Here comes Halloween, one of my favorite holidays of all and, of course, the incomparable Artistic Director David Cerda of Hell in a Handbag Productions along with composer Andrew Milliken have created a Halloween camp extravaganza that is sure to satisfy even the blood/laugh thirstiest of Handbag's extensive loyal fan base. 

This time the much beloved TV show The Facts of Life has been crossbred with the TV movie Satan's School for Girls to create a colorful, musical, and hilarious, spot-on spoof!! As always Ed Jones steals most of his scenes this time as school headmaster, Edna Garrett. Jones is a superbly talented character actor and never fails to capture and mimic the juiciest and funniest quirks of the character in such a way that the audience can see and hear the original he is seemingly channeling throughout. Jones never drops the voice or tics for even a second and it sheer pleasure to watch and re-experience the humor of that time period revamped with sexy humor for today.

Madison Smith (whose acting work I also love) does a smash up job as director of this large, multi-talented cast. Stevie Love (who looked especially beautiful opening night BTW) did an amazing job on the super fun choreography. 

David Cerda also slays the room with his dry delivery and long legs in a lush auburn trussed wig with every entrance as Claudia, "a young boarding school student" going undercover to discover the mysteries of Satan worship that is lurking behind closed doors at Eastland. 

The lovely and gifted Graham Heacock makes a beautiful, and scary Blair come to life while Alexa Castelvecchi totally rocks the part of deadpan, butch "Jo" and gets to display her amazing singing voice.  

The whole cast is a delight as Handbag regular, Robert Williams, plays an adorable, goofy Tootie, while newcomer to Handbag - Brenna L. Watkins boldly brings back the character of Natalie.

I won't go too deep into the plotline because that's half the fun of a NEW Hell in a Handbag spoof! I like to just let the twists and turns unfold and surprise you as they wash over your brain with unexpected humor and joy. Highly recommended for old and NEW fans of Hell in a Handbag's productions at Mary’s Attic where you can relax in an intimate yet lively and rowdy theater environment, have dinner or drinks and just let the comedic memories of the shows they revive and also make fun of - energize your heart with laughter for the future! 

The Facts of Life: Satan’s School for Girls is being performed at Mary’s Attic in Andersonville through November 2nd.

The inimitable Doris Day played the lead in the film version of Pajama Game after the hit musical ran on Broadway for three years and won a Tony. I enjoyed this production of The Pajama Game at Theatre at the Center so much from beginning to end that I am surprised it is not produced more often. 

Although there is a relevant plotline about the workers of a pajama factory who are trying to get a seven and one-half cent raise by organizing a union strike, the real story that affects all of the couples in the show is about love. 

Filled with delightful and memorable classic songs like “Hey There", "I'll Never Be Jealous Again", "Fernando's Hideaway" and "Steam Heat", I was taken back in time to the 1950's and swept up in each characters struggle to make a successful and lasting connection with the apple of their eye. 

Curtis Bannister plays Sid, the new boss over grievance committee leader Babe Williams (played by Elizabeth Telford), and even though they fall in love at first sight, Telford goes on to triumphantly sing "I’m Not at All in Love!" to her fellow girlfriends/workers and Sid. The handsome but insecure new man in town belts out a really moving rendition of "Hey There": 

"Hey there, you with the stars in your eyes Love never made a fool of you

You used to be too wise

Hey there, you on that high-flying cloud

Though she won't throw a crumb to you

You think someday she'll come to you

Better forget her

Her with her nose in the air

She has dancing on a string

Break it and she won't care."

Newcomer Bannister's voice is outstanding, the whole audience took notice of his skills from the very first notes to the last. 

Bannister and Telford are both perfectly cast, each has the right amount of clean-cut earnest passion to help others while helping each other and both have the singing and acting chops to wow the audience in number after number. 

