Spotlight on Reviews by Carol Moore

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   

* Somewhat Recommended * I was really looking forward to seeing “Pride and Joy: The Marvin Gaye Musical” because I’ve always loved Marvin Gaye’s music.  What a disappointment!  The cast is talented – they all have really good voices – and the music is Motown, but the book (the storyline) is awful!  If I were to rank the jukebox musicals I’ve seen over the years, “Pride and Joy” would probably come in dead last.  1 Spotlight

**** Recommended **** “Falsettos” is an unusual musical in that it defies classification.  It’s about the angst-ridden lives of six New Yorkers, but it’s not annoying – at least most of the time.  It has funny bits, but it’s not a comedy.  It has really sad bits, but it’s not a tragedy. The entire script is sung, but it’s not an opera or even an operetta.  It’s actually a musical soap opera about “homosexuals with children”, but it’s also a beautiful musical experience sung by six outstanding voices.  4 Spotlights