Spotlight on Reviews

****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED****  Giacomo Puccini's widely-beloved and extremely popular opera "Tosca" has made a triumphant return to the Lyric Opera in a new-to-Chicago production.  Featuring majestic sets designed by the late Jean-Pierre Ponnelle and the exquisite costumes of the late Marcel Escoffier (including a reproduction of the legendary blood-red velvet gown worn by Maria Callas for the premiere of Franco Zeffirelli's 1964 Covent Garden production) this is the 19th production of "Tosca" that Lyric has presented in its 67-year history. However, this version is notable for the refreshing diversity represented on stage as well as in the orchestra pit.  4 Spotlights

*** Recommended *** As I watched Wife of a Salesman unfold on the Writers Theatre stage, I thought I was seeing a righteous wife (maybe from a famous play by Arthur Miller) invade the apartment of her husband’s mistress.  Just as things got interesting, however, the story turned onto its proverbial ear when a cell phone rang.  After that, the story lost its credibility.  And that’s a problem!  While the acting is outstanding, the play just didn’t work.  3 Spotlights

**** Highly Recommended **** I’m used to seeing Hubbard Street Dance Chicago at the Harris Theatre with its huge stage and cavernous auditorium.  To see the Company, perform The Spring Series RE/CONNECT on the intimate Edlis Neeson Theater at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) was an absolute pleasure.  In an effort to offer something for everyone, the two weekends of RE/CONNECT performances are split between Program A and Program B.  Program A was joyous and upbeat.  4 Spotlights

**** Highly Recommended **** When I went to see "Hadestown"  I had a vague idea that the story was based on Greek mythology, but I had no expectations.  Now that I’ve seen the show, I have to say, it blew me away!  "Hadestown" doesn’t wait for you to get into the story, it reaches out and grabs you with its hauntingly beautiful music, glorious voices, joyous dance, and a sense of joie de vivre on stage.  Even though it doesn’t have a ‘happily ever after,’ it does end on an upbeat note!  The coolest thing of all, "Hadestown" was written and directed by women, Anaïs Mitchell and Rachel Chavkin respectively!  4 BIG Spotlights