#1 The Who’s Tommy – Goodman Theater

There are so many incredible aspects of The Who’s Tommy to discuss (the lead actors, the ensemble, the choreography, the lighting effects – to name a few) that one forgets what a high-stakes gamble this must have been for the Goodman Theater’s new Artistic Director Susan V. Booth. Original Broadway director Des McAnuff’s reimagining of this rarely-performed rock opera earned nine Jeff awards, set new box-office records for the Goodman, and secured a Broadway production beginning March 8. It was truly a sensation from start to finish.

#2 Pippin – Music Theater Works

Pippin is one of my favorite musicals partly because it can vary so much from production to production. Director Kyle A. Dougan’s version presented Pippin as a child of the ‘80’s, inundated by television commercials, plastic action figures, video games, and even mind-numbing pills intended to dull his disillusionment. Some audiences may have found these elements districting, but I applaud the young cast for their full commitment to exploring a generation that is not often presented on the stage.

#3 Once – Writers Theater

Once, another show focused on young people trying to find happiness in an overwhelming world, was a perfect fit for the intimate space at Writers Theater. Matt Mueller (Guy) and Dana Saleh Omar (Girl) led the multi-talented cast. Director and choreographer Katie Spelman’s decision to have the cast remain onstage for the entire performance worked well as supporting characters observed from the periphery of the stage before jumping into powerful numbers like “Falling Slowly” and “Gold.” A rendition of “Whiskey in the Jar” during the pre-show jam session was another highlight.

#4 Marie and Rosetta – Northlight

Bethany Thomas (who was also in Once) shined as Sister Rosetta Tharpe in this riveting biographical musical focusing on the early rock-and-roll figure, who influenced the likes of Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, and Chuck Berry. The script images a fictionalized first meeting between Tharpe and the young signer Marie Knight (played by Alexis J. Roston) at the start of a partnership that would last for five years. The script by George Brant masterfully interweaves the music while dramatizing the trials endured by these two little-known artists.

#5 Assassins – Theo Ubique

Assassins was one the best productions I have ever seen at Theo Ubique, which ranks among Chicago’s most versatile storefront theaters. The actors embraced their close proximity to the audience, never hiding the blind fanaticism in their eyes. Neala Brown was chilling as the omni-present John Wilkes Booth, and Patrick O’Keefe was fantastic in signing “The Ballad of Booth” and “The Ballad of Czolgosz” before donning the identity of Lee Harvey Oswald.

#6 American Psycho – Kokandy

I did not have much interest in seeing this Chicago premier of a 2016 Broadway failure, but once word of mouth got me to the theater, I was immediately engaged in the world created by director Derek Van Barham, who utilized a runway for the stage with the audience on either side. The psychosis of Patrick Batemen is enhanced by Duncan Sheik’s original songs combined with ‘90s tentpoles like Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.” I don’t think I would have enjoyed American Psycho with the excesses of Broadway, but Kokandy’s simplified vision in the basement of the Chopin Theater hit its mark.

#7 Boop! the Musical – CIBC Theater

With phenomenal singing, dancing, and acting, Jasmine Amy Rogers leads this musical, which is hoping for a spot on Broadway following this Chicago premier. 16-year-old Angelica Hale is equally engaging with her powerhouse singing and stage presence as Trisha, a dedicated Betty Boop fan. The scenic design enhances the plot with the cartoon scenes set in black and white and modern scenes set in color. Still, the script needs to address a glaring plot issue: it hinges on a conceit that Betty Boop is a more prominent pop culture figure today than she actually is.

#8 1776 – National Tour of Roundabout Theater Production

New York’s reception to the Roundabout Theater Company’s 2022-23 revival of 1776 was mixed, which left me with some trepidation about revisiting one of my favorite childhood musicals, now gender-swapped. Happily, I found that this touring company held on to what is most important in 1776 – engaging songs like, “Sit Down, John” and “He Plays the Violin” – while not flinching at the underrated script by Peter Stone. 1776 continues to present the foundation of America as a tense occurrence dominated by compromises that still felt today.

#9 Big Fish – Marriott Lincolnshire

A production of Big Fish from the sadly-defunct BoHo Theater made my 2019 list of best musicals, and this production from the Marriott is further testament to the lasting appeal of this feel-good show. Alexander Gemignani brought a natural charisma to the role of Edward Bloom, but the real stars of Big Fish will always be the fantastical companions Edward meets on his travels including Jonah D. Winston as Karl and Lucy Godinez as the Witch.

#10 Merrily We Roll Along – Blank Theater Company

The most memorable performance from this storefront production belonged to Brittney Brown as Mary Flynn, the loyal friend who would become (we know from the start) a depressed alcoholic. Most Sondheim shows have a haunting quality, but none whisper in your ear quite as proactively as Merrily We Roll Along, which explores through fantastic songs how youthful ideals can be squashed both by accomplishing and not accomplishing one’s dreams.

A few other notable musicals from 2023:

• Avenue Q – Music Theater Works
• Baked – Theo Ubique
• Buddy: the Buddy Holly Story – Marriott Lincolnshire
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Paramount
• London Road – Shattered Globe (at Theater Wit)
• Sugar Hill: the Ellington/Strayhorn Nutcracker

Also, one week in mid-October offered three fantastic solo concerts:

• Being Alive: Mandy Patinkin in Concert – the MAC at College of DuPage
• Songs & Stories: Nathaniel Stampley in Concert – Marriott Lincolnshire
• An Evening with Brian Stokes Mitchell & Sutton Foster – Paramount