A sweet revival

A bubbly confection, "Plaza Suite" is a laugh riot well-timed for summer.

Exciting promise not fully realized

An intriguing and fascinating work by David Alex, "Onto Infinity" is full of exciting promise.

Top shows now on Chicago-area stages

"Phantom," through Aug. 17 at Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Ind. Call (219) 836-3255 or visit www.theatreatthecenter.org.

Lush and memorable melodies

More than a decade ago, William Pullinsi directed a stunning production of Arthur Kopit and Maury Yeston's "Phantom" at the now-defunct Candlelight Playhouse in Summit.

A sweet treat

Filled with mystery and fantasy, the musical of "Willy Wonka" enchants children and adults alike.

An 'ad-rap-tation'

So much in modern society has been dumbed down that it's no wonder that William Shakespeare is being dumbed down, too.

Top shows now on Chicago-area stages

"Kooza," through Aug. 24 by Cirque Du Soleil at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Parking Lot K, Chicago. Call (800) 678-5440 or visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.

Absolutely breathtaking

Just when you think you know what to expect from Cirque du Soleil, the circus troupe blows your mind with ingenious spectacles one never could have imagined.

Too over the top

It's not good when two young men walk out on a tiny stage with an over-the-top, schmaltzy, stupid look on their faces that has you wondering how long until intermission.

Top shows now on Chicago-area stages

"Kooza," through Aug. 10 by Cirque Du Soleil at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Parking Lot K, Chicago. Call (800) 678-5440 or visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.

Delicious ragtime revival
"Ain't Misbehavin' " usually is presented in an intimate cafe-style setting, as when the show first opened in 1978 in New York. Director Chuck Smith has taken the show from its small cabaret staging and expanded the production to fit the large proscenium stage of the Goodman Theatre in Chicago.

Letts' new play is enthralling, enlightening

I am surprised by how much I enjoyed the world premiere of "Superior Donuts" at Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago.

Top shows now on Chicago-area stages

"Superior Donuts," through Aug. 17 at Steppenwolf Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago. Call (312) 335-1650 or visit www.steppenwolf.org.

'Donuts' debut
After winning the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for drama and the 2008 Tony Award for Best Play for his dark epic "August: Osage County," playwright-actor Tracy Letts is being compared by Chicago and New York theater critics to legendary dramatists Tennessee Williams and Eugene O'Neill.

A must-see attraction

The third time around for "Cirque Shanghai: Gold" is a charm.

Tiresome repetition makes show hellish

It's a little like watching television's "Law and Order."

Top shows now on Chicago-area stages

"Cirque Shanghai: Gold," through Sept. 1 at the Pepsi Skyline Stage, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Call (312) 902-1500 or visit www.cirqueshanghai.com.