Spotlight on Reviews

****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED   Whenever you see Anna Deavere Smith's name attached to a project, you can be sure that you will experience a unique and well-researched theatrical presentation of often under-appreciated and frequently marginalized voices, which -- when listened to closely -- become both educational as well as emotionally authentic. Whether dealing with the Los Angeles riots following the beating of Rodney King in her legendary "Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992" or the segment titled "The Walkers," which detailed efforts to curtail violence on the South Side of Chicago and made up the bulk of the three stories presented in the contemporary opera titled "Proximity" at Lyric Opera of Chicago last season, Smith has always created works that are rallying cries for social justice. Her "Notes from the Field," receiving its Chicago premiere at TimeLine Theatre Company in a rousing production, is no exception.  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

**** 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

**** 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