Sierra Schnack plays Babe's best friend in the factory and deserves a special mention for her great comedic timing and her knockout dancing in the sexy tuxedo and top hat dance and song number "Steam Heat". Another great comedic actress/dancer played Gladys the sexy company secretary (Kelly Fethous).

Linda Fortunato directed this piece at the perfect pace and makes the audience wish there was an encore after the final number, the show is that much fun to watch. 

I highly recommend seeing this show, every number in it is filled with joy, love, humor, and insight about the conditions required to fall in love and stay in love.  

We all play the "pajama game" at some time in our lives and this play makes you want to run out and buy new pajamas! 

For tickets and/or more information visit https://www.theatreatthecenter.com/.

The only "rotten" thing about this super funny and colorful production is the title, a line taken from a Shakespeare play. ‘Something Rotten’ is the latest comedy-musical at Marriott Theatre and is full of laughs.

I went to the show not knowing anything about its brief Broadway debut in 2015 and was completely surprised and delighted right out of the gate by the spectacular opening number “Welcome to the Renaissance!" The song is a full-cast extravaganza that makes fun of the conditions people were dealing with in the 1590's (like the black plague), yet also makes the audience realize that at that time the many inventions being brought into humankind awareness seemed really new and miraculous to people of the middle ages.  

Director Scott Weinstein does a fantastic job throughout and has perfectly cast the show with seasoned character actors and actresses who bring it to life with great energy and wit. 

The plot is about two brothers/writers Nick Bottom (KJ Hippensteel) and his brother, Nigel (always another great comedic turn by Alex Goodrich) who, like everyone else at the time, worship The Bard -Shakespeare, played really well  by Adam Jacobs (dressed in sexy  black leather rock star attire to woo the ladies). The brothers ask a soothsayer to give them the plot of a future hit play by Shakespeare. The plot of ‘Something Rotten’ jumps around quite a bit but is superbly funny anyway. 

There are many funny and incisive throwbacks from the past to the present like when Ross Lehman who plays both the soothsayer and a Shylock 0tells the brothers he believes that Shakespeare has made him a character in a play he believes will be titled “Shylock, The Really Nice Jew." Unfortunately, for the brothers, the play the soothsayer predicts that Shakespeare biggest hit will be called ‘Omelet’ not ‘Hamlet’ and the comedy just rolls right on from there. 

Nick Bottom's helpful, hardworking wife, Bea, is a great role for Cassie Slater and she knocks her numbers out of the park every time.  I also really enjoyed Rebecca Hurd as Portia. Portia is the daughter of the only creepy Priest who wants the actors and playwrights of the time to be taken down for crating impure thoughts through theater, which leads people to dancing, which leads to sin, etc.  

Hurd has a wonderful show-stopping number with ‘Bottom’ in which the two lovers discover that they are both really turned on by words! ‘Bottom’ serenades her ears with loving words set to iambic pentameter, and the couple have a hilarious yet heartfelt climactic release together onstage as they find their "word loving" soulmates in each other.  Another showstopper is the full cast blow out of the song "A Musical," which tips it hat to every great musical from ‘Cats’ to ‘Chicago’ to ‘Pippin’ and is jammed packed with spectacular costumes and clever choreography. 

All I can say is I went to the show hoping for the best from a musical I have never seen before and I got it!

I highly recommend this entertaining, delightfully funny musical with eye-popping costumes and really great laughs throughout to audience members of all ages. The director, crew and cast members including a superbly talented dance/singer ensemble of ‘Something Rotten’ have taken this show and revved it up into a fun packed "must see” production from the ever-solid lineup at the intimate Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre.

Through October 20th at Marriott Theatre.

As with any good mystery, suspense, intrigue and surprise are the key elements in making a successful story that keeps one on the edge of their seat and keeps you guessing. ‘And Then There Were None’ at Drury Lane in Oakbrook has it all. And even though I have seen this play before, I did not remember the ending and was thoroughly surprised and shocked to find out who “dunnit” and why!

