*** Recommended *** John Leguizamo’s “Latin History for Morons” is really, really funny, until it’s not, because, guess what? We’re the morons! When Leguizamo learned that his son’s history books completely ignored the contributions of Latins, he decided to do something about it. I actually did learn a few things over the course of the evening. 3 Spotlights
***RECOMMENDED*** The Early Verdi Series at Lyric Opera of Chicago is certainly off to a fantastic start. Over the course of the next several years, Lyric will be featuring a single Verdi opera each season which was composed either early or in the middle of his very long and prolific career. First up is "Luisa Miller" from 1849. Lyric Opera has only performed this work once before in its 65-year history, and that was over 35 years ago. Thanks to some innovative programming on Lyric's part and the addition of conductor Enrique Mazzola (who is Lyric's music director designate), opera lovers now have a rare chance in a brief limited run to see how this pivotal and transitional work ultimately affected Verdi's later masterpieces, both in terms of its musical score and dramatic structure. 3 SPOTLIGHTS
**** Recommended **** I’ve never been a fan of the whole Sherlock Holmes thing, so I wasn’t all that excited about seeing “Sherlock’s Last Case”. I think I’ve always been a bit turned off by all that arrogant know-it-all behavior, so needless to say, a play called “Sherlock’s Last Case” wasn’t on my bucket list. Describe me as surprised, “Sherlock’s Last Case” is a quirky little mystery with a serious cliff hanger at intermission. Sherlock is just as arrogant as always, but Watson brings him back to earth – at least for a little while. 4 Spotlights
***RECOMMENDED*** As most of the local theatre companies are premiering new works or presenting highly anticipated productions within the past several weeks in order to kick off what has become a very busy beginning to the new season, one solid and beloved company is actually concluding their 15th season with a lovely and quite moving production of the musical "Big Fish." BoHo Theatre, which has seen three of it past four shows heavily nominated for multiple Jeff Awards, can expect to add to that string of nominations in 2020 with several more for this poignant tale about holding on to your dreams and never letting go of the wondrous and magical perspective that childhood can impart upon our lives. 3 and 1/2 SPOTLIGHTS
**** 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*** Just in time for a good-time Halloween haunting comes the newest show from those zany folks at Hell in a Handbag Productions, “The Facts of Life: Satan’s School for Girls.” This musical parody (book and lyrics by David Cerda and music by Cerda and Andrew Milliken) is loosely based upon the long-running 1980s sit-com. “The Facts of Life” was surprisingly NBC’s highest rated program during the early ‘80s and the wildly popular show, which featured multiple characters who were students at a private school for girls and the slightly dowdy but lovable matron who cared for them, inexplicably ran for eight seasons. 3 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
**** Recommended **** We think we know everything there is to know about celebrities – even celebrities from history. On the other hand, how would their choices in life look if we had a different perspective? Why did my child do that ________ (fill in the blank)? That’s the point of “Mother of the Maid”, Northlight Theatre’s poignant historic drama about the mother of Joan d’Arc, played to perfection by Kate Fry. Kudos to Director BJ Jones on an amazing production. 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
**** Recommended **** If you’ve never been an actor, I’m sure you’ve wondered – I know I have – what’s going on backstage. Do you ever wish you could go back there and see what’s going on? “Bernhardt/Hamlet”, an amusing backstage romp centered on legendary actress Sarah Berhhardt, will give you a glimpse at the things those actors get up to when the audience isn’t around. The first act runs a tiny bit long, but otherwise it’s a wonderful show. 4 Spotlights
