**** Recommended **** The Drama Group chose Chicago’s own bittersweet musical, The Christmas Schooner as its holiday production. This is the story of the first ship to brave Lake Michigan’s frigid waters and November gales to bring Christmas trees to the German immigrants living in Chicago, a tradition maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard today. This is a must-see show, don’t miss it! 4 Spotlights
**** 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 **** Do you need some holiday cheer? Holiday lights and garlands? Check. Adult beverages and yummy snacks? Check. Six zany cast members in Santa hats and ugly sweaters? Check. Hilarious holiday-themed sketches and improv? Check. Enough laughs to make your ribs ache? Check. The Second City’s holiday revue, What the Elf? has all that, and more! In fact, everywhere I looked, people were laughing – not polite little titters, either – I’m talking guffaws! 4 BIG 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
My husband and I took our sons, ages 2 years and 4 years to Filament Theatre’s, “Forts! Build Your Own Adventure,”
*** Recommended *** The first five or ten minutes of Court Theatre’s intense new production "The Island" are completely without dialogue. Just two men walking, but how are they walking? Although there were no actual chains on their hands or feet, they were definitely walking in chains. That interval introduced the audience to some of the inhumane treatment – and sheer tedium – of life in prison. Somehow, in spite of the horrific conditions, men are still capable of friendship – and theater. 3 Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended **** The audience was clearly ready and waiting for The Lion King on opening night, judging by the cheers that greeted the first notes sung by Rafiki the Mandrill (Gugwana Diamini). There were expressions of sheer awe on children’s faces as animals – everything from giraffes to elephants – walked up the aisles. The Lion King is nothing short of spectacular! I was fascinated by the costumes, entranced by the story. Everything about “The Lion King” is larger than life! I give it 4 Spotlights.
***** Highly Recommended ***** To celebrate the holidays, Buddy the Elf and his good friend Santa, are back in town! If you’re looking for a special outing for your children or and/or grandchildren, choose Drury Lane Theatre’s whimsical production of Elf-the Musical, a heartwarming, family-friendly, funny, delightful show. 4 BIG Holiday Spotlights
**** Highly Recommended **** Every family has their own holiday traditions. In my family it was A Christmas Story, my children’s favorite Christmas movie. No matter how many times I see this nostalgic story, I always laugh! “You’ll shoot your eye out” has become a family catchphrase. Over the years it has become one of my favorite plays, although I was never all that fond of the musical. Marriott Theatre’s production of A Christmas Story: The Musical has changed my mind! 4 BIG Spotlights
**** Recommend **** As I’ve come to expect, TimeLine Theatre’s intense production of Trouble in Mind is both historical in content and timely in impact. Since it was based on playwright Alice Childress’s own experiences with racism and sexism in theater, it resonates as if it were true. Powerful performances, particularly by Shariba Rivers as actress, Wiletta Mayer, and Tim Decker as Al Manners, a dictatorial director, bring depth to the story. A back stage drama isn’t glamorous but it is definitely worth seeing. 3 ½ Spotlights
