Spotlight on Reviews

**** Recommended  Ballet Chicago, celebrating its 30th Anniversary, presented Balanchine & Beyond at the Harris Theatre recently. By the way, although they’ve been around for 30 years, this is another ‘new to me’ company. The program included two Balanchine masterpieces, Serenade and Rubies as well as two pieces by Resident Choreographer Ted Seymour, his Dánzon! and a new children’s piece. 3 1/2 Spotlights

**** Highly Recommended  Paramount Theatre’s new production of "Cats" is nothing short of spectacular. Kudos to Director Trent Stark for his circus-inspired production. In spite of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s lush musical score, "Cats" has always been my least favorite musical, so I totally shocked my family and friends by even seeing the show, but guess what?  I loved it from start to finish.  When you see a trapeze hanging above the audience, you’ll know you’re in for something special. "Cats" is a family friendly show.  4 BIG Spotlights

**** Highly Recommended  Remy Bumppo’s production of "Art", now playing at Theater Wit, is a witty, stylish, intelligent and sometimes hilarious play, skillfully directed by Marti Lyons.  The first time I saw "Art", back in 2006, I remember that a friend asked if the play debated the nature of art.  My answer is the same today as it was then – while art is integral to the plot, "Art" is much more about the nature of friendship.  When friends get mad at each other, they know exactly which buttons to push. This is a terrific show!  4 Spotlights

** Somewhat Recommended  People are flocking to the Court Theatre for the world premiere of "Berlin", Mickle Maher’s adaptation of Jason Lutes’ best-selling graphic novel about the fall of the Weimar Republic.  A word of warning, what works in a graphic novel doesn’t necessarily translate to the stage. In a series of living snapshots – not even long enough to be called vignettes – we learn tiny factoids about twelve people, but we never get enough information to care about them. It wasn’t enough for me.  2 Spotlights