Drury Lane Theatre opens its latest musical with a warm jolt of rock ’n’ roll energy as Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story, by Alan James, returns to the stage, decades after its 1989 debut at the Plymouth Theatre Royal in England. What began as a modest jukebox biography has grown into a global crowd pleaser, and Drury Lane’s production celebrates everything that made Buddy Holly a seismic force - the sound, the swagger, and the fearless creativity of a young artist reshaping American music before the world even realized it was happening.

Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story had already shown how actor‑musician theatre could thrive, pairing a biographical narrative with dramatic scenes and a concert‑style climax that traced Holly’s artistic evolution before building to a full musical finale. Nearly two decades later, when Million Dollar Quartet premiered, the influence was unmistakable. Million Dollar Quartet distilled that approach, replacing the cradle-to-grave arc with a single-night reenactment inside Sun Studio. Instead of character development, it relied on direct address, minimal plot, and the raw electricity of live performance. The shared DNA is clear - legendary early rock played by the actors themselves - but Million Dollar Quartet takes a different approach. It’s a performance framed as a single moment in history, whereas Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story is a story‑driven musical that builds toward a showcase, ultimately shaping the theatrical vocabulary that Million Dollar Quartet would later draw from.

That lineage sets the stage for what Drury Lane achieves here. This staging traces Holly’s meteoric rise from Lubbock teenager to chart-topping innovator, capturing the joy, drive, and restless imagination that defined his short but revolutionary career. Drury Lane emphasizes so well the live-show pulse, packing the evening with hits, tight musicianship, and the infectious spirit of 1950s rock ’n’ roll. The production revisits the era beautifully and recreates the thrill of watching a new sound take flight in real time. With its high-energy ensemble and a lead performance that channels Holly’s mix of sweetness and swagger, Buddy delivers both nostalgia and immediacy, reminding audiences why his influence still reverberates through rock, pop, and musical theatre. It is a dynamic tribute to a musician who changed everything - and whose story still lands with irresistible rhythm. And as the story reaches its final stretch, the production kicks fully into showcase mode, delivering a roof-raising finish that feels less like musical theatre and more like being dropped into a live 1950s rock ’n’ roll set.

Joey Chelius as Buddy Holly and Samantha Sayah as Maria Elena Santiago Holly. All photos by Kyle Flubacker.

It is no surprise that the Drury Lane cast is top notch as always. Under the sharp direction of Matthew D. Carney and the vibrant choreography of Kenny Ingram, the ensemble delivers the kind of crisp musicianship and infectious charge this show demands. Joey Chelius makes a terrific Buddy Holly - charismatic, boyish, and fully in command of the rock ’n’ roll pioneer’s sound and spirit. He brings an easy, unaffected charm to the role, pairing Holly’s trademark vocal clarity with a grounded emotional throughline that keeps the performance from ever feeling like mere impersonation. Chelius captures the spark of a young artist discovering his own power. His playful, high-energy guitar work adds an extra lift of authenticity - the kind of spirited musicianship that makes the stage feel like a live 1950s jam session. When he locks in with the band, the stage lights up with the kind of voltage that makes you forget you are watching an actor at all. He is backed by an outstanding trio of Crickets: Alek Boggio as drummer Jerry Allison, Grant Alexander Brown as bassist Joe B. Mauldin, and Elliot Coe Esquivel as guitarist Niki Sullivan, who doubles as Richie Valens and plays the hell out of “La Bamba.” Together, they create a tight, exhilarating band that feels more like a live performance when they jam than a traditional musical number, filling the room with the kind of raw, unfiltered early rock drive that Buddy Holly himself once ignited.

As someone already familiar with Holly’s catalog, I walked away an even bigger fan - the show makes his artistry feel immediate, alive, and impossible not to resist. I was also struck by a detail I hadn’t known before seeing this production. Early in his career, Holly faced strong pressure from his record label to adopt a more conventional country‑western sound and image. The show makes clear that he flatly refused to be branded that way, holding fast to the rockabilly edge and melodic style that defined his emerging voice. Rather than reshape his music to fit a marketable country mold, he committed to the sound he believed in - a choice that ultimately set him apart and helped spark a new era in American rock ’n’ roll.

Samantha Sayah offers a gentle, grounding presence as Maria Elena Santiago Holly, anchoring the emotional stakes of Buddy’s personal life with warmth and quiet strength. She provides a steady, heartfelt counterbalance to the show’s high‑voltage musical energy, reminding us of the love and partnership that shaped Holly beyond the spotlight. She also adds a charming layer to the live music, stepping in with the band on keyboard while doubling in another role with easy versatility. Marta Bady is terrific across multiple roles, matched by Eric Andrew Lewis, who shines in a variety of roles and puts his vocal talent on full display. Together they deliver one of the night’s standout moments when they tear into “Shout” and absolutely bring the house down. Bady plays several roles throughout the show, including Marlena Madison, the smoldering and vibrant co‑host/performer at the Apollo Theater, and she’s compelling in every one of them. She brings a confident, magnetic stage presence that elevates each number she touches. Productions like this often skew male‑driven simply because of the era they depict, which places a particular weight on the women in the cast. Here, the two female performers supply all the necessary feminine energy, charisma, and sensuality that help charge the production with the same spark Buddy Holly inspired in his fans - a blend of modern edge and romantic warmth that defined his music.

Marta Bady and cast.

Russell Mernaugh is another standout, slipping into several characters with ease, but it is his turn as The Big Bopper during Buddy’s final showcase that truly stops the show - an unforgettable moment that is off the charts good.

Beyond the performances, one of the unexpected pleasures of this production is watching Buddy Holly’s rock ’n’ roll evolution unfold as the show progresses. Drury Lane emphasizes the early chapters of his career, showing him as a shy, slightly unpolished teenager pushed toward the country genre his record label expected him to embrace. Holly’s early career also reflects a familiar music-industry pitfall: he accepted a restrictive record deal that undervalued his talent - a pattern that has continued to affect young artists from his era all the way to the present day. Those early scenes capture the tension between who he was told to be and who he was becoming - an artist quietly steering himself away from Nashville conventions and toward the raw, rhythmic spark of the new sound that felt truer, bolder, and entirely his own. As the productions unfolds, that tentative spark grows into full-fledged confidence. The shift is fascinating to watch: a young musician testing boundaries until he suddenly realizes he is creating something revolutionary.

The show’s greatest thrill comes from the music - a steady stream of Buddy Holly hits that still come alive with the invention and joy he poured into them in the late 1950s. Musical Director Chuck Mead’s fine choices amplify that spirit, shaping arrangements that feel larger than life at times without ever losing the raw simplicity that defined Holly’s sound. Drury Lane’s production treats these songs not as museum pieces but as living, breathing bursts of the raw spark of early rock, and Joey Chelius really delivers, driving each number with clarity, charm, and an effortless command of Holly’s style. Classics like “Peggy Sue,” “That’ll Be the Day,” “Everyday,” and “Oh Boy” land with fresh vitality, while the amped-up concert sequences bring the crowd to its feet. The band’s tight harmonies, crisp instrumentation, and sheer exuberance remind audiences just how groundbreaking Holly’s music was - and why these songs continue to resonate across generations.

Buddy Holly’s world comes alive so vividly thanks to the outstanding work of the design team - Lauren Nichols’ scenic design, Rachel Boylan’s period-perfect costumes, Lee Fiskness’ dynamic lighting, and Leland Plumridge’s crisp, full-bodied sound. The sets move fluidly from the intimacy of a recording studio to a series of performance stages, including a striking recreation of the famous Apollo in Harlem, NY. This core team does a fantastic job creating an atmosphere that feels authentic, immersive, and at times downright electric, giving the production its vibrant sense of place and time.

(left to right) Elliot Coe Esquivel, Alek Boggio, Joey Chelius, Grant Alexander Brown as Buddy Holly and the Crickets in Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story.

It is impossible to watch Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story without feeling the weight of how young he was when his life ended - just 22, still in the earliest stretch of a career that was already reshaping American music. The production doesn’t dwell on the tragedy, but knowing what comes after gives the final moments an undeniable ache. And because the show focuses, rightly, on celebration rather than sorrow, it’s worth briefly stepping beyond the edges of the stage to revisit the real history behind that night - not to overshadow the production, but to deepen the audience’s appreciation of what it’s honoring. Holly chartered the plane because the tour bus had broken down repeatedly, had no heat, and had already hospitalized his original drummer with frostbite - forcing a local substitute to step in. He simply wanted to get to Fargo early to rest, do laundry, and escape the miserable travel conditions.

The seats on the flight were traded for entirely practical reasons among Holly’s actual Winter Dance Party band and tour mates. J.P. Richardson (“The Big Bopper”), sick with the flu, asked current Crickets bass player Waylon Jennings for his seat, and Jennings agreed. Ritchie Valens and touring guitarist Tommy Allsup flipped a coin for the remaining spot, and Valens won. None of these decisions were driven by fear of the flight itself. The pilot, Roger Peterson, was young but licensed, and witnesses reported a normal takeoff. In reality, Holly was flying in dangerous winter weather - not a dramatic “storm warning” scenario, but conditions poor enough to make the trip risky, and they played a major role in the crash.