Without giving anything away, this Agatha Christie story is about ten strangers who have been invited to an island vacation by a secretive host or hostess. After realizing that there is a murderer on the island and no escape until a boat comes, the characters all begin displaying their own foibles and ways of coping with what seems to be certain death with some welcoming it and others fighting to the death to stay alive. As the mystery progresses, clues unfold that keep amateur sleuths (audience members) involved as we try piece the puzzle together.  

The mature and very talented, ensemble cast includes Vera Clayton (Cher Alvarez), Justice Wargrave (Matt DeCaro), Mrs. Rogers (Jennifer Engstrom), Emily Brent (Marilyn Dodds Frank), Fred Narracott (Casey Hoekstra), William Blore (Paul-Jordan Jansen), Anthony Marston (Zachary Keller), Doctor Armstrong (David Kortemeier), Philip Lombard (Yousof Sultani), Thomas Rogers (Paul Tavianini), and General Mackenzie (Bruce Young). And all ten had a solid grip on their characters. I was particularly impressed with Emily Brent as Marilyn Dodds Frank. Brent really knows how to infuse every word and look with an element of intensity and humor as her character teeters on the brink of sanity.

The set design by Andrew Boyce was particularly lush in depicting a mansion set on a private island somewhere off the coast of Maine with a stunning view of the ocean. As one who truly enjoys a water view, I was engaged immediately. Directed with great timing by Jessica Fisch, this production had me guessing on the murderers' identity right up until the last scene. But though the thought of a murder mystery might be macabre to some, the play infuses enough humor to keep things light enough for everyone to appreciate. 

There is a very interesting subtext in this story by Christie wherein the murderer has real reasons to kill off each of the guests who are guilty of murder in various ways themselves. The murderer has justified in his or her mind that killing each of these "alleged" murderers is the right way to serve up justice, and to a point the audience begins to actually want to see some of the characters die. But by the end it is clear that when a human presumes to "play God" they must be ready to experience the kick back of instant karma! Recommended for a fun Summer night of mystery solving that is suspenseful but not too scary for the whole family to enjoy.

‘And Then There Were None’ is a delightful whodunnit that is attractive to all sorts of theatre goers. Playing at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook, you can catch this fun mystery through September 1st For more show information visit www.drurylanetheatre.com.

‘Darling Grenadine’ is a completely original musical with music, lyrics and book all written by the extremely gifted Daniel Zaitchick. I'm often talking about how many musicals are derived from other sources and about how I long for a wholly original play to come out that can stand up to some of the great musicals of the past - and this production really delivers. Marriott Theatre’s stage in the round is the perfect setting for this unique and inspiring new production.

The lead character, Harry, is a songwriter who made a lot of money on one of his commercial jingles. But he often downplays his successful TV ad melody, contributing it to luck and four simple notes. The talented musician now struggles with high functioning alcoholism while trying to come up with his first real play. Harry is played by the amazing Heath Saunders who recently wowed Chicago audiences as Jesus in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ at The Lyric.

This part could have been written for Saunders and he deftly pulls the audience into his blossoming love affair with an up and coming Broadway actress, Louise, with all of the smooth Jazz romancing of a young Gregory Hines. Harry has secretly seen Louise appearing in her own show, the aptly titled ‘Paradise,’ more times than he can remember and at first comes off as a little bit obsessive compulsive but is rewarded when Louise played by the lovely and vocally expressive Katherine Thomas returns his affections and they fall deeply in love. 

The opening song “Swell" is really fantastic, a standard classic in the making,  as Harry tells his friends and all the world that he has finally met someone "Swell"  - someone SO swell, they go together like "peanut butter and jelly, like Tanqueray and tonic..".  Harry gently sways and dances around the stage like a lover in love with a grace and pure joy that is infectious to all around him.  

                                                                                                                                                   Heath Saunders and Katherine Thomas in 'Darling Grenadine'. Photo by Liz Lauren.

