By every measure, 2012 was an exceptionally good year for Chicago theater, Chicago Sun-Times' Hedy Weiss says.

"In fact, there were countless times during the past 12 months when I left a show feeling either so gobsmacked by its impact that I didn't want to speak to anyone until the magic had subsided, or so bedazzled I could only say: "Amazing; only in this city."" Weiss writes.

Read which Chicago theater shows were the best in 2012.