It’s also worth remembering that the show is, at heart, a feel-good celebration - not only of Holly, but of the three extraordinary artists who lost their lives that night. Still, for the sake of historical clarity, their deaths were the result of circumstances that never should have existed. The tour bus failures, the brutal cold, and the frostbite suffered by a band member were all consequences of a music industry unwilling to provide even basic support for the musicians it relied on. The concert they were traveling toward was not a high-stakes engagement; under safer, more humane conditions, the artists should have been given the option to delay the trip. Instead, a combination of grueling tour logistics and record-label cost-cutting placed them in harm’s way, costing the music world three bright stars.

Holly died in that crash on February 3, 1959, alongside fellow rock and roll trailblazers Ritchie Valens (just 17 years old), and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, as well as Peterson. The accident - later immortalized as “the day the music died” - cut short three rising careers in a single instant. Holly had recorded only a few years’ worth of material, yet his influence still reverberates through rock, pop, and country. And watching his world come alive so vividly onstage, you can’t help but wonder what other genius music he might have created had he been given even a little more time.

Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story is an easy show to wholeheartedly suggest - a colorful, high-energy celebration of a musical pioneer whose influence still echoes across generations. It is a fantastic homage to an incredible artist. Drury Lane Theatre’s production captures both the thrill of Holly’s sound and the poignancy of his too-short life, delivering an experience that feels as heartfelt as it is electrifying. This musical runs August 19 through October 18 at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook, with a run time of 2 hours including a 20-minute intermission and comes highly recommended.

For tickets and/or more information, click here.

Some musicals carry such cultural weight that every new production feels like a referendum on how well a company can honor the original while making it feel alive again. West Side Story is one of those titles - a towering achievement in American musical theatre, a work whose emotional force and artistic innovation have endured for generations. Music Theater Works has now taken on this iconic musical at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, and the result is a vibrant, beautifully staged production that captures both the drive and the aching humanity at the heart of the piece.

West Side Story is a modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, but instead of two feuding families, it confronts the racial and cultural fault lines running through 1950s New York City. The Jets, a group of white American teenagers clinging to their sense of territory, clash with the Sharks, a Puerto Rican gang fighting for dignity, safety, and the right to belong in a city that continually pushes them to the margins. Their conflict is not just about turf; it is fueled by fear, resentment, and the prejudice that shapes how each group sees the other. When Tony, a former Jet trying to build a life beyond the violence, meets Maria, the sister of Sharks leader Bernardo, their connection is immediate and transformative. What begins as a spark of hope quickly becomes a dangerous love story unfolding against a backdrop of cultural tension, territorial pride, and escalating hostility.

As the feud intensifies, the young couple’s attempts to carve out a future together collide with the realities of their world. The rumble between the Jets and Sharks sets off a tragic chain of events, leaving Tony and Maria grasping for peace in a city determined to deny it. The musical’s final moments - heartbreaking, inevitable, and deeply human - underscore the cost of hatred and the fragile possibility of reconciliation.

The production also underscores one of the musical’s most enduring truths: that the idealism Tony and Maria cling to is constantly at war with the harsher realities shaping their world.

The creative pedigree behind West Side Story remains one of the most extraordinary collaborations in theatre history. Leonard Bernstein’s sweeping, genre‑blending score, Stephen Sondheim’s razor‑sharp lyrics, Arthur Laurents’ emotionally charged book, and Jerome Robbins’ groundbreaking choreography combine to create a work that is as musically thrilling as it is dramatically devastating. Bernstein’s score - among the most challenging he ever composed and one he found deeply artistically satisfying - remains one of his most defining artistic accomplishments. It is a piece that demands precision, passion, and a deep understanding of its themes, and Music Theater Works rises to that challenge with clarity and heart.

The company’s production is superbly realized, delivering crisp choreography, rich orchestral color, and performances that honor the emotional stakes of the story. It is a staging that respects the legacy of West Side Story while making the experience feel immediate and alive for today’s audiences.

(L to R) Pauleth Jauregui as Anita and Isabella Ruano as Maria in WEST SIDE STORY from Music Theater Works.

The cast is terrific, but it is Isabella Ruano as Maria and Pauleth Jauregui as Anita who anchor the production, grounding it with performances that feel both lived‑in and emotionally urgent. Ruano’s Maria is luminous from her first entrance, her voice soaring through “Tonight” with a clearness and warmth that make the character’s hope feel newly electric. Jauregui matches her beat for beat, delivering an Anita rich with fire, humor, and heartbreak; her vibrant, sharply etched “America” is one of the evening’s defining moments. Together, they anchor the musical’s emotional arc with a confidence that elevates every scene they touch.

Offering a warm, earnest Tony is Luke Nowakowski, his ringing tenor in “Maria” and sincerity in “Something’s Coming” providing a steady, heartfelt counterpoint to the show’s rising tensions. Emmanuel Ramirez’s Bernardo contributes a controlled intensity, shaping the Sharks’ dynamic with quiet authority, while Kameron Rojas Schueneman’s Chino adds thoughtful, understated work that lands effectively in the final scenes.

Connor Ripperger brings a commanding presence as Riff, sharpening the Jets’ energy with restless physicality and crisp musical attack. His leadership in “Cool” gives the number a taut, combustible edge that sets the tone for the gang’s world.

If there’s one aspect that doesn’t land quite as strongly in this otherwise beautifully executed production, it’s the chemistry between Tony and Maria. While both Nowakowski and Ruano act with sincerity and sing with impressive range, clarity, and confidence, their scenes together occasionally feel more musically aligned than emotionally connected. The relationship lands, but at times you want a deeper spark between them - a stronger sense of shared urgency to match the vocal strength they each bring individually. And because this performance comes so early in the run, it’s easy to imagine that their connection will deepen as the actors settle further into each other’s rhythms.

That note aside, the principal cast delivers a production driven by strong voices and sharply drawn character work, with Ruano and Jauregui leading the charge.

The wider ensemble gives the production its pulse, moving with a clarity and drive that continually pushes the story forward, and Eric Desnoyers brings a welcome touch of humor as Officer Krupke, landing sharp comedic beats that lighten the show’s more chaotic moments. But above all, it is the wide-ranging, contemporary ballet-infused dance sequences that catch fire - those large, kinetic passages where movement becomes the show’s primary language. Much of the choreography folds fighting into dance, turning confrontation into something almost balletic: graceful, sculpted, and charged with tension. The company navigates these moments with remarkable control, letting the beauty of the movement coexist with the danger underneath.

In these sequences, the ensemble moves with a shared purpose, letting the choreography shape the conflict and momentum without overstating it. Their control and cohesion give the dance its impact, turning each major passage into a clear highlight that quietly but confidently lifts the production.

(L to R) Luke Nowakowski and Isabella Ruano in WEST SIDE STORY from Music Theater Works at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts.

Though the stage musical has always kept its original song order - and I understand the desire to preserve that structure - I’ve long hoped to see a production take a cue from the film in one particular moment. In the movie, “America” becomes a spirited debate between the Shark men and women, with Bernardo and Anita sparring over their hopes and frustrations about life in the United States. That dynamic not only brings Bernardo further into focus and deepens his relationship with Anita, it also gives the number a fuller, more energized sweep by letting a larger group of dancers drive its rhythm. The stage version’s women‑only arrangement works, but the film’s version has always struck me as the more dramatically rich and character‑revealing choice.

Beyond the choreography, the production’s artistic leadership is equally strong. The creative team brings seamless cohesion to this production. Director Sasha Gerritson guides the story with clarity and emotional focus, while co-choreographers Clayton Cross and Isa Ramirez deliver movement that honors the show’s iconic style with a fresh, contemporary lift. Linda Madonia’s musical direction keeps Bernstein’s score warm, tight, and expressive, supported by Justin Kono’s precise, sensitive conducting. The orchestra plays Bernstein’s score with crisp articulation and a full, glowing sound, letting the music’s rhythmic bite and lyrical sweep land with real impact. David Serrano’s Spanish translation adds welcome authenticity, with Spanish subtitles projected overhead during musical numbers that make the language accessible to both native speakers and those following along. The production’s most charged moments are shaped with care and impact through intimacy and violence choreography crafted by Nick Sandys.Director Sasha Gerritson guides the story with clarity and emotional focus, while co-choreographers Clayton Cross and Isa Ramirez deliver movement that honors the show’s iconic style with a fresh, contemporary lift. Linda Madonia’s musical direction keeps Bernstein’s score warm, tight, and expressive, supported by Justin Kono’s precise, sensitive conducting. The orchestra plays Bernstein’s score with crisp articulation and a full, glowing sound, letting the music’s rhythmic bite and lyrical sweep land with real impact. David Serrano’s Spanish translation adds welcome authenticity, with Spanish subtitles projected overhead during musical numbers that make the language accessible to both native speakers and those following along. The production’s most charged moments are shaped with care and impact through intimacy and violence choreography crafted by Nick Sandys.

Visually, the production is exceptionally well crafted. Bob Knuth’s scenic design and Cecilia Chan’s props work ground the story firmly in its era, giving the stage a lived-in authenticity that supports the drama without overwhelming it. The printed scenic drops hanging above and along the sides and rear of the stage - with their black windows, fire escapes, and bold red backgrounds - add a distinctive graphic layer, subtly echoing the stark lines and verticality of the 1961 movie poster designed by Joe Caroff. It is a smart visual nod that connects the production to its cinematic legacy without feeling derivative, instead offering a familiar, poster-like clarity that frames the action with understated style.