But alas, like many great artists who make enough money to live on before having their major breakthrough success, Harry has "too much time on his hands" and alcohol addiction causes him to run his relationship with Louise into the ground by being overly controlling even as he is trying earnestly to help her succeed in her own career which is also on the rise without his assistance.  

Nick Cosgrove (who has played the Frankie Valli role in ‘Jersey Boys’ on Broadway) plays his best friend and kind of adopted brother, Paul. Cosgrove is wonderful in this role as the show's anchor in relation to Harry's freewheeling, almost manic, enthusiasm for musical theater and his love for Louise but eventually their relationship becomes his inspiration for the show he has always been destined to write. 

Two dogs appear in the show, one being a marionette handled with full emotional expression by Phillip Huber with a voice created ingeniously by a trumpet played by musician Mike Nappi. Dog lovers be prepared, these two canines, one live and one animated are not played for comic relief but for reality and are a very crucial part of the story - some of the darker scenes in the play will move you to tears. 

I loved the sets and how many of my favorite New York scenes are romantically recreated including the skyline, city streets, the swank Jazzy Standards Bar. 

This show is already set for a New York production and I'm so glad. I agree with other audience members who felt that the fact that only two ensemble members were juggling so many supporting roles just by changing costumes got a bit confusing’ but that's my only note. 
I thoroughly enjoyed this show from beginning to end and although I wasn't at all expecting or prepared for the emotional roller coaster it took me on, felt that it tackled how addiction to alcohol or drugs can fan the flames of an important love affair and then extinguish those flames if not conquered successfully with help of your friends and especially your furry, canine friend's love and unconditional support. 

‘Darling Grenadine’ is being performed at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire through August 18th. For more information on this heartfelt production, visit www.marriottheatre.com.

I saw this adorable show on the night of the recent APRIL snowstorm in Chicago and, as per usual, the Fab Four - Dorothy, Rose Blanche and Sophia - instantly warmed up my night with explosive laughter! 

“Golden Girls Vol. 3” features two great episodes, the first being "Caged Miami Heat" - where all of the Golden Girls get thrown in jail for possibly killing their cook, Coco. The second episode is “Murder on the Sicilian Express,” a delightful Murder She Wrote/Golden Girls crossover episode which include the fabulous real life singing and dancing skills of Hell in a Handbag star and director David Cerda as Dorothy, Ed Jones as Rose, Ryan Oates as Sophia and Grant Trager as Blanche. 

Ed Jones as Rose was especially daffy and blonde on this night and stole the show with one spot on impersonation of Betty White after another - just divine!

As with all Handbag productions, the laughs are rapid fire thanks to hilarious scripts and the talented cast members that just keeps getting better and better with every show. This team just never stops pumping out ridiculously funny productions, “Golden Girls Vol. 3” coming fresh off a fantastic run of Poseidon! The Musical” at Edge Theatre.

 
If you haven't been to Mary's Attic in Andersonville to see one of the “Golden Girls” productions, you are missing out on the best camp in Chicago. Hell in a Handbag is always a good bet to give more bang for your buck in the theater because every show they do is FILLED with great laughs, fun audience interaction, and a nice relaxing intermission to change your Depends, or grab more drinks and delicious food from the bartenders and staff at Mary’s Attic and Hamburger Mary's.

Highly Recommended for good, clean, naughty fun! 

“Golden Girls Vol. 3” is being performed at Mary’s Attic in Andersonville through August 31st. For more info on what could be the hottest ticket this summer, visit www.handbagproductions.org.

I had a blast enjoying this production of ‘Footloose the Musical’ based on the 1984 movie starring Kevin Bacon and so did the opening night audience who roared their approval and stopped the show after the rousing rendition by Ariel played with real sass and excitement  by Lucy Godinez of "Holding out for a Hero." I had a blast enjoying this production of ‘Footloose the Musical’ based on the 1984 movie starring Kevin Bacon and so did the opening night audience who roared their approval and stopped the show after the rousing rendition by Ariel played with real sass and excitement  by Lucy Godinez of "Holding out for a Hero." 

