Spotlight on Reviews

**** Recommended  I knew about Mike Royko, but only in a visceral way.  I’ve never lived in Chicago – except for two years in a college dorm – so I can’t say I knew a lot about him.  That said, I thought that "Royko: The Toughest Man in Chicago," an anecdotal portrayal of a fearless journalist, written and performed by Mitchell Bisschop and directed by Steve Scott, was fascinating.  4 Spotlights

“Bob, could you review the opening night of “South Pacific” at The Skokie Theatre?

“I’ve seen it 1000 times (I never exaggerate) from NYC to Chicago and you want me to see it again?”

So, on September 6, I went to see the opening of “South Pacific” for the 1001th time, and I am glad that I did. I am, again, reminded why this show is in its 77th year, has received 10 Tonys and is one of only two musicals to receive a “Pulitzer Prize”. 

**** Recommended  "1776" is one of my least favorite musicals, so I wasn’t looking forward to seeing this musical about the founding fathers again. However, I did like the  Marriott Theatre production which is so timely in light of these stressful times.  Marriott’s in-the-round staging brought everything closer to the audience making viewers feel more involved. Their non-traditional casting (black actors and female actors – both of whom would have been excluded in 1776) was also spot on. If you’re interested in history, you’ll enjoy "1776," especially the solemn role call as they sign the Declaration of Independence.  4 Spotlights

**** Highly Recommended "BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical" is just awesome! I was more than a bit skeptical going in – how would they, could they, possibly turn a classic adventure movie into a musical? Well, they did, and "BACK TO THE FUTURE" blew me away! The special effects are, as my friend Al Bresloff says, mindboggling! Hurry, hurry, hurry and get your tickets! 4 Spotlights