Review: DEATHTRAP at BrightSide TheatreMarch 11, 2024This is the description of Ira Levin’s comedic-thriller Deathrap. It is running through March 24 at BrightSide Theatre in Naperville. It ran on Broadway for 4 years and was made into a successful film starring Michael Caine, Christopher Reeve and Dyan Cannon.
Review: BILLY ELLIOT at Paramount Theatre Aurora ILFebruary 19, 2024That was my feeling after seeing this new production of Billy Elliot at the Paramount Theatre. It runs through March 24. The book and lyrics were written by Lee Hall. The amazing score was written by Sir Elton John. The original 2005 stage musical was inspired by the 2000 film.
Review: IN THE HEIGHTS at Marriott Theatre, Lincolnshire ILFebruary 1, 2024The new production at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire is In The Heights. The music and lyrics are by Lin-Manuel Miranda (pre-Hamilton) and the book is by Quiara Alegria Hudes. Washington Heights in New York City is the setting. This is a story about hope, love but mostly family.
Review: BEAUTIFUL THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL at Marriott Theatre, Lincolnshire ILNovember 16, 2023The current production at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire is Beautiful, the Carole King Musical. This is more than a jukebox musical. It tells the amazing story of one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th Century and how her story evolved. It begins with Carole’s June 1971 concert at Carnegie Hall.
Review: THE ADDAMS FAMILY at Metropolis Performing Arts CentreSeptember 20, 2023The Addams Family is the current production at the Metropolis Performing Arts Center in Arlington Heights and runs through October 8. The musical, written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, is the first time the familiar characters created by Charles Addams appeared on stage.
Review: HAMILTON at James M. Nederlander TheatreSeptember 18, 2023What did our critic think of Hamilton, currently running at the James M. Nederlander Theatre until December 30? Experience the incredible performances and storytelling that have captivated audiences worldwide.
Review: NEXT TO NORMAL at Copley Theatre, Aurora ILAugust 4, 2023What did our critic think of NEXT TO NORMAL at Copley Theatre, Aurora IL? The production runs through September 3. This is the story of any suburban family dealing with bi-polar disorder, the consequences, the treatments and the after effects.
Review: BUDDY THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY at Marriott Theatre, Lincolnshire ILJuly 6, 2023What did our critic think of BUDDY THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY at Marriott Theatre, Lincolnshire IL? The current production at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire is Buddy the Buddy Holly Story. It was the first of the jukebox musicals premiering in 1989. It’s not just the story of the short-lived life of Buddy Holly but it also tells the story of rock ‘n roll in its infancy and the pioneers who created the sound.