Spotlight on Reviews

Recommended **** “Over the Tavern” is a nostalgic look at growing up Catholic in the ‘50s.  Although the story is set is Buffalo, New York, it could be anywhere, as long as anywhere has a Polish – or Irish or Italian or … – community, a Catholic school, some old-fashioned nuns, and a tavern or two.  I grew up in the ‘50s, so my life was a lot like theirs.  Although I didn’t live over a tavern, I did live across the street from a Catholic church, school and Convent, so my brothers often got in trouble with the nuns for things they did outside of school.  4 Spotlights   

Highly Recommended **** “The Wizard of Oz” Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s summer family show is bright, colorful and fun!  Kids of all ages will love it!   It’s not too long, just 75 minutes, but everything from the original is included.  The set is simple, the costumes are colorful, the music is lively, and Toto is a real dog!  Everyone will cheer for Dorothy as she outsmarts the Wicked Witch of the West, played by twelve-time Jeff Award winner, Hollis Resnik.  4 Spotlights   

Highly Recommended **** Who knew that ‘80s pop music the people of today’s LGBTQ community and ancient Greece would make a wonderfully farcical jukebox musical?   Taking that music, those people and that place – and the right cast – and Kokandy Productions made magic with campy romp, “Head Over Heels”.  “Head Over Heels” is a little bit risqué, a tiny bit bawdy, kind of farcical, and very, very funny.  4 Spotlights 

★★★★★Driving down to the Cadillac Palace Theatre last night Jane said, why are  we seeing  “Les Miz” again? It has been 12 times at least, and as I always say, every production ( or even performance) is new and exciting and very different than the others, so we parked, entered the theater, said hello to other reviewers and friends, and watched two hours- fifty-five minutes of the newly stage ( direction by Laurence Connor and James Powell) and re-imagined sets (Matt Kinley) with a full house that were up on their feet in recognition of this masterpiece getting even better! Thank you Broadway In Chicago for giving Chicago this treat!