Review: THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BE at Paramount Theatre
by Tina St. Angelo Wetzel - March 20, 2025
The newest production at the Copley Theatre in Aurora is The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. It’s the story of “12” year olds competing in a spelling bee. Under the direction of Jeff Award-winning Stephen Schellhardt and a set designed by Lauren M. Nichols showcasing a gymnasium, this group ...
Review: LA BOHEME at Lyric Opera Of Chicago
by Tina St. Angelo Wetzel - March 16, 2025
What did our critic think of LA BOHEME at Lyric Opera Of Chicago? Giacomo Puccini’s heartbreaking La Boheme is playing for 10 performances at the Lyric. Bring a handkerchief. Director Melanie Bacaling, in her Lyric directorial debut, has given this production an emotional feel which is the heart of ...
Review: GUYS AND DOLLS at Music Theater Works
by Tina St. Angelo Wetzel - March 09, 2025
Guys and Dolls is a show to be seen and enjoyed. Vibrant, energetic and just fun. Sometimes an old fashioned Broadway show is needed. Guys and Dolls is that show....
Review: CLUE: LIVE ON STAGE! Presented By Broadway In Chicago
by Zac Thriffiley - February 24, 2025
While the play may be meager fare compared to other recent professional offerings, CLUE is undeniably a well-polished evening of hijinks and hilarity—if audiences know what they’re getting themselves into....
Review: WAITRESS at Paramount Theatre Aurora, IL
by Tina St. Angelo Wetzel - February 23, 2025
The current production at the Paramount Theatre is the musical Waitress based upon the motion picture. When it opened, it was the first all-female production team on Broadway. Director and choreographer Katie Spelman gives the audience an evening of laughter, some tears and love. Sarah Bareilles’ mu...
Review: BETRAYAL at Goodman Theatre
by Zac Thriffiley - February 19, 2025
Under the direction of artistic director Susan V. Booth and bolstered by actors at the heights of their craft, the Goodman’s BETRAYAL provides audiences with a sincere and sympathetic take on a modern classic....
Review: OVO CIRQUE DU SOLEIL at NOW Arena - A Celebration of Athleticism and Whimsy
by Kathleen Anwar - February 15, 2025
Cirque du Soleil has long been known for its awe-inspiring performances, blending daring stunts, stunning visuals, and a sense of wonder. OVO continues this proud tradition, offering a show that is both visually spectacular and athletically extraordinary. What did our critic think of OVO CIRQUE DU S...
Review: FOOL FOR LOVE at Steppenwolf Theatre Company
by Rachel Weinberg - February 12, 2025
FOOL FOR LOVE has peak Steppenwolf energy. I’ve long associated Steppenwolf Theatre Company with gritty, messy, feral family and relationship dramas — Sam Shepard’s one-act fits the bill. It’s also only 65 minutes — that run-time is short, but it’s a logical choice in the TikTok era when attention s...
Review: CIRCUS QUIXOTE at Lookingglass Theatre
by Zac Thriffiley - February 12, 2025
Lookingglass Theatre’s CIRCUS QUIXOTE provides Chicago audiences with a stunning dramatic adaptation of Don Quixote that is every bit as impactful and imaginative as its source material....