Spotlight on Reviews

**** 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

***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

**** 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.

**** Highly Recommended   American Blues Theater has a beautiful, brand new building.  I was privileged to be there for the building’s opening as well as the press opening of their 22nd annual production of "It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!" This show is an opportunity to take your family on a nostalgic trip into the past and enjoy a ‘live radio’ broadcast.  It’s a lot of fun to listen as the talented cast brings all the beloved characters to life.  Since this is ‘live’, the actors do the commercials too.  "It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago" always gets me in a holiday mood!  4 Spotlights!