Where have all the good men gone

And where are all the gods?

Where's the streetwise Hercules to fight the rising odds?

Isn't there a white knight upon a fiery steed?

Late at night I toss and I turn

And I dream of what I need

I need a hero 

I'm holding out for a hero 'til the end of the night

He's gotta be strong

And he's gotta be fastAnd he's gotta be fresh from the fight

I need a hero

I'm holding out for a hero 'til the morning light

He's gotta be sure

And it's gotta be soon

And he's gotta be larger than life!

Larger than life

Somewhere after midnight

In my wildest fantasy

Somewhere just beyond my reach

There's someone reaching back for me

Racing on the thunder and rising with the hea

tIt's gonna take a superman to sweep me off my feet

This production of Footloose the Musical directed with fantastic energy and humorous insight by Gary Griffin is the PERFECT show to see right now for young and old alike because it is all about real love and communication and doing the right thing in your own hometown even if there is opposition on all sides. 

The surface storyline is about a small town whose church leaders have banned dancing following a fatal car crash following a school dance.

  
Of course, the show is about dancing and there is AMAZING dancing choreographed with great sexiness and joy by William Carlos Angulo throughout this show. 

Aidan Wharton plays Ren, the kid who comes from Chicago and creates a stir throughout the town when he lobbies for the right to dance. With wonderful unabashed enthusiasm and a skilled dancer, Wharton is an even better dancer than he is a singer and that's okay because this show needs Ren to be a super-natural standout on the dance floor. 

This show is all about teenagers falling in love and dancing and being footloose and fancy free for the first time in a long time. In small towns when this play took place people were often wed to their first loves, so relationships between teens were highly monitored. 

When Ren arrives in the small town from bustling Chicago the local kids warn him that "eyes are everywhere” and that every move they make is dissected day and night. There is no place to escape this scrutiny and even explore their own feelings for each other - like a dance party.

This somber and slightly scary dance number really reflects how many teens today feel about growing up in the internet age. They are feeling the constant pressure " to post...or not to post" and either way people are watching them and if they post the wrong thing or don't post anything at all. People are still judging them 24/7 often finding their lives and actions lacking. 

Ren tells everyone he sees that he is restless and can't stop moving, so he dances around all the time - which makes him seem weird or suspect in itself to those observing him for the first time in this reserved town. 

At one point the adorable country nerd and bumpkin Willard Hewitt played (delightfully by character actor Ben Barker) says to Ren in distress about his new hope for a girlfriend - "She scares me! She is the fastest talking woman I've ever met!" Ren says honestly to reassure the awkward Willard, "She talks fast ‘cause she LIKES you! She's just horny for ya!" Ben is insecure because he can’t dance, but later there is a fantastic bit of physical comedy by Ben Barker as he learns that he really CAN dance with his new girlfriend, all he needs is rhythm, sway and a little loving encouragement from Ren and the other kids.

 
Ariel, the town pastor’s daughter, is involved with the town bad boy Chuck Cranston (Ryan McBride) who is slightly mean to her and pushes her around when she doesn't want to follow him.  Chuck claims he is the "best time to be had in this tiny town” and demands that Ariel follow him into his truck whenever new teen Ren is in sight. The chemistry between Ren and Ariel is obvious from the first time they see each other. 

Ryan McBride is a dead ringer for the actor Andy Samberg and has a similarly wry sense of comic timing. McBride is also a solid singer/dancer and stands out well in this production. 

Lucy Godinez is a great singer and actress with real fire in her eyes. Godinez plays Ariel as a strong, independent woman who has a secure sense of her own blossoming sexuality even though her father is the highly judgmental and protective Reverend Moore. 

