#1 Cats – Paramount

I had not planned on seeing Cats until I read the glowing review in the Daily Herald, which described an original, circus-themed presentation. This new concept added coherence with the cats performing in acts that included contortionism and aerial arts. The eye-popping “Jellicle Ball”, choreographed by Kasey Alfonso and Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi (credited with circus choreography), was the most energized moment in Chicago theater this year.

#2 – 42 Balloons – Chicago Shakespeare

42 Balloons featured a talented chorus blending unique, synthesizer-like melodies perfect for the early ‘80s setting. This story of Larry Walters’ (Carlie McCullagh) – who flew 16,000 ft into the sky sitting on a lawn chair attached to weather balloons – includes deep love from his girlfriend Carol (Evelyn Hoskins), a hero’s journey, and tragedy. Writer Jack Godfrey merges these components into a deeply moving musical, which asks audiences to reconsider the legacy of “Lawnchair Larry.”

#3 – Urinetown – Theo

The young cast excelled in comic timing in this hilarious satire involving common people rebelling against a corrupt corporation with disastrous results. Scenic designer Eleanor Kahn hit gold by merging the audience into the set, making each seat a unique experience. My favorite moment was Hope (Amanda Rodriguez) leading her fellow rebels in a urinal baptism, which happened so close to me that I could have touched the running water.

#4 – Come From Away – Paramount

Come From Away emerged as one of the most produced musicals nationwide in 2025, giving local audiences across America the opportunity to experience this wonderful show, which explores the influx of passangers grounded in Newfoundland following the 9/11 attacks. Paramount was the perfect venue for the local Chicago premier with its large stage and access to top-notch performers. Look for another production of Come From Away on the Marriott stage in August.

#5 – Golden Hour – Joffrey

How to choose a favorite Joeffrey ballet in a 2025 season that also included Alice in Wonderland and Carmen? Golden Hour, a collection of five short dances, included my favorite dance piece of the year: The Princess and the Pea. Choreographer Dani Rowe created a perfect match of beauty and comedy. Setting this retelling in an all-green, dystopian world, the teenaged Penelopea must save her family and Pea Town by winning the annual Mattress Match.

#6 Always Patsy Cline (Drury Lane Oakbrook)

Bri Sudia is always fantastic, but she particularly owned the stage as Louise Seger, a devoted fan of Patsy Cline, who develops a friendship with the country singer at one of Patsy’s concerts. Aja Alcazar was equally outstanding as Patsy. The Chuck Jones review in the Tribune noted that this musical has now been produced for longer than the artist herself (who died tragically at age 30) was alive. Give credit to writer Ted Swindley for his script, which alternates between deep emotion and hilarity.

#7 Titanic (Marriott Lincolnshire)

This Tony winner excels most when it focuses on the ways that the ill-fated voyage represents dreams for its large cast of characters. My favorite moment is the subdued “The Proposal” / “The Night was Alive” duo of songs in which telegraph operator Harold Bride (Matthew Hommel) sends a marriage proposal from boiler room worker Frederick Barrett (Darian Goulding) to his girlfriend back home.

#8 Fun Home – Porchlight

Porchlight created a marvelous set representing the cluttered Bechdel house for this introspective musical based on Alison Bechdel’s graphic novel. The cast included two of my favorite Chicago up-and-comers – Neala Barron as the exasperated mother Helen and Dakota Hughes as Joan. “Come to the Fun Home” and “Ring of Keys” remain among my all-time favorite musical numbers.

#9 Godspell – Music Theater Works

Godspell provides a flexible canvas giving different companies the opportunity to make their production unique. The Music Theater Works setting was a coffee shop beginning with a variety of patrons, initially isolated in their phones, engaging in the rousing opening number “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord.” Memorable songs included “Day by Day” sung by Kaitlin Feely and “We Beseech Thee” led by Connor Ripperger.

#10 A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum – MadKap

I’m always impressed by the talent that MadKap puts on its small stage at the Skokie Theater. The cast was led by Ed Rutherford, who propelled the frantic Forum pace as Pseudolus, and Andrew Buel, who stole his scenes as the obsessive, meticulous Hysterium. I had trouble picking a favorite between Forum and MadKap’s equally excellent Pippin.

Other Notable Performances

Shucked and Parade – Broadway in Chicago
Cavalleria rusticana & Pagliacci – Lyric Opera
Waa-Mu 2025: Arch Madness – Northwestern University