Spotlight on Reviews

*** Recommended *** The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque opened with a flourish recently, moving from short runs at tiny out-of-the-way venues into the ‘big time’ with a month-long run at the Greenhouse Theater Center.  The opening night audience was full of 30-somethings who were having a great time whooping and hollering all through the cocktail hour and then the show.  My friend and I had no idea we’d be seeing a bawdy, risqué, colorful, burlesque/boylesque version of the famous ballet. 3 Spotlights

My 4-year-old son. Mike, and I attended The Steadfast Tin Soldier, at Lookingglass Theatre recently.  The location of this theatre is a treat in itself.  It is located in the Water Tower.  It is on the Magnificent Mile, too, so we enjoyed shopping a bit and walking around after the show. 

**** Highly Recommended **** If you’re looking for some adults-only holiday cheer and a raucous good time, head for Theater Wit and the reprise of Who’s Holiday, a 2021 smash hit, one-woman show, starring Veronica Garza as 40-something Cindy Lou Who.  You might remember a certain cartoon, and a cute little tot who caught a green guy stealing her Christmas tree.  That was then, this is now!  This Cindy Lou Who has a story to tell – and everything she says is in rhyme!  Garza has incredible comic chops, so Who’s Holiday is raucous, raunchy and absolutely hilarious.  4 Spotlights

**** Highly Recommended **** Recently, someone asked me why so many theaters choose "The Sound of Music"?  Simply put – it’s one of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s classic musicals, it’s family friendly and the love story is timeless.  As we were driving to Aurora to see the Paramount Theatre production, I learned that my friend Helen loved the music and knew the words to every song, but that she’d never seen the show.  Afterwards, she said she loved the show, and was glad to finally see how the songs fit into the story.  The music was glorious, the cast is outstanding and the children were delightful.  I give "The Sound of Music" 4 Spotlights