Spotlight on Reviews

**** Recommended  I loved "POTUS Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive", a new political comedy at Hammond’s Towle Theater.  POTUS doesn’t have enough doors to be a farce, but it has most of the other elements – an absurd situation, stereotypical characters, over-the-top personalities, witty dialog, lightning fast timing, pratfalls, and bawdy humor.  It also has an all-female cast, a rarity in comedy.  The language is a bit salty but it fits the situation.  4 Spotlights

**** Highly Recommended  Joshua Harmon’s "Prayer for the French Republic", a Northlight Theatre co-production with Theater Wit, is an exceptional family drama which spans 70 years. This is not a short story, so it runs a bit long, three acts with two intermissions. I’ve had a hard time writing a review because this is an excellent play, but I didn’t become emotionally involved and I’m not sure why.  4 Spotlights

**** Highly Recommended  I found myself captivated by Marriott Theatre’s production of "Titanic the Musical".  It turns out that Marriott’s arena-style stage is ideal for depicting the idea of Titanic. We don’t need a ship to tell the story, we need the people on board to tell their stories.  Kudos to Director Connor Gallagher for keeping the focus on them. I can’t say enough about this cast – their faces told the story – pride, hope, boredom, envy, joy, fear, panic and finally acceptance.  I am in awe!  4 BIG Spotlights

** Somewhat Recommended  You may find the Steppenwolf production of "The Book of Grace" heavy going.  I know I did.  It’s dark, violent, and ugly.  As I watched, I tried to figure out where playwright Suzan-Lori Parks was going with it, but I never could.  I just watched the story unfold with horror.  Apparently, "Book of Grace: is a timely follow-up to her earlier play, "Top Dog/Underdog".  If that's the case, I’m glad I missed that one!  Although I do applaud the work done by the cast, this is not a play for the faint of heart.  2 Spotlights