Second Generation Theatre, once again, takes musical theatre next level with this production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. John Cameron Mitchell's book with Stephen Trask's music and lyrics set the story of Hansel, a music-loving teen in East Germany who meets an American soldier who wants to marry him. In 1998, the only option … Continue reading Hedwig Slays for SGT
Author: Cherie Messore
Burn This is on Fire at RLTP
Road Less Traveled Production of Burn This (on stage until May 18) is a scorching and fierce examination of grief and the ways we manage it. Playwright Lanford Wilson set this in 1987 New York City when Robbie dies in a boating accident with his partner. His roommates Anna, a fellow dancer, played by Leah … Continue reading Burn This is on Fire at RLTP
A Beautiful Noise is So Good, So Good, So Good at Shea’s
I don’t always love the juke box musicals that became so popular on and off Broadway the past several years. The Neil Diamond Musical A Beautiful Noise on stage at Shea’s Performing Arts Center is a different story…literally. Yes, many of Diamond’s hits are woven through the story and they are the ones you expect … Continue reading A Beautiful Noise is So Good, So Good, So Good at Shea’s
Chess is a Winning Strategy at Lancaster Opera House
I've loved this powerful, remarkable score since its debut as a concept album (yes, dear readers....vinyl...which I still have) in 1984. It's this gorgeous music and lyrics (Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson and Tim Rice respectively) that keeps Chess so poignant and relevant. The only other time I've seen this in person on stage is … Continue reading Chess is a Winning Strategy at Lancaster Opera House
Dial M for Marvelous for RLTP at Shea’s 710
Two things struck me right off as I settled into my seat at Shea's 710 for the Road Less Traveled Production's staging of the class Dial M for Murder: will younger audiences know what Dial M actually means? (in the olden days, rotary phone numbers began with a word or name and the Wendice home … Continue reading Dial M for Marvelous for RLTP at Shea’s 710
Deconstruction Builds for First Look Buffalo
Old friends are sometimes the true friends you need when times are rough. In this world premier new play by Adam Hahn, Naomi (Brooke Goergen) is at a life crossroad. She's newly divorced, facing a devastating health crisis, and is thinking twice about her strong faith. She's also reconnected with an old high school chum, … Continue reading Deconstruction Builds for First Look Buffalo
RLTP Puts the Fun Back in the Funeral Home
The funeral home: a place to grieve, to come together, to reflect. And sometimes swear. A lot. Oh and then there’s the corpse that disappears along with one of the mourner’s pants. And that’s just the opening of Our Lady of 121st Street, on stage now at Road Less Traveled Productions. This is another dark … Continue reading RLTP Puts the Fun Back in the Funeral Home
Forbidden Broadway: Was it Funny?
Forbidden Broadway has been around for the better part of 40 years, and its “Next Generation” rendition is currently onstage at Shea’s 710 Theatre to February 16. The show is a send up to all things Broadway, poking fun at the composers, choreographers, and other elements that make up a Broadway show. I’ve known about … Continue reading Forbidden Broadway: Was it Funny?
The Wanderers at JRT
Tradition can be dangerous. It can drive roots too deep, too strong to not allow for growth. That applies to love, too. The person you love so deeply for so many years could also be the one that’s holding you back from your dreams. Heritage and history are the central theme of The Wanderers on … Continue reading The Wanderers at JRT
Brilliant Works of Art
Trust and discretion: that’s what Grant expects of Abigail in playwright Donna Hoke’s play Brilliant Works of Art, produced by Bellissima Productions and onstage in the Alleyway Theatre Cabaret. But the two words – and the practices they describe – aren’t always complementary, are they? Abigail, played by Zoe Gonez in her professional stage debut, … Continue reading Brilliant Works of Art