Suzanne Magnuson

The Secret of My Success Makes a Smashing Debut at the Paramount Aurora

February 23, 2020 Suzanne Magnuson 0

The first thing you have to ask yourself is why choose this story. The 1987 Michael J. Fox film was a box-office success, but not a critical favorite, and it sits with below-average reviews on […]

The Lyric Opera’s Queen of Spades is Crazy in the Best Way

February 20, 2020 Suzanne Magnuson 0

You need to get tickets to this right away and get down to the opera house. This is one of those moments that make you proud to be an opera fan because the Lyric’s production […]

An American in Paris Dazzles at Drury Lane

February 18, 2020 Suzanne Magnuson 0

Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook, IL is known for high-quality productions, but they’ve outdone themselves with their current offering of An American in Paris. It’s running from now until March 29th, but you should see […]

Why this Madama Butterfly?

February 8, 2020 Suzanne Magnuson 0

Of all the productions of Madama Butterfly that are possible, why revive this one? That’s what I asked myself as I sat, bored out of my mind, in what should have been a riveting night […]

A Dazzling Beauty and the Beast at the Paramount Aurora

December 2, 2019 Suzanne Magnuson 0

The Paramount’s new production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast has everything you could possibly want in a staged version of this show, top talent, lavish sets, gorgeous costumes, and theatrical magic that draws you […]

Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar Makes a Lively Debut in Rosemont

November 25, 2019 Suzanne Magnuson 0

The first Midwest location of Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar had its media opening in Rosemont on Thursday November 14th in a high-energy event that was an excellent reflection of what can be expected from the […]

A Magical Mary Poppins at the Drury Lane

November 25, 2019 Suzanne Magnuson 0

Just in time for the holidays, everyone’s favorite Disney Nanny flies to the Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook, IL in a production that is practically perfect in every way. And it’s going to enjoy a […]

A Thrilling Don Giovanni at the Lyric Opera

November 19, 2019 Suzanne Magnuson 0

With incredible vocal pyrotechnics combined with solid acting performances, it’s fortunate the Lyric’s Don Giovanni is having a relatively long run. You want to see this one. Every one of the principals is splendid in […]

Sunset Boulevard – Truly A Boulevard of Broken Dreams

October 16, 2019 Suzanne Magnuson 0

With 11 Academy Award Nominations and three wins in 1950 (including Best Original Screenplay), the film of Sunset Boulevard, written by the great Billy Wilder and frequent award-winning collaborator Charles Brackett, makes for a wonderful […]

The Barber of Seville – A Masterpiece Production at the Lyric Opera

October 8, 2019 Suzanne Magnuson 0

There’s a reason Rossini’s comic classic is among the most-performed works in opera. It is a delight from the first note of the world-famous overture to the final triumph of love at the end. With […]