Spotlight on Reviews

**** Recommended  Teatro La Plaza’s "Hamlet" is an entirely unique interpretation of Shakespeare’s dark and broody play.  The exuberant cast took possession of the story and retold it in their own inimitable style, and that style was personal and mostly joyful.  They even made it interactive by inviting audience members into the production.  4 Spotlights

**** Highly Recommended  Audiences are loving Paramount Theatre’s production of "Waitress", a musical of contrasts.  Parts of the story are dark and difficult – domestic abuse, infidelity and single parenthood aren’t usually the subject of a musical.  On the other hand, "Waitress" is also about dreams, determination, friendship – and pies.  Except for the sound – the orchestra overwhelms the female singers so their mics are turned up to the point their voices are screechy – the production is wonderful. I really enjoyed it.  4 Spotlights

**** Highly Recommended  I didn’t know anything about Harold Pinter’s play, "Betrayal," before I saw the Goodman’s revival recently.  A friend had mentioned that there was a small controversy over Director Susan V. Booth’s decision to cast older actors – over twenty-somethings – but I never even thought about age as I was drawn into the human drama unfolding on that stage.  That a character could maintain that very British stiff upper lip, even while receiving devastating news delivered in the calmest of tones, was a revelation. Kudos to Director Susan V. Booth for a theatrical gem!  4 BIG Spotlights

***RECOMMENDED***  "Hedda Gabler" In a punchy new adaptation by Mark O'Rowe, which feels both deferential to Ibsen's original text while also being extremely modern, several company members of The Artistic Home give credible performances under Monica's Payne's solid direction.  3.5 SPOTLIGHTS