Johanna McKenzie Miller as Ariel's mother, Vi Moore, is stunningly intelligent in her role as always and emits an essence of spiritual peacefulness that lends the whole play an anchor of calm, and quiet belief in her daughter and in others to do the right thing for ALL in the end. 

To me it is obvious that Ren's character is very much a Christ figure of hope and change in this show. Ren appears without warning in the small town where dancing has been banned by the elders for several years, yet he is so FULL of life and joy that he can't STOP dancing! 

At the crucial moment of judgement by the town as to whether they will allow dancing again, several quotes about the very positive nature of dancing itself are read to the council members from the Bible by Ren in Christ-like fashion: 

Psalm 149:3 Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!

Ecclesiastes 3:4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance

Psalm 30:11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness

Jeremiah 31:13 Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy; I will comfort them and give them gladness for sorrow.

The whole show reminded me how important dancing really is in relation to feeling a sense of love and joy in your daily life. Director Gary Griffin mentions in the press kit that he chose this show in part due to the current oppressive and depressing political climate especially for young people, which is mirrored in 'Footloose.' 

Dancing is a thing I rarely take the time to do anymore publicly or privately and being reminded in such a colorful and glorious way by this production that dancing is actually "prescribed" as a healthy form of activity by God makes me want to dance around the best I can! 

Highly recommended for all ages. I suggest you see this show and get your Spring on! 

‘Footloose the Musical’ is being performed at Marriott Theatre through June 2nd. For more show info click here.

This was my first time seeing any production of ‘Jersey Boys’ and I was so taken by the music and drama of the show I went to see it again closing night - and I'm so glad I did! 

I learned so much about Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Here’s an interesting tidbit - they originally called themselves The Four Lovers! I haven't heard their music on the radio in a long time and hearing their songs performed so well made me realize how many of their hits shaped my view of romantic love as a child. 

“Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” as done by this tremendous cast was a soaring delight, and one of the reasons I saw the production twice with those spectacularly romantic lyrics of pure devotion. 

“You're just too good to be true

 I can't take my eyes off you

You'd be like heaven to touch

I wanna hold you so much

At long last love has arrived

And I thank God I'm alive

You're just too good to be true

Can't take my eyes off you”

 
“Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Oh What a Night,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Sherry” and ”Working My Way Back To You" were so much fun to hear again, especially when learning some of the back stories on how they were written and for whom. 

I was sad but not surprised to hear that like most musical groups at that time and now, The Four Seasons were forced to tour so much and were taken advantage of financially in various ways. Pressures like such caused the band of friends to break up prematurely due to the seemingly endless strains of exhaustion, loneliness along with the emotional burdens they took on, from touring in particular, as compared to staying home with their families and recording in the studio.  

The opening night performance was still fantastic! I heard some vocal shakiness here and there and saw some nervous dance energy that made the cast appear stiff in parts when trying to hit their marks with such exactness. So, I attended the next performance and the entire cast blew me away and revealed two "Rising Stars" out of the very talented 15-member ensemble. I later found out that the cast having just flown in from NY were a little tired on opening night but by the time I saw the show again, the show had gelled so well it was almost like seeing a whole new show. Audiences seeing the show from here on out have a special treat coming to their towns! 

All four leads were wonderful with Jonny Wexler as Frankie Valli, Eric Chambliss as Bob Gaudio, Corey Greenan as Tommy DeVito and Jonathan Cable as Nick Massi. The four were in lock step, perfectly executing the demanding choreography needed to recreate the band’s exciting live presence.  

The ensemble members, Ashley Bruce, Tony L. Clements, Rick Desloge, Wade Dooley, Todd DuBail, Caitlin Leary, Kevin Patrick Martin, Jeremy Startin, Chloes Tiso, Kit Treece and Jessica Wockenfuss were all dynamite as well and with production cuts each had to lay several roles and sometimes even play instruments.

The female roles in this show are mostly "thankless" cameos which don't allow for a gal to show off, but every cast member more than pulled their weight. 

