Just For Us by comedian-playwright Alex Edelman has a robust following on streaming platforms for the past several years, and now Jewish Repertory Theatre is bringing the live experience to us until June 7. It’s a monologue, skillfully delivered by Jordan Levin and he is amazing – onstage for 90 minutes – bringing Edelman’s stand … Continue reading Just For Us Makes Everyone Laugh
Cherie Messore Reviews
Pure Glitter Shines on for Second Gen
Second Generation Theatre ended its seasons with glam, camp, sass, and a whole lot of sparkle. Pure Glitter (on stage to May 17) is a witty send up to relationships on the bubble and hitting the skids and the power of friendship that can make the worst situations tolerable. Playwright Douglas Lyons was in the … Continue reading Pure Glitter Shines on for Second Gen
Haunting Night at RLTP
It was a dark and stormy night as this reviewer approached the theatre. She was traveling solo as Theatre Companions I, II, and III were otherwise occupied. Cue impending doom-sounding minor chords. There would be blood. There would be murders. There will be no one to hold her hand in the scary parts or laugh … Continue reading Haunting Night at RLTP
Things With Friends Aren’t As They Seem at Alleyway
Dinner parties are supposed to be fun things. Make some delicious food. Invite some old and dear friends. Crank up the dance music, pop open some wine, and get ready for some light banter and an easy, breezy evening. Well, in playwright Kristoffer Diaz’s world, as Manhattan is crumbling under environmentally-produced heavy rains, dinner with … Continue reading Things With Friends Aren’t As They Seem at Alleyway
‘Twas the Night Before Spins and Shines at Shea’s
I've never experienced a Cirque du Soleil performance before 'Twas the Night Before spun into town. It is quite a sight; imagine the very best of a circus on the Shea's Buffalo stage with dazzling costumes, makeup, music, and spectacular lighting effects. No, there are no lions, seals, or ringmasters; this is elite performance art … Continue reading ‘Twas the Night Before Spins and Shines at Shea’s
White Christmas is a Smile at MusicalFare
Full disclosure: it's very rare that I enjoy a movie on stage, especially when it's a classic film. MusicalFare's production of Irving Berlin's White Christmas the Musical may not have wholly changed my mind, but honestly, there is so much to love about this production. To recap, the story is a re-telling on the 1954 … Continue reading White Christmas is a Smile at MusicalFare
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas in NOTL
The film White Christmas is a classic: its iconic cast headed by Rosemary Clooney, Bing Crosby, and Danny Kaye, have crooned and swooned their way into our collective hearts since 1954. The stage version - renamed Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is a musical tribute to the great man himself and still follows the basic storyline … Continue reading Irving Berlin’s White Christmas in NOTL
Mr. Wolf is Riveting at RLTP
Don't let the eeerily beautiful set give you a preconceived notion about Mr. Wolf, now onstage at Road Less Traveled Theater. Collin Ranney's set is a stunning mix of swirling colors and cosmos, beautifully lit by John Rickus, and completed with projections and sound by Katie Menke. Theatre Companion and I discussed this while we … Continue reading Mr. Wolf is Riveting at RLTP
A Christmas Carol Sings at Shaw Festival
Full disclosure: I've never seen a staged version of A Christmas Carol. And while I did watch the 1951 Alastair Sim movie once years ago, I think I nodded off. Ditto the 1992 Muppet version (I know, pretty pathetic). But there's nothing like a Shaw Festival production to keep you engaged, enthralled, and so ready … Continue reading A Christmas Carol Sings at Shaw Festival
Oak is Solid at Alleyway
First off, thanks to the pre-show announcement, we were forewarned about the use of strobe lights, surprises, and maybe a jump scare as part of Oak, now onstage at Alleyway Theatre. Theatre Companion was thusly prepared when yours truly reacted thusly. Terry Guest's script is part allegory, part folk tale, and a reinterpretation of a … Continue reading Oak is Solid at Alleyway