Forts! Build Your Own Adventure - Review by Julia Rack
My husband and I took our sons, ages 2 years and 4 years to Filament Theatre’s, “Forts! Build Your Own Adventure,”
"The Island" - Review by Carol Moore
*** 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
The Lion King is nothing short of spectacular! - Review by Carol Moore
**** 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.
Family-friendly Elf is Delightful - Review by Carol Moore
***** 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
"A Christmas Story: The Musical" - Review by Carol Moore
**** 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
"Trouble in Mind" - Review by Carol Moore
**** 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
Sparkling New Production of "Le Comte Ory" - Review by Jeffrey Leibham
****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED**** The string of consecutive premieres continues at Lyric Opera of Chicago during the month of November. Fresh on the heels of their epic five-act version of Verdi's "Don Carlos" sung in French (currently running in rotating rep through November 25) comes the delectably delightful "Le Comte Ory." Composed by Rossini in 1828, "Le Comte Ory" is the Italian master's penultimate opera and, surprisingly, has never been performed by Lyric Opera until now. This sparkling new production is the perfect way to usher in the joyous holiday season. 4 SPOTLIGHTS
Verdi's "Don Carlos" in the Original French - Review by Jeffrey Leibham
***RECOMMENDED*** You may have heard of the old jazz standard "What a Difference a Day Makes." Well, it can also be said that more than a mere 24 hours can alter how we perceive something or how we may process it. A particular language can make a major difference as well, as evidenced with Lyric Opera of Chicago's latest "Don Carlos." This is the very first time that Lyric is presenting Verdi's epic work in the 1886 five-act version in French and the one that the composer himself believed to be the most complete. The four-act version sung in Italian is most frequently encountered and has been performed multiple times at Lyric in the past. 3 SPOTLIGHTS
"Young Frankenstein" is a Northwest Indiana Must-See - Review by Carol Moore
*** Recommended *** For their first show in three years, Marian Theater Guild wanted to do a show that would make people laugh. They picked the right show! Young Frankenstein is a Mel Brooks show, so it has lots of throwaway lines. If the 1974 movie starring Gene Wilder and Peter Boyle made you laugh, you’ll love this musical adaptation. "Young Frankenstein" is a Northwest Indiana must-see.
Hilarious "Jeeves Intervenes" - Review by Carol Moore
**** Recommended **** To open their final season, First Folio decided to reprise Jeeves Intervenes, which first appeared on the stage in the Mayslake library in 2008. Most of the original cast members have returned too, making this a delightful evening. Jeeves Intervenes is a comedy of manners, in a time when disputes and conflicts were settled with civility and good manners. You can’t help laughing as Jeeves rescues that lovable twit, Bertie Wooster from family follies and his own scrapes. Jeeves Intervenes is slightly insane and totally hilarious. 4 Spotlights