Jonny Wexler made the most astounding leap from opening night jitters and by Saturday his falsetto was flawless. The gravitas missing from his dramatic scenes was in play and when I closed my eyes during "Can't Take my Eyes Off of You" I literally felt transported back in time! I felt like I was hearing the glorious impossible tones of Frankie Valli performing in his prime. 

Jonathan Cable, who is from Indiana, actually had the most NY swagger of the entire cast from night one. Cable has an extensive musical theatre background and his smooth yet masculine dance moves, growling low singing tones and wry sense of humor made him a sexy stand out that will make ladies AND gents who see this production chuckle when they remember his interpretation of bass tenor Nick Massi. 

‘Jersey Boys’ is the well told journey of how four Jersey street kids rose from neighborhood trouble makers to one of the great musical acts of their time. It’s also the story of how a teenage kid named Bob Gaudio, who penned the cheeky hit “Short Shorts,” teamed up with Valli and company, matured as a song writer and wrote some of the most memorable songs of the era.  

The pace of the show is leisurely at first then develops nicely as the backstory of each band member comes together with their own unique talents. There is a nice intermission in this two-hour-plus show which makes it a perfect date night for Broadway theater lovers - well worth the price of admission. 

I highly recommend this production of ‘Jersey Boys’ to "Lovers" everywhere for the astoundingly talented cast, dramatic staging and really heart-satisfying renditions of classic love songs that will have you floating out of the theatre on a cloud exclaiming, "Oh, What a Night!" 

'Jersey Boys’ is here on a short run through April 7th at Auditorium Theatre.

Just imagine if you could be a fly on the wall during that infamous night when four legendary stars of rock and roll - Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis got together for one epic night at Sun Studios. That historic meeting had the young stars playing a variety of songs together while they shared their private sorrows and triumphs. Put it all together and you have the long-lasting recipe for success of the hit show "Million Dollar Quartet". Marriott Theatre is currently hosting the hit musical that actually plays more like a concert at times. 

Director James Moye uses the lovely theater’s in the round setting to create a new fresh and energetic staging of this show that will perk you up and make you feel the "sun" that must have been radiating out of the historic Sun Studios on December 4th, 1956 when these four young stars really did gather there to play on the same day. 

'"Million Dollar Quartet” is really an ensemble piece where all four lead characters also get a chance to shine individually during the course of the show. 

I have seen the show several times and even though these actors are playing monolithic stars and their memorable hit songs - each cast is totally unique. 

In this production Johnny cash played by Christopher J. Essex shines out as the best voice for Johnny Cash. Essex's deep rolling singing tones and gentle giant presentation are spot on and form an anchor for the entire cast to stay true to the singer they are portraying. Rustin Cole Sailors plays a nice, sensitive youthful Elvis and Shaun Whitley busts out with an excellent, rocking portrayal of Carl Perkins - blazing guitar playing and all. Marriott regular Laura Savage also impresses as Elvis’ girlfriend Dyanne, especially in her saucy rendition of “Fever”. Bassist Zach Lentino who play’s Carl’s brother Jay and Kieran McCabe who mans the drums are also a ton of fun to watch. 

But the real standout in this production comes from Nat Zegree as Jerry Lee Lewis. Zegree whose program biography states that he has played the role 350 times, is an animal in the role, prowling the stage and riding the piano like a tiger on speed. Zegree never loses sight of the brilliance of Jerry Lee Lewis piano chops and his ahead of his time, sexually charged rock and roll energy.  Zegree is a dancer, you can see that every step he takes, even while doing a headstand while continuing to batter the keys with ferocity and accuracy.

I've seen other actors play this role, but Zegree's interpretation and performance and piano playing is best I have seen. I imagine it must be difficult for an actor so multi-m talented to show off ALL of his talents in any other role. 

