This reviewer was mesmorized as all the musicians not only supplied great orchestration but, acted and sang amazingly. This unusual musical prodcution is the brainchild of Preston Max Allen. He worked on it for ten years, adding, deleting, and tweaking until he felt comfortable. Preston created the story, music and lyrics. If the unique production does not impress you, the musical numbers will.
Sandy Rustin, the playwright, just pulled off a first in neighborhood Chicago theater. She was instrumental in bringing her 2023 sexual farce stage play directly from Broadway to neighborhood Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest. Ms. Rustin grew up in Glenview and went to Northwestern University. She was influenced by Noel Coward’s “Private Lives” and Bernard Slade’s “Same Time Next Year” but creates her own unique story in “The Cottage”. It is recommended by this reviewer.
**** Recommended Towle Theater’s latest production, "Slow Food," is a stupidly funny little comedy about a restaurant patron’s worst nightmare, a passive-aggressive waiter. It’s totally predictable yet laugh-out-loud funny. The talented cast makes the most of the story. Don’t miss this one. 3 ½ Spotlights
**** Recommended I knew about Mike Royko, but only in a visceral way. I’ve never lived in Chicago – except for two years in a college dorm – so I can’t say I knew a lot about him. That said, I thought that "Royko: The Toughest Man in Chicago," an anecdotal portrayal of a fearless journalist, written and performed by Mitchell Bisschop and directed by Steve Scott, was fascinating. 4 Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended Janet Ulrich Brooks performance as Queen Elizabeth II in Drury Lane Theatre’s production of "The Audience" was a tour de force. You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy this historical drama, but it’s fun to imagine being in the room and listening in on conversations in the Audience room. The set was gorgeous, the costumes – especially that iconic white ball gown and crown – were authentic. The only criticism I have to offer – I had a hard time hearing some of the dialogue. 4 Spotlights
“Bob, could you review the opening night of “South Pacific” at The Skokie Theatre?
“I’ve seen it 1000 times (I never exaggerate) from NYC to Chicago and you want me to see it again?”
So, on September 6, I went to see the opening of “South Pacific” for the 1001th time, and I am glad that I did. I am, again, reminded why this show is in its 77th year, has received 10 Tonys and is one of only two musicals to receive a “Pulitzer Prize”.
**** The Paramount Theatre’s production of "The Full Monty" is a rowdy, risqué and totally fun show. The ensemble is terrific – the men are sexy-ish (you know they’re trying), the ladies are whooping it up! Kudos to the cast and crew on a great job! My friend Helen and I loved it. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended "1776" is one of my least favorite musicals, so I wasn’t looking forward to seeing this musical about the founding fathers again. However, I did like the Marriott Theatre production which is so timely in light of these stressful times. Marriott’s in-the-round staging brought everything closer to the audience making viewers feel more involved. Their non-traditional casting (black actors and female actors – both of whom would have been excluded in 1776) was also spot on. If you’re interested in history, you’ll enjoy "1776," especially the solemn role call as they sign the Declaration of Independence. 4 Spotlights
*** Recommended I really enjoyed Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival’s joyful, fanciful and creative production of Shakespeare’s complicated comedy, "As You Like It". Although I always enjoy watching the lovers of Arden Forest trying to figure it all out, there were times –usually when the actors turned their backs to the audience – when we couldn’t hear what they were saying. The script does include one of my absolute favorite soliloquys, “All the world’s a stage …” but three hours is just too long. 3 Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended "BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical" is just awesome! I was more than a bit skeptical going in – how would they, could they, possibly turn a classic adventure movie into a musical? Well, they did, and "BACK TO THE FUTURE" blew me away! The special effects are, as my friend Al Bresloff says, mindboggling! Hurry, hurry, hurry and get your tickets! 4 Spotlights
