Bethany Thomas – theater in chicago reviews

#1 The Who’s Tommy – Goodman Theater

The cast was led by Ali Louis Bourzgui (Tommy), Alison Luff (Mrs. Walker) & Adam Jacobs (Captain Walker)

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.

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#1. Six (Chicago Shakespeare)

I was skeptical about a rock musical starring the wives of Henry VIII until I learned that my friend’s teenage daughters were already devoted fans. Six (like Hamilton before it) is a testament to the power of using reimagined history to tell a story that reflects our contemporary world. Every song is a winner—particularly “Don’t Lose Ur Head” and “All You Wanna Do”—in this fun, inventive musical with a powerful feminist conclusion.

Continue reading “Year in Review—2019’s Best Musicals” →