Bob Kuhn’s costumes and Kristen Brinati’s wardrobe leadership capture the period with clean, thoughtful detail, while Alice Salazar and Melanie Saso’s hair, wig, and makeup design add the finishing touches that make the Jets and Sharks feel fully appreciated. Andrew Meyers’ lighting brings sharp contrast and emotional texture to the stage, and Stephanie Farina’s sound design keeps the vocals and orchestra balanced and clear. This talented team builds an environment that feels true to the time, the place, and the heartbeat of West Side Story.

Taken together, these elements give the production a unity that extends well beyond its individual performances. The design work, staging choices, and musical precision all reinforce one another, creating a West Side Story that feels both faithful to its roots and freshly energized for a new audience. Taken together, these elements give the production a unity that extends well beyond its individual performances. The design work, staging choices, and musical precision all reinforce one another, creating a West Side Story that feels both faithful to its roots and freshly energized for a new audience. It’s a staging that understands the show’s emotional architecture and honors it with care. A staging this confident proves just how alive West Side Story can still feel.

Music Theater Works brings all of this together in a final product that feels both classic and newly urgent. Their West Side Story is a richly performed, thoughtfully designed, and confidently led production that honors the legacy of this landmark musical while giving it the vitality it deserves. Audiences can experience this outstanding staging August 13–30, 2026, and full details - including tickets - are available at www.musictheaterworks.com.

Recommended.

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre’s new staging of The Wizard of Oz sends audiences down the yellow brick road with a production that balances classic nostalgia with a warm, community centered spirit. Before the story unfolds, it’s worth remembering the legacy behind it: L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel first introduced readers to Dorothy and the fantastical land of Oz, but it was the landmark 1939 MGM film that transformed the tale into a cultural touchstone. Judy Garland’s performance, the Technicolor world, and the Oscar winning score cemented the story’s place in American imagination. The film’s success inspired decades of stage adaptations, culminating in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s 1987 musical version by John Kane, which became the foundation for most modern theatrical productions, including Metropolis’ interpretation.

Under Tor Campbell’s direction and choreography, the familiar tale unfolds with clear narrative focus: Dorothy Gale’s unexpected journey from Kansas to the magical land of Oz, where she meets the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion and joins them on a quest to reach the Emerald City and seek help from the great and powerful Wizard of Oz. Along the way, the group navigates enchanted forests, poppy fields, and the looming threat of the Wicked Witch, discovering courage, heart, and the strength of friendship as their path winds toward home.

This stage version also introduces several comedic moments you won’t find in the classic film, a choice that gives the production a fresh, playful spirit. Campbell sprinkles in light audience interaction, small winks to the crowd, and character specific jokes that open up the world of Oz in ways only live theatre can. These additions never undermine the story’s sincerity; instead, they create a sense of shared fun between the performers and the audience, reminding viewers that Oz is not just magical - it’s delightfully unpredictable when experienced onstage.

While the larger roles across the cast are played with skill and presence, three performers emerge as the evening’s defining performances: Nora Wragg’s Dorothy, Jake Elkins’ Cowardly Lion, and Genevieve Thiers’s Wicked Witch. Wragg stands at the heart of the evening, offering a Dorothy shaped by sincerity, emotional clarity, and a vocal warmth and control that give her songs an effortless lift. Her speaking voice is particularly striking, at times uncannily reminiscent of Judy Garland, deepening the role’s authenticity without ever tipping into imitation. Elkins bursts onto the stage with bold humor and irresistible personality, turning the Cowardly Lion into a crowd-pleasing force of nature. Thiers brings commanding theatrical bite to the Wicked Witch, leaning into the character’s menace with sharp timing, confident presence, and seasoned comedic instincts that add a delicious flair to her villainy.

Nora Wragg as Dorothy Gale and Jake Elkins as Cowardly Lion in THe Wizard of Oz at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre. Nora Wragg as Dorothy Gale and Jake Elkins as Cowardly Lion. Photography by Jennifer Heim.

Around them, Gabriel Fries provides steady, grounded work in his dual roles as the Wizard and Professor Marvel, shifting between Marvel’s warmth and the Wizard’s bluster with ease. David Omari’s Tin Man adds soft vulnerability that complements the ensemble, and Corey Barlow, stepping in for Nolan F. Robinson II as the Scarecrow in the performance I saw, brings relaxed, playful movement and an easy charm that keeps the character loose-limbed throughout. Adding to the production’s appeal is Caliban Marie Spence, a real-life little dog who plays Toto and becomes an instant audience favorite with every appearance, a lovely touch of authenticity that heightens the show’s sense of wonder. Caliban was trained for the role by Danielle Spence, who is delightful onstage as Glinda the Good Witch, exuding kindness, confidence, and the gentle assurance that everything will be all right. Together, these performances guide the audience through Oz with warmth, personality, and a touch of real magic.

Two of the strongest forces pulling Dorothy toward home are the deep bond she shares with her dog Toto - whom she feels is her only true companion on the lonely Kansas farm and is threatened with being destroyed by the stern, vindictive neighbor Miss Gulch, who later appears in Oz as the Wicked Witch of the West - and the steadfast love of her hardworking Aunt Em, who has stepped into the role left vacant by Dorothy’s late mother. The Wizard of Oz is also one of the few films of its era to make a four‑legged companion feel like a true co‑star, and it’s always striking to me how naturally the actors work with Toto and how deeply he’s woven into Dorothy’s emotional world. In many ways, the entire story is set in motion because of him: Dorothy finding her inner self by rescuing Toto.

Metropolis’ use of a lightly trained dog reinforces that bond beautifully, grounding the story in something real and tender. Seeing an actual dog onstage makes the audience instantly understand Dorothy’s desperation to protect him from Miss Gulch’s threat, and her fierce devotion to Toto remains a surprisingly radical idea for a story of its time. He’s the companion who saved her from loneliness, and her determination to keep him safe becomes the catalyst for her entire journey - willing to leave everything she knows behind if it means preserving the friendship, love, and life of her dog. 

As of 2026, animal abuse - especially toward domesticated dogs and cats - remains a heartbreaking problem around the world. That’s part of why stories like The Wizard of Oz still matter: they show a young person treating her pet with genuine love, loyalty, and protection, reminding audiences how powerful and important that bond can be.

Shifting back to the company, Metropolis Performing Arts Centre’s Youth Ensemble brings the Munchkins to life with fun energy and crisp character work- along with other roles played, enriching every scene they step into. Their musical numbers sparkle with bright, unified group vocals, and their choreography is impressively sharp, full of buoyant movement and clean formations that give Munchkinland its joyful pulse.

The production’s technical storytelling reaches an early high point with the tornado sequence, staged with impressive clarity and imagination. Dancers swirl across the stage, waving billowing grey scrims that evoke churning storm clouds, while Forrest Gregor’s sound design layers convincing wind roars, rattling impacts, and atmospheric rumble. Tony Churchill’s projection design adds spiraling debris and sweeping gusts that intensify the chaos, culminating in a striking moment when Alyssa Mohn’s scenic design reveals Dorothy’s house splitting cleanly in half. Once Dorothy lands in Oz, the creative team transforms the stage from plain Kansas farmland into a magical, richly colored world through Sierra Walker’s strategic lighting, Churchill’s dynamic projections, and Theresa Ham’s vivid, whimsical costumes. The projections also allow both the Wizard and the Wicked Witch to appear larger than life, giving their scenes an added theatrical punch that heightens the story’s sense of wonder.

All of this visual ingenuity supports the larger emotional themes at the center of Metropolis’ interpretation. As director Tor Campbell notes, “At its heart, The Wizard of Oz is not about a destination. It is about resilience,” and “After every storm comes the possibility of a rainbow,” a pair of reflections that beautifully frame the production’s spirit and its enduring message.

Danielle Spence as Glinda and Nora Wragg as Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre.

One of the joys of this production is hearing the show’s classic songs delivered with such affection. Metropolis keeps all the musical touchstones that audiences expect, from the sweeping simplicity of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” (beautifully sung by Wragg) to the buoyant charm of “We’re Off to See the Wizard,” “If I Only Had a Brain,” “If I Only Had a Heart,” and “If I Only Had the Nerve.” The familiar melodies land with an easy warmth, and Sharon Mason’s music direction ensures each number feels both lovingly preserved and freshly energized. Whether you grew up with the film or are discovering Oz for the first time, the score remains one of the production’s most delightful anchors, offering moments of nostalgia, humor, and pure musical joy.

This staging taps into the broad, welcoming appeal that has kept The Wizard of Oz alive for generations, offering a family friendly experience that works just as well for first‑timers as it does for lifelong fans. Young audiences get the magic, color, and adventure, while adults appreciate the faithful storytelling, classic score, and standout character work. With its beloved characters, recognizable songs, and heartfelt performances, Metropolis’ production celebrates courage, companionship, and the reminder that home is never as far away as it seems. Most of all, it rekindles that unmistakable childhood wonder the story has carried for decades, letting audiences feel like kids again as they’re swept up in bright colors, familiar melodies, and the simple joy of watching Dorothy and her friends discover who they are. It’s the kind of show where adults smile at memories they haven’t visited in years and younger audiences fall in love with Oz for the first time, a blend of fun, heart, and theatrical playfulness that sends you out of the theatre lighter than you walked in.

