Spotlight on Reviews

**** Highly Recommended **** The Second City’s 110th Mainstage Revue, "Do the Right Thing, No Worries If Not" is downright hilarious.  Everywhere I looked, the folks in the audience were laughing – not polite little titters, either – I’m talking guffaws!  Unlike recent revues, this one isn’t angry or political or even newsy – although there was one funny sketch about doddering senior citizens which ended with the zinger – do we really want to elect these guys?  I haven’t laughed so much in years!  4 BIG Spotlights 

**** Recommended **** "Skates A New Musical" playing at the newly renovated Studebaker Theatre through June 26th, is a polished production, but the story didn’t resonate for me.  It’s kind of a mash-up – a pop star takes a nostalgic trip back to a particular place and time, Windy City Skate in the ‘70s.  Once there, however, she gets to meet and interact with her teen-aged self.  Skates is colorful, fast-paced and fun to watch.  3 ½ Spotlights

5 Stars! Very Highly Recommended!  The line outdoors should have been much longer on the opening night of Noël Coward’s comedy “Blithe Spirit” at the Skokie Theatre. But on a summer-like evening when there was so much competition for theatre dollars, many seats were left unfilled—when they shouldn’t have been! This was a stellar performance by the Eclectic Full Contact Theatre Company, featuring a brilliant and convincing cast who handled this classic farce sensationally! Witty, funny, and smart, this nearly three-hour play (including intermission) went by in the blink of an eye. What a delight it was! How we were all howling with laughter! And how great it was to laugh together with a live audience!

**** Recommended **** Somewhere Over the Border is Brian Quijada’s tribute to his mother and her journey from El Salvador to the United States.  Although I’m sure the trek was scary dangerous, Quijada takes a lighter approach, modeling his musical on The Wizard of Oz – consistently light-hearted but always determined and goal-oriented – even through the scary bits!  Quijada’s original music includes cumbia, Mexican mariachi boleros, American rock and hip hop styles – all played by a live band.  Kudos to Teatro Vista for a toe-tapping joyous show.  4 Spotlights