Reasons is one of the best and most complete performances I've seen at Black Ensemble Theater in a long time, which I've come to expect from writer/director Daryl D. Brooks.

With that said, this new production of 1776, directed by Jeffrey L. Page and Diane Paulus, hits the mark for entertaining its audience — the all-woman cast provided a stimulating exhibition of singing and acting combined with vigorous passion and debate

Browne using her experience as a young teen, helped Director Ericka Ratcliff identify with the characters in this Young Adults (SYA) production of Chlorine Sky, which intensified the passion she brought into the narrative storyline.

Mercury Theatre celebrates Stevie Wonder through the multi-talented John-Mark McGaha singing some of Wonder's greatest hits. McGaha, who last year performed "Unforgettable: John-Mark McGaha Sings Nat King Cole at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, brings his outstanding combination of singing and storytelling in Signed, Sealed, Delivered: A Stevie Wonder Experience.

Escapism is the central theme of this play as many of these women are like indentured servants who live in impoverished situations, trapped within a company structure that doesn't allow them to mentally, psychically, and financially survive. They want to feel free from living a nonexistent, miserable life where nobody seems to understand or even recognize they exist.

One of the longest-running musicals, Les Misérables, a timeless story of freedom, courage, grief, and love, playing at The Cadillac Palace Theatre, is something we should all witness once in our lifetime.

Gardner, Langford, and Lott-Rogers are masterful, desiring awards for great chemistry, passion, and performance. Gardner's positivity will make anyone believe in their dreams, and making her debut at Timeline, Lott-Rogers gave us a brilliant look at Hattie McDaniel's trepidation of being a future historical figure. However, company member Langford blew us away with her incredible acting during one scene where she goes on a rant, ridiculing and scolding McDaniel. This scene between Langford and Lott-Rogers is priceless, and their vocals are fantastic.

The star of the evening is Tracey N. Bonner as Toni Stone. Bonner was nothing less than brilliant in her performance, and her combination of the love for the game where she could rattle off players' stats and comedic wit was amazing.

Felicia Oduh's enthralling personality and outstanding performance made Alaiyo a play that anyone should bring their daughters who struggle with finding their self-worth. Oduh's delightful curiosity and youthful desire to love and be loved pull you into the story, capturing your soul with each line. 

Dance Like There Are Black People Watching, which runs around one hour and 50 minutes, including an intermission (shows are only Fridays and Saturdays), is a night of pure enjoyment and well worth the trip to Second City. 

From the moment she stepped on the stage in her beautiful white dress, Alexis J. Roston blew us away with her remarkable vocals that embodied Billie Holiday (Lady Day) in this one-act performance.

Who would have ever thought that a musical concept about a line of dancers set on a bare stage would win nine Tony Awards and become one of the longest-running Broadway musicals; ever? Well, the answer is James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante.

Published in 1812, this cannibalistic German fairy tale by the German Brothers Grimm tells a haunting story about a brother and sister (Hansel and Gretel) walking into the forest after being forced by their mother to find berries.

I struggled with rating this play, deciding that the generational gap of individuals coming to see this play would determine the diverse reactions audiences would take home after seeing this version of Brontë's Wuthering Heights. For my age group, you may have to give this version of Emma Rice's production a fresh look…

The Pittsburgh native starts the show walking down the stairs at Northlight, talking about his life leading up to his encounter with Farhad in Iran. Warhol, famous for the saying, "15 minutes of fame", suddenly found himself in direct contact with a fame seeker looking for justice.

When you hear the names of John Kander, Fred Ebb, and Bob Fosse, you immediately think of great broadway plays, so having the Broadway production of Chicago at the CIBC Theatre is bound to attract Chicagoans to the theater. Likewise, the 25th Anniversary of Chicago tour of great jazz, mixed with scandalizing murder and a little razzle-dazzle, make for sensational headlines in Chicago's roaring '20s.

All I can say about this play is WOW! The feel and emotions within this play were superb, and the transition from narration to narrative was sensational from beginning to end. Christiana Clark (Janice) masterfully recounted the stories of her father, mother, and her own life growing up in 1965 Kansas. Clark engaged us throughout the 1 hour and 45 minutes production, hypnotizing us with her joy, sadness, and painful moments. And the brilliant cast featuring Briana Buckley, Ronald L. Conner, and Aneisa Hicks was faultless, and their chemistry on stage was electrifying.   

As hope fades and the terrifying look at totalitarianism rears its ugly head, we witness the lingering effects from the once bubbly Emcee, whose Cabaret has disappeared into the darkness of hatred, and the song, Tomorrow Belongs To Me, changing its meaning forever.

Directed by Ginger Minj, who also plays the role of Blanche, Fruit Wine Productions, "The Golden Gals Live!" pays tribute to these four sassy seniors in a witty and comical theatrical performance.

Check out our 2022 top theatrical plays we saw throughout Chicagoland and see the ones we felt deserved the LP 2022 award.