The show isn’t all rosy with four musical legends playing an impromptu one-night engagement. The story also delves into what an impact studio owner Sam Phillips (David Folsom) had on each of them – and how Presley, Cash, and Perkins outgrew the local music studio opting to go with big record labels like Columbia. Worry not, Phillips will be the first one to tell you he made out quite nicely.

A hearty soundtrack of favorite rock and roll classics light up the stage during the 100-minute play – toe-tapping hits such as “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Walk the Line,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Who Do You Love?,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Folsom Prison Blues” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.”

I thoroughly enjoyed the entire cast and every number in this exciting, inspiring show which was perfectly timed for the "dead of Winter" here in Chicago to warm up sleepy audiences. Zegree's showstopping, prodigy-like talents and explosive energy is a performance I will remember for a long time and makes this already great production one of the "must see" shows of the season. 

Highly recommended.

“Million Dollar Quartet” is being performed at Marriott Theatre through March 16th. For more show information visit www.marriotttheatre.com.

I loved the Disney version of Beauty and The Beast on the big screen and I think children who have been wowed by the movie version will also be wowed by Drury Lane Theatre’s sumptuous stage production as well. Director Alan Souza and choreographer Ron De Jesus pull out all the stops and keep these characters on the run with a high tech revolving set of staircases overlooked by an enormous glowing rose which we all know is counting down the time The Beast has left to woo Beauty and tame his childish self-centeredness in order to release his entire kingdom from the spell cast when he meanly turned away a magic spirit disguised as a poor old crone. 

Drury’s “Beauty and the Beast” contains super solid vocal and comedic performances from ALL of the supporting players in this show, getting superb contributions from characters Lumiere (Tony Carter), Cogsworth (Nick Cosgrove), Babette (Sierra Schnack), Mrs. Potts (Bri Sudia) and her son Chip (Sophie Ackerman), Madam de la Grande Bouche (Catherine Smitko) and Monsieur D’Argue (Billy Rude). 

The magnificently designed, flattering "glow in the dark" period costumes by (Ryan Park) really pop visually and move with each performers while giving you the sense that each person is truly "trapped" in the role of what they did or worked as when the spell was cast, just as many of us feel we are in daily life by our job roles. 

Delightful songs fill the theatre throughout this masterful production. “Be Our Guest” is a true showstopper that, with so many talented dancers, comedians and the brilliantly designed and colorful amazing costumes swirling up and down the ever moving staircases, it makes the whole audience want to race down to the stage and urge Belle to join the Beast for dinner.

Erica Stephan as Belle gives us a gutsy yet sensible and very intelligent portrayal of "Beauty" and little girls will love how she sticks to her guns when insisting that the Beast act like a gentleman and not a bossy, somewhat unmannerly boyfriend. 

Brandon Contreras is a moody, dark version of the Beast but his shy sense of humor and triumphantly rich vocal range make his performance one that takes a while for Belle to warm up to but finally endears him to her and the audience, as his complex emotions for Belle finally shine out when he is able to make tender his actions AND words towards her. 

Mrs. Potts (Bri Sudia) is another character actress who has an amazing vocal range and her songs are deserving of special notice because they are so well delivered vocally along with her gift for physical comedy.

The play’s nemesis, Gaston, played by Mark Banik is a suitably sexist but not too scary Gaston and delivers some great physical comedy as well. 

It's true that this story like many fairytales starts out with a beautiful yet intelligent heroine with two equally awful men to choose from (or run from in this case) and ends up with marriage to a Prince as the end goal. But at least "Beauty and The Beast" requires the complete transformation of one of the "beasts" chasing after her hand in marriage into a man deserving of her love instead of a brute that she must endlessly battle for respect. 

As one of the best all-around productions I've seen in a long time, I highly recommend this stunning, exciting and fast-paced musical to young and old alike this Holiday Season. I was blown away by visually stunning set and the tremendous talent assembled for this show and I think you will be, too. 

“Disney’s Beauty and the Beast" will be performed at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook through January 27th. www.drurylanetheatre.com