#1 Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 (Writers Theater)

I enjoyed this musical when I saw it on Broadway in 2017, but this production from Writers Theater launched Natasha, Pierre… into my list of all-time favorite musicals. Set within the world of aristocratic Russian society in 1812, every song overflows with the passions of characters who are fully committed to their causes, whether they strive to marry well, fabricate a scandal, seduce a young woman, or find meaning in the universe. Director and choreographer Katie Spelman led a cast with too many stars to name here – I’ll limit myself to praising Evan Tyrone Martin, who, as Pierre, accentuated the nuances of a character who shifted from hopelessness to action in Natasha’s (Aurora Penepacker) time of need.  Year after year, Writers Theater rises to the top with their intimate stagings of large-scale musicals. Video montage

#2 Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (Goodman)

When the Goodman announced that J. Harrison Ghee (Tony winner from Some Like it Hot) would play Lady Chablis, I knew they were on the right track. Ghee’s entrance did not disappoint as she waved away the applause and insisted to the audience, “Make me earn it.” Adapting this 1994 bestseller into a musical is no easy task, but the script by Taylor Mac and the music by Jason Robert Brown embodied the mysteries, contradictions, and joys of Savannah. Brown’s use of different musical styles for each main characters’ songs added depth to their characterizations, and the choreography by Tanya Birl-Torres was another bonus. Producers have announced that Midnight… will open on Broadway in 2025, but as of yet no theater or opening date is set. Video scene

#3 Midsummer Night’s Dream (Joffrey Ballet)

How to begin describing what I saw on stage at the Lyric Opera House? I mistakenly believed this ballet was an adaptation of the Shakespeare play, but I quickly learned that the artists were interpreting the joys of a Scandinavian holiday during the summer solstice and the dreams that might follow a night of drinking. There was a celebration in the fields complete with hay, an extensive dinner at a very long table, and even a nonsensical slumber in which the company moved in perfect synchronicity like the segments of a caterpillar’s body. In short, it was one of the most strange, enjoyable, and majestic spectacles that I have ever observed. Video montage

#4 1776 (Marriott Lincolnshire)

I loved the musical 1776 when I first saw it at the Marriott in 1987 at nine years old, and I loved the Marriott’s revival in 2002. I understand not everyone shares my view, but it is one of few musicals where I like every song, I laugh at all of the jokes (particularly those referencing John Adams as “obnoxious and disliked”), and I find the plot riveting as Adams, Benjamin Franklin (Richard R. Henry), and Thomas Jefferson (Erik Hellman) overcome external and internal conflicts to get the Declaration of Independence ratified. This production gains an extra spark from the gender-blind casting. Among a stage full of great performances, standouts included Tyrick Wiltez Jones as the exasperated John Hancock, Heidi Kettenring as the offensive John Dickinson, and Lucy Godinez as the scene-stealing Richard Henry Lee. Video montage

#5 Frozen (Paramount)

Paramount Theater spared no expense in bringing this Broadway-caliber production to Aurora. Utilizing a variety of projection screens and special effects, director Trent Stork’s team created magical transitions and plenty of snow. The musical itself is among Disney’s best stage adaptations with its relatable sisterly conflicts between Elsa (Emily Kristen Morris) and Anna (Beth Stafford Laird) and the adventures that ensue once Arendelle is turned to ice. Ryan Stajmiger was a true standout controlling the Olaf puppet with a staggering variety of facial expressions. Half the fun of seeing this family-friendly show, which runs until January 19, involved observing all the children reacting to their first theater experience. Video montage

#6 Never Better (Theo Ubique)

Theo Ubique’s dedication to producing risky new works is highly commendable particularly when a musical as powerful as Never Better is the result. Telling the story of Davy (Emma Samuelson), a college student who is suffering from debilitating fatigue and a general sense of unwellness, Never Better considers the scenario in which a person is passively not seeking treatment for what might be a life-threatening illness. This content is well served with the rock-style music by Preston Max Allen and performances by a fantastic young cast including Melody Murray, Shawn Smith, and Liz Bollar as Davy’s roommate/best friend, boyfriend, and medical profession (respectively). Video scene

#7 Message in a Bottle (Cadillac Palace)

Imported from England, this spectacular dance show features 23 Sting songs in telling the story of a family displaced from their homeland due to civil war. The sheer athleticism of the dancers is on full display through choreographer Kate Prince’s artistic interpretations of the perilous struggles faced by refugees. I wish Broadway in Chicago had been more successful in marketing this show, which suffered from a lack of audience awareness. It was a stunning experience for anyone who enjoys dance, Sting’s music, or storytelling in general. “King of Pain” video montage

#8 Jersey Boys (Mercury)

19 years after its Broadway premiere, Jersey Boys remains the best of the jukebox musicals. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen it, but every time I leave energized from the music and mesmerized by the script, which presents the trials of four flawed people creating their unique sound. As Nick Massi says: “None of us were saints. You sell 100 million records, see how you handle it.” This Chicago-grown company featured performances by Adrian Aguilar (Tommy DeVito), Jason Michael Evans (Nick Massi), Andrew MacNaughton (Bob Gaudio), and Michael Metcalf (Frankie Valli). Video montage

#9 Pippin (Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University)

It is always a pleasure to see the emerging talent at Chicago’s many universities. Pippin is well suited for college students given that the main character is at the point in his life where he is searching for meaning while feeling unsure about the future. This performance in Roosevelt University’s black box theater offered the challenge of squeezing a large cast into a tiny space, but the tight blocking worked well with the Fosse-inspired dancing.

#10 The Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale (Chicago Shakespeare)

I’m fascinated by the journey of this musical adaptation, which was staged in Toronto in 2006 with 65 actors, a runtime well over three hours, and prohibitive costs. It took the better part of two decades for producers to cut it down to the manageable show presented in Chicago, which is highlighted by the fantastic folk-style music and creative theatrical elements including lighting effects and lots of puppets. I’m not sure how purists of the trilogy felt about how much was condensed or cut from the books, but for me the fun coincided with the director and actors moving the plot along at a brisk pace. Video montage  CBS News feature

Additional favorite musicals and dance shows in 2024

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee – Music Theater Works
Atonement – Joffrey Ballet
Champion – Lyric Opera
Fiddler on the Roof – Drury Lane Oakbrook
Some Like it Hot – Cadillac Palace
Urinetown – University of Illinois Chicago

Two memorable concert performances

Idina Menzel: Take Me or Leave Me Tour – Chicago Theater
Rocky Mountain High Experience: a John Denver Christmas – Broadway Playhouse