The Full Monty wants to bear it all but sometimes struggles to give up the goods

The Full Monty – Skylight Music Theatre

Funny and oftentimes cheeky, the musical blends a narrative about class, gender, sexuality, and sex with songs about maleness, feminism, suicide, and…Michael Jordan? And for the most part, it works. With a solid cast led by Dan DeLuca and competent direction from director-choreographer James Gray, The Full Monty only occasionally falls victim to the relative lightweight fluff and flagging pacing of Terrance McNally’s book. Songs from David Yazbek, while similarly lightweight are at least fun enough to keep toes tapping, even if they don’t stick with you for very long after. 

Ben Folds at Ravinia

After nearly two years away, we were anxious to see our first Ravinia show. Ben Folds with the Ravinia Festival Orchestra and conductor Francisco Nova was the perfect choice!

Backed by a full orchestra the entire evening, Folds displayed his impressive skills as both an entertainer and musician, blending his prodigious pop-rock sensibilities with plenty of classical flavor. Few musicians would entertain this kind of genre crossover- only a musical virtuoso like Folds could pull it off.

The evening included moments of audience participation and Folds did his typical, though no less impressive impromptu on-stage song writing shtick, all the while curating an evening full of memorable moving music. Folds is a funny, quirky kind of performer who’s boundless knowledge of his craft radiates an endearing excitement You can’t help but get caught up in it and start singing along.

And Ravinia one of the greatest venues bringing together music, friends and memorable times. We have certainly missed you and are happy to say “Welcome Back.” Thanks for the memories we have had and the ones we will make for years to come.

Reviewed by Murray Karbin

Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real

Martyrs’ – June 19, 2021, Jam Productions

October 2016 – Empire Polo Club in Indio California. I was one of the lucky ones that got tickets for this show which has come to be known as Desert Trip. A three-day concert – Night 1 Bob Dylan / the Rolling Stones. Night 2 –Paul McCartney / Neil Young with Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real. Night 3 – The Who / Roger Waters. Quite an event to say the least. One of the acts that really stood out was Neil Young. It was my first introduction to Lukas Nelson and POTR. From quite a distance their sound was incredible, and I knew I was seeing something great.

Songs You’ve Heard and Hummed at Some Time

Lerner and Loewe’s Greatest Hits – Music Theater Works

The Music Theater Works Presents Lerner and Loewe’s Greatest Hits at the Nichols Concert Hall 1490 Chicago Avenue in Evanston. Great is a pretty bold statement. “Great” is the way we feel about the performance. We enjoyed all facets of this production. 

Try to Remember When Everything Was Fantastick

The Fantasticks – Skokie Theatre

17,162 performances running over 42 years off-Broadway at a Greenwich Village Playhouse. It played from 1960 to 2002 and is listed in the Guiness Book of World Records for longest uninterrupted running play at the same theatre. As if that wasn’t enough, it was revived off-Broadway from 2006-2017. There are also approximately 250 new high school and community productions put on each year since its premiere. Obviously, this play has staying power. There must be a reason. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. 
This production, running from September 6 to October 6 at the legendary Skokie Theatre was a pleasure to observe. As anyone will assume (correctly), we have not been to a substantial amount of the thousands of performances enjoyed by so many over the decades. But still, we feel that this one should stand out for several reasons. 

Rooh: A delicious journey through Indian food

Don’t walk, run to Chicago’s newest restaurant Rooh in the busy and exciting restaurant district on Randolph Street. But you may have to wait a bit for a reservation. And I can tell you it is well worth the wait. 

The Rhythm is Gonna Get You

Djembe! – Apollo Theater

Djembe! is an energetic and joyous performance with the audience participating in musical theater and a journey through the history of rhythm.  A djembe drum on every seat allows you to play with the performers, creating a unique musical experience.  From West African roots to spirituals, rock, pop, rap, bebop – whatever the genre – the rhythm is gonna get you.  Making music together creates community and lifts us up.  Certainly, Rashada Dawan’s inspiring vocals and dance, along with master djembe drummer Fode Lavia Camera, Broadway talent Ben Hope and an ensemble of multifaceted musicians make for an uplifting and satisfying evening.  I especially loved the Balafon performance.  Whether you are new to the drum or an addicted drum circler, this show is highly recommended.  Rhythm is universal.  Rhythm is healing.  Rhythm creates connection.  Drum On!  This is an uplifting and wonderful show.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Judy Nathan

Presented through June 9 at the Apollo Theater  2540 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago

Tickets may be purchased through www.apollochicago.com.

For information about this and other shows visit www.theatreinchicago.com

The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same

for colored girls who have considered suicide/ when the rainbow is enuf – Court Theatre

Never has there been a more truthful statement conceived on a stage than the sensory treat called “for colored girls who have considered suicide/ when the rainbow is enuf.” Although the play has been around since the mid-seventies, the situations endured by the anonymous ladies have remained largely unchanged. This character-driven, story telling, rhythmic dance of life is set on a deliberately dark, dank, minimalist stage and is beautifully tied together by the oh-so-right guitar and percussion of lyric. There are many moments during the performance where the audience grew so quiet that it seemed like there were only eight women in the building… the girls on stage.

Monster Jam 2019

Monster Jam 2019 is fun for the whole family. It’s a  great adrenaline rush, without any real dangers. The way these massive machines can move, turn and fly thru the air is incredible. 8 trucks compete during many different events including the 2 wheel challenge, donut competition and they even bring out the ATVs to race.