A Dominican story of love and resilience, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, about a nerdy, eccentric college student trying to navigate relationships, will have you laughing and reaching for the tissues. I am a little embarrassed to admit that I had never heard of the book The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao…
Sophisticated and bitingly funny, Goodman Theatre’s new production of Holiday, about members of a dysfunctional rich family trying to survive each other, has spectacular sets and an excellent cast. There is a rich history of media that centers around dominant fathers and their children. From The Godfather series to Succession, there is a balance between…
An outrageous comedy with a fearlessly silly cast, Dracula: A Comedy Of Terrors, about a real estate agent who sells Dracula a house and unwittingly introduces him to his lovely fiancée, will have you rolling with laughter. I have always been a little freaked out by vampires. It must have been based on some creepiness…
Lively and well-crafted with earworms galore, Marriott Theatre’s new production of Little Shop Of Horrors is a dazzling good time. I have to confess, I love Little Shop Of Horrors. When the movie first came out, I was obsessed with it. My friends and I planned adolescent productions, chose costumes, and rehearsed scenes. I knew…
A charming show with heart, My Life As A Cowboy, about a young man who aspires to be a country-western dancer and move to a big city, is an incredibly funny and joyful time. Remember when you were a teenager and the whole world was your oyster? And at the same time, you felt like…
A modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Prospera is a science fiction retelling that features inventive costumes and deeper concepts. When I was in college, I performed in a production of Return To The Forbidden Planet. It was a quirky, over-the-top science fiction retelling of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Since then, I have kept an eye…
An impactful show about the unique relationship between an Iranian girl and the father she wants to be with, The Unknown Variable will have you laughing, crying, and discussing at length. Stories about fathers and daughters are as old as time. The relationships can be complicated and beautiful, but they are unique to the two…
A laugh-out-loud parody of Twilight, Twihard! is the musical that you never knew you needed in your life. Hold on tight, spider monkey! If you are a Twilight fan (the movies or the books), you are familiar with the ups and downs of the saga. You’re on Team Edward or Team Jacob, you know the…
With a cohesive new production, Highland Park Players’ RENT will remind you why this show has become a beloved classic. Great voices, lots of passion, and an incredible score. I first saw RENT in 1997, when it was on tour around the country after opening on Broadway the year before. I was born with musicals…
