Spotlight on Reviews

**** Highly Recommended **** The Joffrey Ballet’s absolutely magnificent “Jane Eyre” was an experience not to be missed!  Words just don’t do it justice!  After multiple readings of Charlotte Brontë’s novel, I’ve always come away with a sense of Jane’s aloneness – of the girl/woman facing an uncertain and usually hostile world alone.  Jane is the original survivor in my book; selfishly, I think Cathy Marston’s vision is ‘my’ story!  4 BIG Spotlights

**** Recommended ****  I can’t remember the last time I saw, Henrik Ibsen’s 1879 classic, “A Doll’s House” – maybe when I was in college.  At the time, I remember thinking that the story line was totally out of touch.  Flash forward to 2019, Writers Theatre, and Sandra Delgado’s fresh modern adaptation.  With the #metoo movement, Ibsen’s play about the powerlessness of women is once again relevant.  4 Spotlights

****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED**** Lyric Opera of Chicago has launched their 65th season with a massively entertaining production of Rossini's "The Barber of Seville." While this may be the 16th time that Lyric has presented this work -- it was featured as the second opera of their inaugural season -- it is only the first time that long-time Music Director Sir Andrew Davis has actually conducted it here.  And that's significant. With him on the podium there is clearly no doubt that the pacing will consistently and perfectly drive the frivolity forward. From the iconic and instantly-recognizable overture to the delightfully ebullient finale Davis expertly guides this production.  Add in the first-rate cast and incredible design elements and the result is as nearly perfect a version of this opera that you will ever have the pleasure to experience.  4 BIG SPOTLIGHTS

**** Highly Recommended **** I think everyone must have had the feeling sometime – you wish you could be a fly on the wall and see/hear what’s going on in that room.  With his brilliant drama, “Five Presidents”, Playwright Rick Cleveland has allowed all of us to get a glimpse of the things presidents and former presidents say to each other when they’re alone.  It’s a fascinating look into history in a kinder, gentler time in American history.  “Five Presidents” should be a must-see on everyone’s calendar.  4 BIG Spotlights