What also stands out in revisiting The Wizard of Oz is how much strength Baum gave his female characters, especially considering the story’s early 20th century origins. Dorothy may be young, but she drives the narrative through her choices, her compassion, and her determination to return home. Glinda’s calm authority and the Wicked Witch’s fierce, commanding presence form a striking contrast - two powerful women shaping the world of Oz in very different ways. Even within a fantasy framework, there’s symbolic weight in that dynamic: Dorothy’s journey becomes a quiet assertion of agency, resilience, and moral clarity at a time when female protagonists were rarely allowed such depth. Metropolis’ production highlights that legacy, reminding audiences that beneath the magic and spectacle lies a story where women hold the narrative’s heart, its danger, and its wisdom.

Audience logistics at Metropolis are refreshingly convenient. A free, multi-level parking garage sits just around the corner, making arrival and departure remarkably easy, and the surrounding streets offer a wide range of restaurants only steps from the theatre for pre- or post-show dining. Inside, the venue’s cozy seating creates an intimate viewing experience, and while the concessions stand offers a fine assortment of drinks, snack options are extremely limited. Patrons may want to bring their own munchies for intermission, though outside food is prohibited inside the theatre, making a quick bite before or after the show the most practical choice.

With the practicalities so thoughtfully handled, what remains is the simple joy of being swept into a world where imagination leads the way. In the end, this Wizard of Oz proves that the road to Emerald City is still paved with imagination, heart, and just enough whimsy to make you believe in magic all over again.

Recommended.

For tickets and more show info, visit https://www.metropolisarts.com/.

Broadway in Chicago’s latest offering at the Auditorium Theatre, & Juliet, bursts onto the stage with the kind of vibrant confidence that makes it clear this isn’t your high school Shakespeare. The production arrives as a full-throttle pop spectacle, gleefully mashing up Elizabethan trappings with late ’90s and early 2000s chart-toppers from Max Martin’s hit factory. It’s a show that knows exactly what it is: a glitter-soaked, self-aware remix of a classic that wastes no time inviting the audience into its playful rebellion against the tragic ending we’ve all been taught to accept. Since its 2019 world premiere in Manchester, & Juliet has evolved into an international hit, and this touring production carries that same electric swagger.

So, what is & Juliet? The musical tosses out the tragic final pages of Romeo and Juliet and launches into a sparkling, beat-driven alternate timeline where Juliet decides her story isn’t over. Shakespeare strides in ready to unveil his masterpiece, only to be challenged by his wife, Anne Hathaway, who argues that Juliet deserves more than a death scene. Their creative tug-of-war becomes the show’s framing device, with the couple rewriting the narrative in real time as Juliet, newly widowed, furious, and independent, sets off for Paris. Joined by the steadfast Nurse, Angélique, and May, a tender, nonbinary friend navigating their own romantic complications, Juliet begins carving out an identity that isn’t tethered to Verona’s star-crossed expectations.

Once Juliet arrives in Paris, the musical fully embraces its jukebox identity. Max Martin’s catalog - Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry, Robyn, and more - becomes the emotional architecture of the plot, each anthem amplifying Juliet’s bursts of confidence, heartbreak, and rebellion. A new love interest, a handful of identity mix-ups, and the inconvenient reappearance of a very alive Romeo keep the story spinning with lively drive. Beneath the glossy sheen, the show’s core is Juliet’s reclamation of her narrative: she challenges every man, myth, and playwright who tries to script her life. Much like Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, & Juliet reframes a familiar figure by handing her the agency she was never originally given. By the final number, the musical has transformed a centuries-old tragedy into a neon-bright celebration of autonomy, reinvention, and the exhilarating freedom of choosing your own ending.

Fabiola Caraballo Quijada and the company of the North American Tour of & JULIET - Photo Credit Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

Riding the show’s high-voltage spark, Joey Fatone slides into the role of Lance with an easy, self-aware charm that fits perfectly with & Juliet’s playful spirit. As a founding member of *NSYNC and a frequent Max Martin collaborator, Fatone is woven into the DNA of the musical’s soundtrack, giving his performance an extra layer of authenticity. His résumé stretches from Broadway to television to his memorable turn in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, but it’s his work here that stands out: he brings crisp, confident vocals and an easy comedic charm that consistently lifts the charge onstage. Fatone proves he’s far more than a nostalgic casting choice, emerging as one of the production’s most charismatic assets.

Fabiola Caraballo Quijada leads the company with a performance that feels like the show’s beating heart, delivering Juliet with a thrilling mix of vocal firepower and emotional nuance. She tears into Max Martin staples like “...Baby One More Time” and “Since U Been Gone” with bright, commanding vocals, then pivots into moments of vulnerability that make Juliet’s journey feel genuinely earned. Her presence centers the production, funny, fierce, and fully in control.

The supporting cast matches her drive with sharp, engaging work across the board. CJ Eldred’s Shakespeare brings a sly, lightly exasperated charm, leaning into the playwright’s ego without overplaying it, while Crystal Kellogg’s Anne Hathaway counters him with warmth, clean comic timing, and an easy wit. Together, they turn their marital back-and-forth into a steady, engaging thread that helps anchor the show’s driving rhythm and provides some of its funniest moments. Nico Ochoa’s May delivers one of the evening’s most affecting performances, especially in “I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman,” sung with disarming honesty. Joseph Torres dives gleefully into Romeo’s chaotic bravado, Noah Marlowe’s François adds irresistible comedic sparkle, and Kathryn Allison’s Angélique unleashes powerhouse vocals that stop the show in its tracks. Together, they form a tight, dynamic ensemble that amplifies Juliet’s story and keeps the production pulsing with life.

The show also finds touching emotional beats in Fatone’s Lance, whose scenes with Marlowe’s François carry a gentle, fatherly warmth that echoes the same kindness in François’s growing bond with Ochoa’s May.

Fatone and Allison’s duet on “Overprotected” is a standout, giving Lance and Angélique’s reunion a burst of humor and genuine warmth, and it’s just the start of Fatone’s musical impact throughout the night. His biggest showcase, “Teenage Dream,” becomes a warm, gently comic surprise as he embraces the Katy Perry hit with earnest, velvety vocals that give the number a sweetness you don’t see coming. Fatone may play Lance as the show’s affable comic relief, but his pop pedigree shows; every musical moment feels relaxed, lived in, and delivered with the kind of easy charisma that lifts the entire stage. It would have been nice to hear another number or two from him, especially since he proves he can still bust a move in the big ensemble dance feature “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back).”

The ensemble deserves its own praise, offering crisp harmonies, sharp choreography, and a lively spirit that keeps the show’s force surging. They match Fatone’s charisma beat for beat, creating a lively backdrop that makes each of his musical moments land even more effectively. Their collective precision and enthusiasm elevate the production, giving the score the full, joyful lift it needs.

The company of the North American Tour of & JULIET (1) - Photo Credit Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

If there’s anything I’d tweak, it’s that a few of the show’s narrative threads resolve a bit quickly in Act II, especially once Romeo crashes back into the story and the plot starts juggling multiple character arcs at once. The momentum never falters, but you can feel the show accelerating to tie up loose ends, which leaves certain beats landing faster than they need to. Like many jukebox musicals, a handful of emotional moments feel shaped more by the song than the situation, and a couple of supporting journeys wrap up a bit neatly compared to Juliet’s richer, more fully realized arc. These aren’t flaws so much as brief soft spots in an otherwise confident production, but they do create moments where the storytelling feels slightly compressed next to the show’s usual clarity, wit, and spark.

Even with those brief pacing dips, the production stays remarkably unified, and much of that cohesion comes from the creative team’s razor-sharp vision and assured hand. With a book by David West Read, the Emmy-winning writer behind Schitt’s Creek, the show’s humor lands with a cheerful, contemporary snap that is clever without ever feeling smug and heartfelt without tipping into sentimentality. Luke Sheppard’s direction keeps the pace brisk and the tone delightfully self-aware, guiding the audience through rapid-fire shifts between Shakespearean parody and pop-musical exuberance. Jennifer Weber’s Emmy-winning choreography is the engine that keeps the whole thing pulsing, layering crisp, high-impact movement over Max Martin’s hits in ways that feel both nostalgic and freshly inventive. Together, they shape a production that is as smart as it is spectacular, proving that & Juliet succeeds because its creative foundation is every bit as strong as its glittery, radio-hit exterior.

What I love is how much the show feels like a full-tilt party. Throughout the night, the musical keeps slipping into irresistible, disco-bright bursts of celebration - confetti, fireworks, and bouncy dance numbers - the kind that wash over the Auditorium Theatre with a buoyant, communal energy. Even the live band, tucked out of sight, delivers with such punch that the show takes on a concert-like charge at times. By the end, the audience is on its feet, cheering as if they’ve been part of the celebration all along.

The design team behind & Juliet gives this touring production its glossy, high-octane finish, each element snapping together with precision. Soutra Gilmour’s scenic design provides a playful, ever-shifting backdrop, while Howard Hudson’s lighting drenches the stage in radiant color and concert-style intensity. Paloma Young’s costumes amplify the show’s turn-of-the-millennium exuberance, blending Shakespearean silhouettes with modern pop flair to mirror the musical’s playful collision of eras, and Gareth Owen’s sound design keeps Max Martin’s hits punchy and impeccably balanced. Add Andrzej Goulding’s video and projection work, and you get a production that feels polished, cohesive, and irresistibly alive.

