Spotlight on Reviews

*** Recommended *** "A Recipe for Disaster" revisited … I was surprised to get an invitation to experience "A Recipe for Disaster" recently, since I’d reviewed the show last fall.  In the meantime, co-creators Rick Bayless and Amy Rubenstein joined the cast on select dates, so Windy City invited us back.  Although there are several new cast members, the story is the same – everything that could go wrong on influencer night at the Contumacious Pig, does go wrong.  The show is a lot of fun, even the second time around, and the food and drink samplings are mostly delish.  Bayless and Rubenstein even stick around for a Q and A after the performance.  3 Spotlights   

****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED**** Lyric Opera of Chicago's bold initiative to present one contemporary, English-language opera on their mainstage each season continues with their latest offering, which closes the 2021/2022 season. "Fire Shut Up in My Bones" is particularly special because it is a collaboration of numerous extremely talented artists and performers whose voices rarely are heard in the major opera houses throughout the world and whose story focuses exclusively on that of a traditionally marginalized community. Congratulations are in order to all of the staff at Lyric for following through on their daring commitment in bringing this essential work to Chicago, which is a co-production of Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Metropolitan Opera and Los Angeles Opera.

**** Recommended **** Over the years, I think I’ve heard entirely too many motivational speakers.  None of them ever seem to get where I am or what I’m feeling.  Curiously, this Man (Jim Ortlieb) in the American Blues Theater production of "Stand Up If You’re Here Tonight" seemed to understand exactly how long it had been since any of us felt connected.  John Kolvenbach has written a brilliant script, incorporating the angst of the past two years in among the motivational clichés.  Ortlieb, who can play almost any part and give it credibility, made it look easy as he convinced the opening night audience (full of critics – skeptics all) to read from a paper, clap, sigh, hum, or stand on cue.  Amazing!  4 Spotlights

****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED****  Giacomo Puccini's widely-beloved and extremely popular opera "Tosca" has made a triumphant return to the Lyric Opera in a new-to-Chicago production.  Featuring majestic sets designed by the late Jean-Pierre Ponnelle and the exquisite costumes of the late Marcel Escoffier (including a reproduction of the legendary blood-red velvet gown worn by Maria Callas for the premiere of Franco Zeffirelli's 1964 Covent Garden production) this is the 19th production of "Tosca" that Lyric has presented in its 67-year history. However, this version is notable for the refreshing diversity represented on stage as well as in the orchestra pit.  4 Spotlights