Spotlight on Reviews

**** Recommended   As we were driving to Writers Theatre in Glencoe to see "Eurydice", my friend Crista and I discussed and dissected Sarah Ruhl’s plays.  Crista tended not to like them, I liked more than I disliked.  We both had questions about her version of Eurydice, wondering how the addition of Eurydice’s father would fit into the Greek legend.  In fact, I think Eurydice’s interaction with her father added emotion, pathos if you will, to a harsh legend.  Unfortunately, it’s rather slow-moving, so I zoned out once or twice.  3 ½ Spotlights

**** Highly Recommended   The Goodman Theatre production of "The Nacirema Society" is quite simply outstanding!   The play is centered on the women of the Dunbar family of Montgomery, Alabama and their long-time connection to the Nacirema (American spelled backwards) Society, whose members consider themselves to be the crème de la crème of Negro society.  Pearl Cleage has written a dynamic play about privilege that still manages to be laugh-out-loud funny; the cast is stellar and the set is awesome!  It reminded me a lot of Noel Coward’s plays – in which good manners will prevail over all. 4 BIG Spotlights

**** Highly Recommended   Remy Bumppo Theatre Company always seems to produce thoughtful plays about people in conflict.  Their latest, :Blues for an Alabama Sky", directed by Mikael Burke, fits that criterion perfectly.  It is a gripping drama about complicated people doing what they have to do to survive.  It is also one of two plays and a series of readings produced as a part of the month-long Pearl Cleage festival (the other being The Nacirema Society at the Goodman Theatre).  "Blues for an Alabama Sky" will keep your attention firmly on the action.  4 Spotlights

**** Highly Recommended   You can add another kudo to Kate Fry’s resume, her tour de force performance in Northlight Theatre’s production of "Birthday Candles".  I don’t mind telling you that this beautiful play, directed by Jessica Thebus, had me laughing and crying, sometimes at the same time.  Everything about it moved me!  4 BIG Spotlights