Spotlight on Reviews

**** Highly Recommended **** “An American in Paris” is a romantic, graceful yet athletic celebration in dance set to the glorious music of George Gershwin.  ‘Amazing’ was the word I heard over and over in the Drury Lane lobby after the show.   “An American in Paris” is in my top five favorite musicals, so I had really expectations.  I’m happy to say that the absolutely exquisite Drury Lane exceeded my expectations.  They nailed it!  4 BIG Spotlights 

*** Recommended ***  Here’s my dilemma, I saw a play that totally creeped me out – and yet, it was incredibly well-acted.  Who knew that Tracy Letts’ 1996 tragi-comedy; “Bug”, which literally made my skin crawl, is a cult classic.  Although it played a couple of Chicago’s small stages back in the day, I’d never seen it.  Unfortunately, I could see the unfortunate end coming almost from the beginning.  So, if you want to scare yourself silly, then this is the play for you.  3 Spotlights   

***RECOMMENDED*** There was certainly quite a buzz in the air at the recent opening night performance of Liliana Padilla's play "How to Defend Yourself." As the audience members filled the lobby of the Victory Gardens Theater, the anticipation level was extremely high. Once inside and seated in their seats it definitely took on a party atmosphere. Padilla's latest script, developed as part of Victory Gardens 2018 IGNITION Festival of New Plays, was receiving its Co-World Premiere with Actors Theatre of Louisville. The very vocal audience instantly embraced this important and essential work and "How to Defend Yourself" marks the emergence of a major new voice in the American theatre.  3 AND 1/2 SPOTLIGHTS

**** Highly Recommended **** Ladies and Gentlemen, Duke Ellington is in Chicago!  To be exact, a Duke Ellington celebration, “Sophisticated Ladies”, is wowing audiences at Porchlight Music Theatre.  This absolutely fabulous must-see revue is a song and dance extravaganza.  Don’t miss this one, it’s on my top ten list for the year!  4 BIG Spotlights