He Said - By Stephen Dubois It would be an injustice to simply label Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen a “jukebox musical,” even if that is technically accurate. Drawing on nearly 20 songs from Keys' repertoire, two previously unreleased tracks, and one song written specifically for this semi-autobiographical work, the musical transcends the label. Much of … Continue reading Show on Fire – Hell’s Kitchen at Shea’s
Musicalfare’s Sweeney Todd Slays at Shea’s 710
By Stephen Dubois Sweeney Todd is a musical I absolutely love, ranking among my Top 10 favorite shows of all time. MusicalFare’s latest offering marks the eighth live production I’ve seen, following three professional productions—including an operatic interpretation at Glimmerglass, a rousing production at the Shaw Festival, and the infamous John Doyle staging in which … Continue reading Musicalfare’s Sweeney Todd Slays at Shea’s 710
Bat Boy Swoops in for 2nd Gen
By Stephen Dubois I remember being in the aisle of a supermarket decades ago and laughing out loud at the absurd cover of The Weekly World News that first featured Bat Boy. And, despite knowing that this “periodical” was the epitome of fake news—long before anyone used that term—I bought a copy. I had to. … Continue reading Bat Boy Swoops in for 2nd Gen
1776 Stands the Test of Time at Lancaster Opera House
Those “Cool, Cool Considerate Men” are on stage at the Lancaster Opera House, in 1176 The Musical, and while this show doesn’t make the rounds as often as it should, it’s a fine way to remember what our Founding Fathers faced 250 years ago, this time with a great score penned by a former high … Continue reading 1776 Stands the Test of Time at Lancaster Opera House
Becky Shaw Has a Regional Premier at Alleyway
Hurt people hurt people. That's a succinct way to sum up the Pulitzer Prize (for Drama) and Tony-nominated play Becky Shaw on stage now at Alleyway Theatre. It's a quirky twist on the dysfunctional family comedy: Susanna's father has passed away (two months ago, she says when it's really four months passed), and Max, the … Continue reading Becky Shaw Has a Regional Premier at Alleyway
The DaVinci Code Sparks Mystery at RLTP
Novelist Dan Brown's mystery-thriller The Da Vinci Code flew off the shelves when it was published in 2003 and was made into a rather lack-luster film in 2006. The stage adaption (by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel) is making its regional debut to kick off Road Less Traveled Productions' new season. It's a complex and … Continue reading The DaVinci Code Sparks Mystery at RLTP
Emma is a Delightful Start to ICTC Season
By Stephen Dubois Curtain Up in Buffalo is always a special time. Premieres all over the city, restaurants filled to capacity, people and vendors in the streets, and that wonderful feeling of anticipation. That was certainly felt at the opening of Emma at the Irish Classical Theatre Company, where a sold-out crowd received a special … Continue reading Emma is a Delightful Start to ICTC Season
Hair is a Triumph for MusicalFare
By Stephen Dubois Our former receptionist at work, long since retired, once told me about seeing the original cast of Hair on Broadway. She vividly remembered the first moment the entire company sang the chorus of "Aquarius" and described the sound of their voices as a warm, powerful explosion that found its way into your soul. … Continue reading Hair is a Triumph for MusicalFare
Buena Vista Social Club Swings into Shea’s
He said by Stephen Dubois In most cases, songs in musical theater either propel the story forward or heighten and reinforce the emotion of a particular scene. But Buena Vista Social Club is different. The Spanish lyrics aren't necessary to understanding the story; the dialogue is spoken in English, but the songs remain in their … Continue reading Buena Vista Social Club Swings into Shea’s
Ohio State Murders Provides a Gripping Hour at The Shaw
By Stephen Dubois In another lifetime, while I was a high school and then college student, I worked in a record store. One afternoon, a customer walked in holding a compact disc and a receipt and asked for a refund. I asked if it was defective, and he gave me a rather unexpected answer. “No,” … Continue reading Ohio State Murders Provides a Gripping Hour at The Shaw
