Spotlight on Reviews

***RECOMMENDED  "Wise Guys: The First Christmas Story" is a new comedy at The Factory Theater which is a bit difficult to categorize, which is one of its many charms. Playwright Chase Wheaton-Werle's script is equal parts history lesson and an examination of multiple religious beliefs plus an adventure tale combined with a regal quest for the divine. If you simply can't stomach the idea of seeing one more Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy or dread the spirits that will visit grumpy old miser Ebenezer Scrooge, then "Wise Guys" is just the holiday show for you. Definitely not a sugary-sweet confection a la "White Christmas" but this is, obviously, the quintessential origin story of why people celebrate Christmas in the first place.  3 SPOTLIGHTS

****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED****   You may just about have felt the earth move under your feet if you were in the audience at Marriott Theatre's opening night performance of The sustained ovation during the curtain call -- and subsequent audience sing-along -- was certainly justified as this is one of the best versions of this popular show that you may get to witness. Powerful voices and very strong acting lift this story of one particular artist's journey of self-discovery that leads to personal triumph and female empowerment. You may not know Carole King's story, but you will definitely recognize many --if not most -- of the songs that she composed.  4 SPOTLIGHTS

****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED****   It has been 50 years since Lyric Opera of Chicago has presented a production of "The Daughter of the Regiment." That's much too long a span of time to deprive local audiences the pure joy of witnessing Gaetano Donizetti's 1840 bel canto comedic opera. Under the faultless work of original director Laurent Pelly (revived here by Christian Rath) this charming, new-to-Chicago production simply shines with a stellar cast that delivers all of the laughs -- of which there are many -- hits all of the high notes plus delivers it all with pure heart to make for a splendid experience in the opera house.  4 BIG SPOTLIGHTS

**** Recommended   I was charmed by the Music Theater Works production of "Brigadoon", one of my favorite musicals – which, by the way, has one of the best scores ever written.  The MTW cast were definitely able to carry a tune, although only a couple managed a Scottish brogue.   The choreography was enthusiastic and energetic, while the sword dance was quite good.  Although the men wore kilts, the women’s flower-trimmed dresses looked more appropriate for "Camelot" than "Brigadoon".  I really enjoyed this production.  3 ½ Spotlights