In marked contrast to their brooding production of “Macbeth” which is running simultaneously until October 9 (see separate listing), Lyric Opera’s second offering of the season is bright, cheery and a heck of a lot of fun -- Donizetti’s extremely popular “The Elixir of Love.”
*** Recommended The Towle Theater is open again! It was wonderful to return to one of my favorite theaters where I got to catch up with friends and see the world premiere of quirky little musical mystery called “Night Tide” - kind of a Creature Feature/Beach Boys mash-up.
*** Recommended “Mr. Burns, a post-electric play” portrays life after an apocalypse which somehow caused the electrical grid to fall.
**** Recommended **** Paramount Theatre’s production of “Kinky Boots” is practically perfect! I’ve come to expect the best from Jim Corti and his crew because they always deliver – the best casts, the best costumes, the best choreography, the best staging and a full orchestra! “Kinky Boots” might be their best ever! I think this production was better than the Broadway tour. The opening night audience didn’t just enjoy “Kinky Boots”, they jumped up and cheered! I think you will too. 4 BIG Spotlights
Blue Man Group which has returned to the Briar Street Theatre stage after more than 18 months.
*** 3 ½ Spotlights I can’t describe how good it felt to be back in a theater after soooo long. Then, to see a delicious play like “School Girls; or, The African Mean Girls Play”, just wow! No Kidding, “School Girls” is a funny, poignant, thought-provoking play about teen angst. Don’t miss it – at the Goodman Theatre through Aug 29th
*** Recommended *** I was honored and privileged to be in the audience for the first live, in-person professional theater production in the Chicago area since 2019 (although I have seen several professional summer stock productions in Indiana). The Oak Park Festival Theatre production of “The Tempest” was well done and fun to watch. 3 Spotlights
3 ½ Spotlights for Canterbury Theatre’ third musical of the season, “Ordinary Days”
The Canterbury Summer Theatre production of “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!” is a terrific musical for these hot summer days/nights.