& Juliet continues to light up Chicago with glitter, heart, and high-voltage joy, and this touring production proves itself an outright delight. Running July 22 through August 2, 2026, the Broadway in Chicago engagement at the Auditorium Theatre delivers a vibrant, tightly crafted experience that never loses sight of its emotional core. With a knockout lead performance, a dynamic ensemble, and a creative team working at peak imagination, this tour shows exactly why & Juliet has become one of the most irresistible modern musicals. It is a jubilant, neon-bright celebration of rewriting your own story and absolutely worth catching before it dances out of the city.

Highly recommended.

https://andjulietbroadway.com/

https://www.broadwayinchicago.com/shows/and-juliet/

Overshadowed Theatre Productions brings fresh energy to one of musical theatre’s most enduring classics, offering a spirited and thoughtful take on My Fair Lady. This production leans into the story’s sharp contrasts - class and aspiration, control and independence - and invites audiences to see Eliza Doolittle’s transformation with new clarity. It’s a familiar tale, but Overshadowed’s staging makes it feel newly engaged and unexpectedly resonant.

Taking place in 1912, Edwardian London, My Fair Lady is the story of Eliza Doolittle (Kimberly Nicolosi), a resilient young woman who sells flowers for tuppence and whose Cockney accent marks her as invisible to the upper-class Londoners who pass her by. When she crosses paths with Henry Higgins (John Hacker), a brilliant but insufferably arrogant linguist, he boasts that he can remake her into someone society will accept - someone who can pass as a duchess at an embassy ball. What begins as a bet between scholars becomes a transformation that neither fully anticipates.

As Eliza endures Higgins’ relentless drills and dismissive temperament, she begins to outgrow the very mold he tries to force her into. Her ascent exposes the absurdity of class performance, the fragility of male ego, and the uncomfortable truth that respectability often demands erasing the people who need it most. By the time Eliza steps into high society, she is no longer Higgins’ creation but her own person - one who refuses to be spoken for, spoken over, or spoken down to.

The musical’s enduring tension lies in the question it never answers neatly: whether transformation is liberation or simply another form of confinement. My Fair Lady may dazzle with its elegance, but its heart beats in Eliza’s insistence that dignity is not something granted by others - it’s something claimed.

Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady entered the musical theatre canon in 1956, following its development in 1955–56 and a Broadway premiere led by Julie Andrews and Rex Harrison. The story later reached an even wider audience with the 1964 film adaptation, starring Audrey Hepburn as Eliza and Rex Harrison reprising his stage role as Higgins, released on October 21, 1964.

Overshadowed’s current production of this defining musical is anchored by Kimberly Nicolosi, whose Eliza Doolittle grows with steady assurance and a clear emotional arc that makes her transformation feel genuinely earned. Nicolosi is an absolute whirlwind of conviction, with vocals that match her intensity beat for beat, and a charm that makes her Eliza impossible to resist. Opposite her, John Hacker offers a thoughtfully restrained Henry Higgins, capturing both the character’s intellectual rigidity and the subtle shifts that reveal his dependence on Eliza, and his performance brings a compelling, understated complexity to the role. They shape the show’s strongest and most engaging dynamic. Surrounding them, Glen Lindemann brings gentle dignity to Colonel Pickering, while Madeline Frederick’s composed Mrs. Pierce adds welcome stability to Higgins’ household. Brad Holloman provides lively humor as Alfred P. Doolittle, and the Eynsford-Hill family - Sharon Lindemann as Mrs. Eynsford-Hill and Aren Dawson as Freddy - adds a touch of sweetness and refinement. Anita Silvert’s poised Mrs. Higgins offers a calm counterbalance to her son’s bluster, and she delivers a few of the play’s most pointed one-liners with crisp, knowing precision. Under Reba Hervas’ direction, the ensemble works together with easy cohesion, and Hervas guides the production with a steady, confident hand that keeps the storytelling clear, warm, and consistently engaging.

Though wrapped in Edwardian charm, My Fair Lady carries a clear feminist undercurrent, rooted in Eliza’s fight for self-determination. Her journey is not simply one of refinement but of agency - choosing to reshape her life, challenge the limitations imposed by class and gender, and ultimately assert her independence from Higgins’ control. The production highlights how her transformation belongs to her alone, not to the men who presume to mold her, allowing the story’s critique of patriarchal entitlement and its celebration of female autonomy to resonate beneath the musical’s elegance.

The production’s musical backbone shines through beloved highlights such as “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly,” “The Rain in Spain,” “I Could Have Danced All Night,” and “On the Street Where You Live,” each handled with care under Karen Archbold’s attentive music direction. The staging moves with an easy flow thanks to Katy Smith’s well-shaped choreography, which keeps the transitions light and the ensemble well-coordinated. These elements honor the classic craftsmanship of Alan Jay Lerner, who penned the book and lyrics, and Frederick Loewe, whose score remains one of musical theatre’s most enduring treasures.

The set design stands out as one of the production’s most impressive achievements, delivering a level of polish that will surprise audiences unfamiliar with Overshadowed’s work. Thoughtfully constructed and visually cohesive, it creates an environment that supports the storytelling without ever overwhelming it. This marks the first production by the company to utilize a massive video board, and its use is highly successful - enhancing the world of the play with vivid, effective projections that expand each location with striking clarity. The video board works in concert with well-crafted props and scenic pieces that are seamlessly brought in when needed, creating transitions that feel both fluid and purposeful. The scenic and projection work by Yohannan Lee adds depth and atmosphere, giving each setting a sense of place and intention. Complementing the world onstage, Megan Wilburn’s costume design brings the period to life with authenticity, from the tailored silhouettes to the women’s elaborate Edwardian picture hats, which add a flourish of social detail and visual charm. All of these design choices elevate the production with a craftsmanship that feels both ambitious and warmly inviting.

(from left) - Al Gorr, Brad Holloman and Tony Lopez in My Fair Lady.

Stepping back from the production itself, Overshadowed Theatre reveals a company with a purpose that complements the kind of storytelling seen on their stage. I was struck by how deeply rooted their mission is in creating a welcoming, family-friendly space where storytelling and community go hand in hand. Their history reflects a commitment to mentorship and faith-centered values, with an emphasis on giving young performers a place to grow while offering audiences productions that uplift rather than overwhelm. Overshadowed cultivates an environment built on encouragement, accessibility, and shared experience. The company resides within Jubilee Bible Church in Medinah, IL, and the theatre is fully ADA accessible, with vast and easy parking, spacious corridors, and plentiful concessions that make the audience experience comfortable from the moment you arrive.

Audiences can also look forward to a whimsical shift in tone as the company prepares to stage A Midsummer Night’s Dream, bringing Shakespeare’s mischievous magic, tangled romances, and fairy-filled forest to life. Following that, their upcoming season offers a wide range of titles: Flame of Fire (Sep 18–Oct 10, 2026), an original play written and directed by Artistic Director Reba Hervas. Based on the true 1956 story of Operation Auca, the production recounts the lives of missionaries Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Pete Fleming, Ed McCully, and Roger Youderian, who were killed while attempting peaceful contact with the isolated Huaorani tribe in Ecuador. The play also explores the extraordinary aftermath, as their wives chose to return to the jungle to forgive the tribe and continue living among them. The season continues with It’s a Wonderful Life (Nov 27–Dec 19, 2026), James and the Giant Peach (Jan 22–Feb 6, 2027), The Stranger by Agatha Christie (Mar 12–20 and Apr 1–10, 2027), and Titanic the Musical (July 9–31, 2027). It’s an ambitious slate that blends classic storytelling, family favorites, and dramatic intrigue, promising a season with something for every kind of theatre-goer.

Overshadowed Theatre’s My Fair Lady emerges as a thoughtful production with a clear point of view, delivered with care both onstage and behind the scenes.

Recommended.

For more show information and tickets, visit https://www.overshadowed.org/.

Opera Festival of Chicago continues its season with two mainstage productions - La Bohème and Adriana Lecouvreur - each featuring the Opera Festival of Chicago Orchestra and Chorus and performed at the George Van Dusen Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. 

I had the chance to see Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème, directed by Festival General Director Sasha Gerritson and conducted by Sir Emanuele Adrizzi, and it proved to be an outstanding, deeply felt evening of music and drama.

Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème unfolds in the chilly garrets and bustling cafés of 1830s Paris, where a group of young artists survive on charm, wit, and the fragile hope that beauty might be enough to sustain them. The opera begins in a drafty attic shared by the poet Rodolfo and the painter Marcello, whose playful banter masks the hunger and hardship of their bohemian life. Everything shifts when Mimì, a shy, dreamy seamstress with a failing candle and failing health, knocks on their door. Her tender connection with Rodolfo ignites instantly, carrying them into the vibrant chaos of Café Momus, where Marcello’s fiery former lover Musetta steals the spotlight with her flirtations and razor‑sharp instincts.

