Theatre Review: ‘Irving Berlin’s America’ at O’Connell & Company

“Irving Berlin’s America,” now onstage at O’Connell & Company, is one wonderful tune after another against a story that’s based on the celebrated songwriter’s robust rags to riches 101 year life. . . . very entertaining performances, lovely singing, and the good vibes that remind you Berlin’s music will endure “not for just an hour, … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Irving Berlin’s America’ at O’Connell & Company

Theatre Review: ‘Minding Frankie’ at Irish Classical Theatre

We should all live in the world Maeve Binchy created. Gentle moments are soft as a whisper. Strong emotions are passions with purpose. Hate is usually couched in fear, and while it’s uncomfortable, it’s not vitriolic. And the good guy always wins. . . .a sentimental and sweet story. “Minding Frankie” was one of Binchy’s … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Minding Frankie’ at Irish Classical Theatre

Theatre Review: ‘Visiting Mr. Green’ at Jewish Repertory Theatre

“It’s not an easy thing to be a Jew,” Mr. Green kvetches to his court appointed companion in “Visiting Mr. Green,” the first production in Jewish Repertory Theatre’s 15th season. How we navigate through these human minefields is what makes us unique, and what makes productions like "Visiting Mr. Green" the type of theatre that … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Visiting Mr. Green’ at Jewish Repertory Theatre

Theatre Review: ‘Sons & Lovers’ by Buffalo United Artists at Main Street Cabaret

Well, who doesn’t want to stand up and shout “I am fabulous” when you’re on the brink of turning 50 and you just figured out that your husband doesn’t really like your homemade cookies? That’s Ellen’s story, the  leading mama in Donna Hoke’s “Sons & Lovers,” opening BUA’s 25th anniversary season. She and Butch are … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Sons & Lovers’ by Buffalo United Artists at Main Street Cabaret

Theatre Review: ‘John’ at Road Less Traveled Theatre

It’s funny how history can play tricks on you. Isn’t the past supposed to be static?  But if history is driven by the people who made the moments, do their spirits live on to remind you, change you, haunt you? This cohesive meshing of story, set, and character make “John” a stand out.    This … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘John’ at Road Less Traveled Theatre

Theatre Review: ‘The Roommates’ at American Repertory Theatre of Western New York

There are plenty of “buddy” shows on stage, but local playwright Mark Humphrey’s “The Roommates” isn’t your typical “three guys in a man cave” show. Humphrey’s script has some clever language and his plot takes some interesting twists. This is a world and regional premiere and it’s suited to this small stage. Even the music … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘The Roommates’ at American Repertory Theatre of Western New York

Theatre Review: ‘The Light In The Piazza’ by Second Generation Theatre Company at Lancaster Opera House

Che bella. Absolutely everything about this production of ‘The Light in the Piazza’ – a Western New York premiere – (it played at the Shaw Festival a few years ago) is simply beautiful. The starkly elegant set, the period perfect costumes, the casting, direction, and the music create a romantic and poignant night in Italy. … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘The Light In The Piazza’ by Second Generation Theatre Company at Lancaster Opera House

Theatre Review: ‘Kalamazoo’ at New Phoenix Theatre

“Love is lovelier the second time around,” according to lyricist Sammy Cahn. I was humming this timeless Jimmy Van Heusen tune in my head and thinking about Cahn’s words while watching The New Phoenix Theatre’s final production, - "Kalamazoo" – to close its 21st season. " ‘Kalamazoo’ will win your heart with its uplifting message … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Kalamazoo’ at New Phoenix Theatre

Theatre Review: ‘The Other Mozart’ at Shea’s 710 Theatre

“Nobody saved my letters,” laments Nannerl Mozart, the older sister of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, or as she calls him, Woflie or “that little sh*t,” in Sylvia Milo’s one-woman show ‘The Other Mozart.’ ". . .an interesting experience." This wistful statement delivered about halfway through the 80-minute performance could explain why Nannerl’s story is less told … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘The Other Mozart’ at Shea’s 710 Theatre

Theatre Review: ‘The Father’ at Kavinoky Theatre

There are plenty of plays, films, books (fiction and non-fiction) about Alzheimer’s Disease or other forms of dementia. Playwright  Florian Zeller’s “The Father,” which he calls a tragic farce is different. Very different. Where other offerings may be touching or emotional or just very sad, “The Father” – through theatrical devices, characters and dialogue – … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘The Father’ at Kavinoky Theatre