‘Dhaba on Devon Avenue’ an enchanting serving of food for the soul -- and potential second chances
Chef Neeraj’s world is closing in on him in more ways than one. And, despite his talented daughter and sous chef Rita’s tireless efforts to update and enhance the traditional Sindhi menu to revive their decades-old Devon Avenue restaurant in Chicago, Neeraj is having not having it.
**** I really enjoyed Dunes Arts Summer Theatre production of "Outside Mullingar," a fascinating family drama set in Ireland. The characters are argumentative, contrary, negative in outlook, and they can hold a grudge for a lifetime. "Outside Mullingar" is a poignant love story about two lonely people who find each other in spite of themselves. 4 Spotlights.
**** Recommended As I watched "Always Something There …", Marriott Theatre’s time-traveling jukebox musical, I was hit with a case of déjà vu. My daughter graduated from high school in 1989, so I totally recognized those clothes, those hairdos and those songs. The story’s been done before – "Peggy Sue Got Married" comes to mind – but this ensemble cast makes the difference. They are young, talented and enthusiastic, combine that talent with something like 23 hits of the 80s, the result is an outstanding production. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended Canterbury Summer Theatre’s production of "A Year with Frog and Toad" is a charming little family-friendly musical. Both adults and children will enjoy it. The songs are clever and light-hearted, with just enough humor to keep the adults in the audience awake. I really enjoyed it. 3 ½ Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended Drury Lane’s production of "Always… Patsy Cline" is absolutely fabulous! Aja Alcazar is brilliant as Patsy! Her voice just fits. Add in Bri Sudia’s comedy and you get a hit! You can’t help but tap your toe to the music. I really enjoyed the show, and so will you! 4 BIG Spotlights
Recommended I’m not quite sure where Steppenwolf’s latest, "You Will Get Sick," fits on the quirkiness scale, but it must be close to the top. My friend and I walked out trying to figure out just what we’d seen. We had questions, so many questions! No kidding, all the questions aside, "You Will Get Sick" is a very good play. 4 Spotlights
**** Recommended Black Ensemble’s latest show, "That’s What Friends Are For: Gladys, Dionne & Patti," written and directed by Daryl D. Brooks, features the music of three musical icons. Although the plot is thin, the music is fabulous. 4 Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended There’s new revue on The Second City e.t.c. stage, "Chaos Theory of Everything." I can’t say this was the funniest e.t.c. revue I’ve seen but it was pretty darn funny. The beginning was a little low key, but the pace did pick up. It wasn’t too long before people were laughing and having a good time. By the way, in case you’re wondering, e.t.c. does not mean etcetera, rather it’s the stage where they can experiment, take chances. 3 ½ Spotlights
Although I didn't get a chance to see the Court Theatre's remount of their 2011 hit, "An Iliad," I thought I'd share my review of the 2013 remount.
The remount of the Court Theatre’s 2011 hit, “An Iliad”, is still amazing! Timothy Edward Kane’s performance as the Poet, a man who tells and retells the story of the Trojan War, is a ‘tour de force’. If you missed it last time – and even if you saw it then - make sure you see An Iliad this go round, it’s a 4 Spotlight play.
**** Recommended I enjoyed watching "Kimberly Akimbo." It was well-written, funny, and ultimately heart-wrenching. Carolee Carmello was brilliant as Kimberly who had to navigate her way through a new high school while managing a rare genetic disease, totally dysfunctional parents and a larcenous aunt. On the other hand, I was appalled when said larcenous aunt provided a step-by-step how-to-commit a crime in Act II. 3 ½ Spotlights