But as winter settles in, the opera’s warmth gives way to harsher truths. Only the rich are safe and well fed in this cold bleak landscape of artistic poverty. Mimì’s illness worsens, and Rodolfo’s fear of losing her fractures their love, even as they cling to moments of sweetness. Both Mimì and Rodolfo are swept up in the sudden, poetic rush of feeling that sparks between them during their first meeting over her extinguished candle, a moment Puccini shapes with irresistible warmth. Their ensuing duet, “O soave fanciulla,” is written as a rush of idealized, almost dreamlike love - sung here with such radiance that it feels too perfect to endure, and tragically it doesn’t, as the briefness of their time together becomes one of the opera’s most heartbreaking truths. 

By the final act, the bohemians reunite in their attic, trying to conjure laughter out of scarcity, until Musetta arrives with the gravely weakened Mimì. What follows is one of opera’s most devastating endings: a quiet, intimate vigil as Rodolfo realizes too late that the love he tried to protect has slipped beyond saving. Puccini shapes this world with music that aches, soars, and ultimately reminds us how fiercely we hold on to joy, even as life insists on its fragility. Puccini also paints a world in which artists of every stripe are routinely exploited by the comfortable classes - the dull rich, who commission work and then pay only sporadically, as if deprivation were somehow a necessary ingredient of genius. In reality, it is the indifference of these wealthy patrons that forces the bohemians into constant hardship, driving them to beg, borrow, and even steal simply to keep food on the table and have their housing bills covered.  

(L to R) Alexandra Razskazoff, “Mimi” and Nathan Granner, “Rodolfo” in LA BOHÈME. Photos by A.Deran Photography.

This La Bohème features a cast whose vocal and dramatic instincts sharpen Puccini’s world into something immediate and deeply felt. Alexandra Razskazoff’s Mimì is nothing short of luminous - her soprano glowing with warmth yet edged with delicacy, embodying a young woman whose softness hides a life lived perilously close to the margins. A rising artist with an increasingly international footprint, Razskazoff traces Mimì’s arc with such emotional transparency that her final moments land with quiet, devastating force. Opposite her, tenor Nathan Granner brings a beautifully burnished tone and an instinctive musicality to Rodolfo. Long admired for his expressive phrasing and crossover versatility, Granner sings with a poet’s sensitivity; his Rodolfo is impulsive, romantic, and heartbreakingly human, especially as love and fear begin to pull him apart.

Catherine Antonia Samartin lights up the stage as Musetta, her bright, agile soprano and irresistible charisma making every entrance feel like a spark catching fire. Musetta is also the victim of this us versus them world where her beauty and charms are commodified on the older wealthy man she is forced to keep company with in order to receive her beautiful wardrobe and warm home to live in. Her scenes with Kenneth Stavert’s Marcello are especially electric. Stavert, with his rich, grounded baritone and wonderfully lived‑in ease, brings both humor and heart to the painter whose bravado barely conceals his vulnerability. Anthony Reed’s Colline provides a beautifully resonant counterweight to the lovers’ volatility - his “Vecchia zimarra” delivered with a quiet, dignified ache that speaks volumes about loyalty and sacrifice. Jonathan Wilson brings quicksilver energy and crisp comedic timing to Schaunard, shaping the role with warmth and buoyancy, while veteran bass William Powers steals scenes with effortless charm as both Benoit and Alcindoro, reminding audiences why he remains one of American opera’s most reliable character treasures. David Greene adds a welcome burst of color as Parpignol, enriching the Act II bustle with a touch of whimsy. This ensemble shapes a Bohème that feels vividly inhabited and emotionally true, a testament to what Puccini’s world becomes when every performer contributes with such specificity, generosity, and heart.

One of the production’s most striking assets is its massive, 50‑plus‑member chorus, whose sheer presence reshapes the entire world of La Bohème. Their sound adds a thrilling sweep to Puccini’s score, amplifying the emotional stakes and giving the bustling Parisian scenes a vivid, lived‑in texture. In Act II especially, the sheer size and vocal richness of the ensemble create a sense of overwhelming festivity, making the Christmas Eve Café Momus tableau feel like a city bursting with life. But the chorus also deepens the opera’s more intimate moments, surrounding the central lovers with a sonic landscape that underscores both the joy and the fragility of their world. It’s a rare gift to hear a chorus of this scale in a production of Bohème, and here it elevates the performance into something grander, more immersive, and undeniably unforgettable.

(L to R) Kenneth Stavert, “Marcello;” Anthony Reed, “Colline;” William Powers, “Benoit;” Nathan Granner, “Rodolfo” and Jonathan Wilson, “Schaunard” in LA BOHÈME from Opera Festival of Chicago. Photos by A.Deran Photography.

The set itself is perfectly workable and the large video boards truly animate the space, supplying shifting imagery of snowfall and other atmospheric touches throughout the evening. Because the opera is sung in Italian, overhead supertitles - crisply projected and easy to follow - add a modern presentational layer that supports the storytelling without ever competing with Puccini’s world. 

This La Bohème resonates with honesty, heart, and thrilling musicality, carried by a cast and chorus performing at the height of their powers. It’s a standout achievement for Opera Festival of Chicago - and a compelling reason to experience not only this production but also their Adriana Lecouvreur, by Francesco Cilea, directed by Shifra Werch and also conducted by Sir Emanuele Andrizzi, which promises its own dramatic and musical rewards.

Recommended.

Performances are held at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. 

La Bohème - Friday, June 26 at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 1 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, July 5 at 2 p.m. 

Adriana Lecouvreur - Sunday, June 28 at 2 p.m. and Friday, July 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $25 to $150 and are available at  www.OperaFestivalChicago.org.

An extraordinary eight-person ensemble fuels the sweeping storytelling of A People - a production presented collaboratively by Arts Judaica and YI Love Jewish - shifting through nearly 80 characters across generations and geographies. Though only one cast member is Jewish, playwright LM Feldman intentionally assembled a diverse ensemble to reflect the many ways Jewish identity manifests - across culture, theology, race, queerness, and lived experience - underscoring that there is no single way to be part of a people.

The performance thrives on the versatility of this cast, featuring standout contributions from Douglas Levin, who provides an authentic and anchoring sincerity, and Charity Schultz, who illuminates her roles with magnetic charm. Daniel Boughton moves with ease between sharp humor and striking emotional depth, and Jin Ai anchors the production’s stillest moments with a quiet power, enriched by her beautifully integrated guitar work. Zach Kunde cuts through the space with sharp intellect and a commanding vocal presence, while Haley Schenk turns a single, piercing glance into some of the production’s most potent dramatic beats, and she even threads in flute playing that adds a surprising, delicate texture. The momentum never falters thanks to Xavier Mattison’s vibrant energy and tenderness, while Freya Churchwell rounds out the ensemble with impressive, wide‑ranging versatility and delivers some of the play’s genuine laugh‑out‑loud exchanges. Together, they weave a unified and deeply affecting tapestry of human survival.

This remarkable stage chemistry is guided by director Avi Hoffman, an acclaimed figure in global Jewish theater who recently directed and starred in a historic Yiddish production of Death of a Salesman in Bucharest, Romania. Having previously earned a Drama Desk nomination for playing Willy Loman in New York, Hoffman injects this local production with masterful artistic insight. Under his careful guidance, the non-linear, fragmented script by L. M. Feldman avoids confusion, gaining immense clarity and striking a perfect balance between epic historical weight and intimate human connection.

L-R: Jin Ai, Charity Schultz, Freya Churchwell, Zach Kunde, Douglas Levin. Photos by Logan and Candice Conner, Oonphotography.

Starting with the diaspora of the Jewish people that have become scattered throughout the world, the production explores several expressions of Judaism while ultimately reinforcing the idea that, despite their differences, they remain one people - and a remarkable people at that. It touches on beautiful threads of Jewish history, including the teaching that Moses received not only the written Torah referred to as “The Hand” at Mount Sinai but also the Oral Torah referred to as “The Tongue,” which was an interesting fact that I did not ever learn about the Torah in Hebrew school. I was also unaware of another phenomenon that members of the Jewish community called “tonals” actually memorized whole portions of the Torah to recite and sing so that the Torah portion could be performed for groups of students/scholars etc., to discuss and watch. The important thing that came out of this discussion of the Torah and the essential thing that makes Judaism different from other religions is that Jews learned and passed on the teachings of the Torah and the Talmud for the purpose of discussing them and learning from them and interpreting them and re-interpreting them -so as not to force them down anyone’s throat to be followed with blind faith. 

As a Jew, I appreciated how the piece pokes gentle fun at our tradition of spirited debate - a trait that can be both energizing and, at times, hilariously counterproductive.  

They are so intelligent at debating with each other that sometimes they nitpick each other to the end of a discussion that could otherwise forward the family or community or couple in a more positive way.

One of the production’s most profound scenes comes when a character asks a 90‑year‑old what history lives in the wrinkles of their face - how an entire lifetime, nearly a century of memory, can be held within one fragile human body. Another moment that stayed with me was the gentle but urgent insistence that nurturing future generations is vital to the continuity of the Jewish people.

Back row L-R: Freya Churchwell, Jin Ai, Charity Schultz, Xavier Mattison, Zach Kunde, Douglas Levin. Front L-R: Haley Schenk, Daniel Boughton.

