hit! I was dancing in my seat! Hurry and get your tickets, you’ll be dancing too! 4 BIG 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
**** Recommended "Highway Patrol" is an intriguingly personal drama/mystery written by actress Dana Delany. I really admire her for taking something personal and potentially embarrassing and turning it into a play. In fact, Highway Patrol is a fascinating drama that will have you – by turns – almost in tears, stiff with outrage or laughing with the star. The Goodman Theatre world premiere production will only be in Chicago through February 18th, so you’ll have to hurry and get your tickets. 4 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
***RECOMMENDED*** It is always a pleasure to see a more youthful audience arrive as spectators to an opera. At the recent opening matinee of Lyric Opera of Chicago's "Cinderella" (La Cenerentola), many of those in attendance were young children. Lyric has proven that this family-friendly 1817 Rossini work is ideal for any age group. From the lengthy overture all the way throughout until the final happy ending, this opera is a delight. It is nearly as much fun watching the reactions on those children's faces as it is to enjoy the frivolity and endless frolicking taking place upon the stage. Kudos to those parents, as all of the children were well-behaved and remained quiet during the entire performance. 3 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!
**** Recommended Shrek is a tongue-in-cheek, irreverent, slightly twisted, very Green take on all the fairy tales you heard as a child. It’s fun, it’s funny, it’s colorful and very over-the-top! At approximately 2 ½ hours, it might run a little long for younger children. 4 Spotlights.
