Suzanne Magnuson

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 […]

Viva La Honey at the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort

October 1, 2019 Suzanne Magnuson 0

By Suzanne Magnuson and Judith Singer On a lovely Tuesday evening, Judith Singer and I were invited to sample the new prix fixe offering at the Three Embers Restaurant at the Marriott Lincolnshire. And the […]

A Wonderful Day in America’s Riviera – Santa Barbara

September 23, 2019 Suzanne Magnuson 0

Knowing I was going to be in Santa Barbara for several days recently, I wisely contacted the wonderful people at Visit Santa Barbara to help suggest ways to fill a spare afternoon for sightseeing. Their […]

Newsies -An EXTRA Good Time at the Paramount Theatre

September 18, 2019 Suzanne Magnuson 0

As someone who saw the oh-so-lackluster 1992 film Disney made back when It first came out, to say that I didn’t have high expectations for Newsies is a massive understatement. And just like Joseph Pulitzer […]

Into the Woods at Writer’s Theatre – An Enchanting Delight for All

September 10, 2019 Suzanne Magnuson 0

With all its myriad layers of emotion and storytelling and need for strong performers to carry each part, Into the Woods can either be a dream or a nightmare to watch. The new production at […]