The differences among them are many, yet a shared thread still binds them together. One character argues passionately for a two‑state solution, while another hopes her girlfriend will one day be fully embraced by her community. A rabbi even confronts a group of Jewish Christmas carolers, shouting, ‘Why are you doing this?’ as the story considers how and why some Jews celebrate Christmas - a reflection of how the holiday’s overwhelming cultural presence in America can blur the line between religious observance and simple seasonal participation. And still, beneath all these disagreements and divergences, the play returns to the same essential truth: that despite their varied beliefs, identities, and practices, they remain part of one people.

This production was perfect for me as a Reform Jew who has been struggling in recent years with the current rise in antisemitism and my own childhood feelings of being a “self-hating Jew”. I remember being told as a teenager by my talent agent applying for theater roles that I needed to change my last name from Katz to Cates, implying that I would not be cast with a Jewish last name.

The work also reminded me that many young women today - queer and straight alike - continue to push back against the patriarchal elements of Judaism. It echoes the long history of restrictions found in early texts, where girls as young as 12 years old were defined by their childbearing potential and barred from studying sacred writings. 

On the plus side, it brought me back to the beauty of the Yiddish language and how I hunger for the sounds of my great grandmother Fanny’s voice and my grandmother Lillian’s voice saying, ‘Have a little nosh!’ and, ‘We love you so much we’re kvelling!’” 

The set is intentionally simple: a large Star of David stretches across the floor of Theater Wit’s intimate in‑the‑round space, immediately grounding the production in its cultural and spiritual roots. A few risers punctuate the stage, giving actors elevated platforms for defining moments, while small prop boxes at either end glow when opened, revealing modest but striking items that carry surprising emotional weight. Puppets appear briefly as well, echoing the woodworking projects referenced in the story and adding a tactile, handmade quality to the world. It’s an effective setup for this play - the open space becomes essential as the ensemble moves fluidly around the stage, frequently breaking the fourth wall to bless a volunteering audience member, pass out challah, ask questions, or coax the crowd into clapping along.

By luck, I chose the seat that happened to be in the spotlight for participation, and I was delighted when one actor asked me to be his ‘bubbe’ - his grandmother. When I said, ‘Yes! I will be your grandma!’ He gently took my hand, giving me a grateful squeeze. At another point, one of the actors - dressed as a bride - asked if he could give one of the audience members a blessing. I immediately said, ‘Yes!’ and he came over and placed his hands gently on my head - he was wearing the traditional lace head covering the bride on her wedding day - and he wished me great life blessings of joy and to find a wonderful husband. It was a delightful, intimate moment, and I hope that everyone who sees the show volunteers to experience that.  

Throughout much of the play, the actors also wear small placards hanging from their necks, each bearing a single word such as “wrestle,” “struggle,” and “legacy.” These signs become a quiet but potent visual motif, suggesting the burdens, questions, and inheritances each character carries across time. They function almost like distilled themes of Jewish history itself - reminders that to be part of a people is to wrestle with identity, to struggle for continuity, and to consider what legacy one leaves behind. Other words appear as the ensemble shifts through eras, each one offering a compact window into the emotional or spiritual weight of the moment. 

Back row L-R: Douglas Levin, Jin Ai, Xavier Mattison. Front row L-R: Freya Churchwell, Daniel Boughton, Charity Schultz.

My only note - and this is for the author, not the cast or director - is that of all the various types of Jews included in this piece - Reform, Conservative, queer, self‑hating, Orthodox, even atheist - the one type of Jew that was not represented was the Messianic Jew, of which I am one.  

Messianic Jews (not to be confused with the organization Jews for Jesus) are Jews who believe that Jesus is the Messiah spoken of in the Old Testament - the ‘Christed One,’ meaning the one anointed with the oil of blessing. In those same scriptures, this figure is described as the blessed one who would be ‘pierced through his hands and feet,’ yet ‘whose bones would not be broken.’

Messianic Jews also believe that, regardless of his lineage - whether Yeshua was a descendant of King David or not - his purpose in allowing himself to be publicly killed, and then healing his own body three days later, was to show that this world is made of spirit, or ‘shimmering motes,’ as he called them. This was long before molecular structure or the effects of consciousness on physical matter were even theorized. All of his miracles were mitzvahs - acts of goodness - centered on healing and feeding the poor, the sick, and the disabled. 

At the very least, Jesus was a respected, super advanced, rabbi, rebel and healer who introduced the idea that women were worthy of learning the Torah and receiving healing from his touch whether they were Jewish or not. This Feminist thought alone was a very radical and world changing idea that women of all nations and all religions are eternally grateful for. 

Given all that Yeshua represents historically and spiritually to many Jews, I was surprised that his name never surfaced in a piece that explores so many branches of Jewish identity, its factions, and its many splintered paths. I compare his omission from Jewish studies when debating this with my friends to discussing basketball history without mentioning Michael Jordan or discussing physics without ever mentioning Albert Einstein - not a judgment, just an observation about the scope of the narrative. 

In any case, author LM Feldman has created a marvelously complex and deliciously enjoyable reminder of all the different expressions of Judaism, and of the lush intelligence and grace of Jewish people around the globe caught up in the current battle to stay alive and well. Le Chaim! 

A People was a very deeply inspiring and delightful experience for me, especially at this unprecedented time in history. This heartfelt production of A People helped this Jewish girl from Miami, Florida remember so many of the great things about my Jewish heritage; the sights, the sounds, the heated discussions, the music, the fabulous food, the funny family dinners, my own bat mitzvah… just so many things that make me proud to be a Jew today. 

With its blend of live music and rapid-fire storytelling, the production compresses five thousand years of Jewish history and cultural inheritance into a brisk, engaging evening. A People stands out as essential summertime theater, honoring its deep historical foundations while resonating powerfully with contemporary audiences.

Mazel Tov and Highly Recommended! 

Running through July 5 at Theater Wit. 

BrightSide Theatre’s The Producers storms into Meiley Swallow Hall with the kind of swagger only Mel Brooks can inspire: brash, brazen, and blissfully unconcerned with good taste. From the moment the lights rise, the show charges ahead with a manic momentum that feels both affectionately old school and sharply self-aware. It knows exactly what it’s here to do: go big, go bold, and never apologize for the mayhem.

Under the confident direction of Artistic Director Jeffrey Cass, this staging taps directly into Brooks’ outrageous, boundary-poking sensibility and never loosens its grip. Cass understands that The Producers thrives when its humor teeters on the edge, and he captures that gleeful imbalance with remarkable control. The original film premiered in 1967, the musical exploded onto Broadway in 2001, and if anyone wonders whether that brand of audacity still lands in 2026, the answer is an unequivocal yes. The Naperville audience laughed steadily from the first scene to the curtain call, proving that Brooks’ anarchic wit remains timeless.

BrightSide’s version brings the show’s wild premise to life with full comic force: washed-up Broadway producer Max Bialystock (Scott Kelley) and anxious accountant Leo Bloom (Michael Metcalf) concoct a get-rich-quick scheme to stage the biggest flop in theatre history. If the show collapses on opening night, they can pocket the investors’ money and disappear. Their hunt for guaranteed failure leads them to the worst script imaginable, the most misguided director in town, and a cast so spectacularly wrong that success seems impossible. But in classic Brooks fashion, the plan detonates in the most unexpected way, turning their surefire disaster into an accidental triumph and leaving the pair scrambling to survive the fallout.

That spirit of intentional ruin pulses through the musical numbers, each one another attempt to engineer catastrophe. “Springtime for Hitler,” the show-within-the-show’s notorious centerpiece, is crafted as an overblown, tasteless pageantry meant to repel audiences instantly. “Der Guten Tag Hop Clop” and “Haben Sie gehört das Deutsche Band?” push the absurdity even further, spotlighting a playwright and director whose delusions should have doomed the project. Even “Keep It Gay,” with its flamboyant insistence on excess, is part of Max and Leo’s strategy to stack the deck with choices so misguided they can’t possibly succeed. Ironically, the songs are so bold, so shamelessly theatrical, and so cleanly executed that the very elements meant to sink the show end up turning it into the hit they never wanted.

Scott Kelley’s Max Bialystock and Michael Metcalf’s Leo Bloom make a terrific duo, striking a lively balance between showmanship and panic. Kelley barrels through the role with larger-than-life bravado, while Metcalf’s tightly coiled nervousness plays off him beautifully. Their timing is crisp, their rapport effortless, and together they elevate every scheme, meltdown, and misstep.

Max Bialystock (Scott Kelley) and Company.

Amelia Tam is outstanding as Ulla, the blonde bombshell Max hopes to lure to his “casting couch”. She is an amazing dancer with an equally outstanding voice, commanding attention the moment she steps onstage with a blend of radiant charm and razor-sharp comedic instinct. Her Ulla rises far above the familiar Swedish ditzy-blonde trope, becoming a spark of vitality who shifts the temperature of every scene she enters. Tam mixes wide-eyed innocence with sly intelligence, making each line land with extra bite. Whether stretching a vowel for comedic payoff or launching into “When You Got It, Flaunt It” with fearless gusto, she turns Ulla into a character who is not only irresistible but essential to the show’s rhythm.

