Time Out Chicago lists the best and worst theatrical productions this year. And guess what? The Court Theatre’s production of Caroline, or Change was ranked the #1 theatrical event of the year.

Big props to them! I know I was absolutely floored when I saw it. As I’ve said repeatedly before – PLEASE BRING IT BACK.

They also ranked The Goodman’s Turn of the Century as one of the worst productions of 2008. Coincidentally, I saw Caroline and Century on the same day. Talk about theatrical whiplash. I think my reviews sync up with TOC’s analyses.

Along with Caroline, my top theatrical experiences this year were:

Grey Gardens @ Northlight
Radium Girls @ The Side Project (Produced by Point of Contention)
San Francisco Ballet @ Harris Theatre
Sweeney Todd @ The Cadillac Palace

The more disappointing – not necessarily “bad” – theatrical experiences for me this year were:

Nine @ Porchlight (upon re-reading my review, I’m surprised how positive I was – because I don’t recall the production as one I enjoyed…strange…)
Tell Me on a Sunday @ Bailiwick
The Texas Chainsaw Musical (Ok, this one was BAD)