The supporting cast is uniformly strong, powered by an ensemble that moves with clarity (credit to choreographer Mary Grace Martens), hits its jokes cleanly, and fills the stage with infectious confidence. Cheryl Newman shines as one of Max’s elderly ‘investors,’ delivering sharp comedic work while also contributing behind the scenes as costume designer - a pair of responsibilities she handles with impressive finesse. Michael John Lynch brings delicious flair to Carmen Ghia, the impeccably mannered yet cutting assistant whose every gesture blends elegance and threat. Myles Mattsey is memorable as Franz Liebkind, the unhinged playwright whose patriotic fervor is both alarming and hilarious, while John B. Boss transforms director Roger DeBris into a gleaming spectacle of theatrical excess. Together, they form a gallery of eccentrics who keep the show’s momentum high and its humor constant.

All the while, Phil Videkis provides excellent musical leadership, guiding the orchestra with crisp pacing and keeping the score bright, tight, and perfectly attuned to the show’s comic sensibility while supporting Thomas Meehan’s book with well-judged musical choices.

The staging makes clever use of an economical but highly effective set designed by Ariel Mozes, shifting smoothly from location to location without ever feeling limited. What the physical scenery lacks in large-scale opulence, it compensates for with smart configuration and adaptability, allowing the story to move quickly while keeping the focus on the performers. Enhancing that versatility is a programmable LED backdrop that becomes one of the production’s most dynamic tools, transforming into windows, rainbows, bursts of color, or even spelled-out words that heighten key moments. Together, Mozes’ resourceful design and the vivid LED wall create a surprisingly rich visual world that expands far beyond the modest footprint.

BrightSide Theatre once again demonstrates a sharp eye for material, adding The Producers to its growing list of savvy, crowd-pleasing selections. This staging delivers everything a Mel Brooks musical should: big laughs, confident performances, and a joyful sense of mischief that never lets up. It’s a lively, high-spirited evening that embraces the show’s outrageous personality while still finding its own clever touches along the way. This musical comedy is highly recommended, playing through June 28th at the Theater at Meiley Swallow Hall, an ideal summer outing for anyone craving a night of bright, unapologetic fun.

For tickets and/or more show information, visit https://brightsidetheatre.com/producers/.

Rogers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific has long been one of my favorite musicals, not just for its sweeping romance and unforgettable score, but for the way it tackles big ideas with such touching honesty. Set on a remote island during World War II, the show blends sunlit escapism with the very real tensions shaping its characters’ lives, creating a story that’s as heartfelt as it is enduring.

South Pacific follows two intertwined love stories set against the backdrop of World War II, each colored and strained by the racial prejudices of the era. The musical centers on Nellie Forbush, an American nurse from Arkansas, who falls for Emile de Becque, a French plantation owner living on a South Pacific island. Their romance is warm, hopeful, and immediate, but Nellie falters when she learns that Emile has mixed-race children, forcing her to confront the biases she didn’t realize she carried. Meanwhile, a young Marine lieutenant, Joseph Cable, falls in love with Liat, a Tonkinese woman, only to recoil from the social consequences of marrying her. These parallel stories expose the poignant cost of prejudice, a theme the musical tackles directly and candidly.

The show’s creators - Richard Rodgers (music), Oscar Hammerstein II (lyrics and co-book), and Joshua Logan (co-book) - adapted the musical from James A. Michener’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Tales of the South Pacific. Their adaptation blends romance, wartime tension, and social critique, using songs like “Some Enchanted Evening,” “Younger Than Springtime,” and the pointed “You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught” to deepen the narrative’s resonant and political stakes. The hit 1958 film version, starring Mitzi Gaynor and Rossano Brazzi, helped cement South Pacific as a cultural landmark and carried its most iconic songs to an even wider audience. South Pacific debuted on Broadway in 1949, where it became an immediate hit and went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and now the beloved musical has found a temporary home at Paramount Theatre’s massive stage in Aurora's thriving downtown theater district.

Paramount’s production is anchored by a cast that brings both freshness and passionate sharpness to this classic musical.

Strong pecs are de rigueur for a troop of World War II U.S. Navy seabees stationed on a tropical island in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific, playing now through June 14 at downtown Aurora’s Paramount Theatre. For tickets, visit ParamountAurora.com or call (630) 896-6666.

Allsun O’Malley brings a bright, grounded sincerity to Nellie Forbush, making her Paramount debut with a turn that feels fully lived-in rather than broadly sketched. Her Nellie is warm, funny, and emotionally accessible, and she brings each of her songs to life with bright, expressive vocals - especially “A Wonderful Guy,” which she delivers with pure joy, and a buoyant optimism that never obscures the character’s underlying complexity. O’Malley also reveals Nellie’s internal contradictions with clear, intentional choices, letting the audience see the exact moments when her optimism collides with what she calls an inherited prejudice. Playing opposite, Devin Archer delivers a commanding and deeply felt Emile de Becque. Archer’s rich velvety voice has the kind of effortless power that makes “Some Enchanted Evening” land with full romantic weight. Also, the quiet, wounded dignity he brings to Emile’s past gives the role its human spine. The chemistry of the two is undeniable. Archer and O’Malley form a partnership that feels real, tender, and the kind of connection every couple hopes for.

Cindy Chang’s Bloody Mary is a standout from her first entrance, played with sharp wit and a knowing edge that never slips into stereotype. Chang gives the character agency and intelligence, making her both a shrewd survivor and a mother navigating impossible circumstances. Anthony Maggio, as Lt. Joseph Cable, delivers a performance that balances youthful idealism with the crushing weight of societal expectation. His later scenes - especially his deeply felt rendition of “You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught,” the song that argues hate is learned, not innate - give Maggio’s work real force and heartfelt depth.

Matthew Michael Janisse is absolutely wonderful as Luther Billis, perfectly cast and firing off some of the evening’s sharpest comedic timing. He brings a mischievous ease to every entrance, shaping the humor with character-driven precision rather than broad antics, and his presence reliably lifts the energy of each scene he touches. Louisa Darr’s Liat offers a gentle, luminous counterbalance, shaping the role with quiet grace. Esteban Ortiz‑Villacorta (Professor) and Chris Khoshaba (Stewpot) add texture and humor to the ensemble, while Joshua L. Green’s Captain George Brackett and David Rossetti’s Commander William Harbison provide crisp, authoritative counterpoints. Young performers Evelyn Dorough and Elle Laroco (Ngana) and Bennet Angsurat and Vin Laroco (Jerome) bring charm and authenticity to their scenes, rounding out a talented cast that feels cohesive, committed, and fully engaged in the world of the production.

The ensemble is exceptional across the board, moving with a unified energy that enriches every scene. Their vocal blend, character detail, and fantastic dancing give this interpretation its heartbeat, making the world of the island feel alive with youthful energy.

Nellie Forbush (Allsun O'Malley) admits to her fellow nurses she’s in love with a wonderful guy in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific, the 2025-26 Broadway Series finale at downtown Aurora’s Paramount Theatre. 

One of my favorite South Pacific moments comes when Cindy Chang steps into “Bali Ha’i,” singing with a hypnotic calm and quiet urgency that makes the number seem both inviting and faintly mysterious, as if she’s revealing a world only she can fully see. That spell is followed by the sailors’ showstopping “There Is Nothin’ Like a Dame,” a riot of comic bravado and tight choreography that electrifies the stage. And just when the energy peaks, the nurses answer with a gleeful, splashy rendition of “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” led by Allsun O’Malley and complete with real water cascading from onstage showers - a burst of theatrical fun the audience clearly loved.

Co-directors Devon Hayakawa and Trent Stork guide this Rodgers and Hammerstein masterpiece with a confident, contemporary touch, shaping a presentation that honors the show’s sweeping romance while sharpening its sincere and thematic edges. Their staging is purposeful and fluid, allowing humor, heart, and tension to coexist without competing. Choreographer Morgan DiFonzo adds another vital layer, crafting movement that feels organically rooted in character while giving the staging its rhythmic pulse. Together, the trio delivers a revival that respects the classic while infusing it with fresh perspective and simplicity.

The set and costumes are nothing short of breathtaking, with projections that expand the already majestic environment into a fully realized island in the South Pacific. Jeffrey D. Kmiec’s scenic design features towering, densely layered trees that rise beyond the height of the stage, using every inch of space with intention and beauty. Izumi Inaba’s costumes enrich the world with texture and authenticity, while Greg Hofmann’s magical lighting bathes the stage in shifting moods that deepen the sense of place. Adam Rosenthal’s sound design adds precision and atmosphere, and Mike Tutaj’s projections provide some of the production’s most magical touches - most memorably a stunning firefly-filled night scene that seems to shimmer in the air. As a unit, the design team created a world that feels immersive, transportive, and alive with the beauty of island nature. 

Under the baton of Music Director and Conductor Kory Danielson, the orchestra sounds vibrant, balanced, and enthusiastically attuned to the storytelling. Danielson shapes the score with clarity and warmth, giving the big ensemble numbers buoyant lift while letting the more intimate moments breathe. His leadership keeps the musical pulse steady and expressive, ensuring the show’s soulful arcs land with full impact.

This South Pacific is a richly imagined, beautifully performed revival that captures the sweep, humor, and emotional punch of the Rodgers and Hammerstein defining musical while giving it a revitalized, contemporary pulse. From the stunning design work to the standout performances and thoughtfully shaped direction, every element comes together with definition and heart. It’s a staging that invites you in, holds you close, and stays with you long after the final notes fade. Rogers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific runs through June 14th, and it’s absolutely worth catching before it sails away.

I highly recommend this breathtaking and deeply romantic beloved musical. 

For tickets and/or more show information, click here.

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