The world premiere of Murder-on-the-Lake, among this season's Shaw Festival offerings in Niagara-on-the-Lake, is part improv show, part send-up to the traditional drama we love, and out-of-the-box murder mystery party game that were all the rage of the '90s. In brief, it's an absolute hoot and quite the surprise on the traditional NOL stage. I … Continue reading Killer Laughs at Shaw Festival
Cherie Messore Reviews
Family Turmoil at ICTC
Spoiler alert: Props Designer Diane Almeter Jones needs some star billing for the prolific amount of stage blood she created for Irish Classical Theatre Company's production of Crocodile Fever. It's everywhere in the second act, in every shape, viscosity, and application. Yes, I'm the squeamish sort, so Theatre Companion had a firm grip on my … Continue reading Family Turmoil at ICTC
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
Witch is Beguiling at Road Less Traveled
Witch (by Jen Silverman) is on stage now at Road Less Traveled Theater, and while the program identifies it as a dark comedy, it really is a study in DEIB – diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging – with some very witty asides hidden inside a look at family and community. Elizabeth (Wendy Hall) is shunned … Continue reading Witch is Beguiling at Road Less Traveled
Laughs Aplenty in Something Rotten
Sometimes you just need to laugh. And laugh again. And find solace in the silliest of things and delight in well-performed singing and dancing and storytelling. And there’s no time like now to enjoy all this and more at MusicalFare Theatre and its regional premiere of Something Rotten. The story is about as far-fetched as … Continue reading Laughs Aplenty in Something Rotten
Harrowing Story Beautifully Told at JRT
Sometimes the most evocative way to tell a story is to keep it simple. One actor, a table, one (versatile) costume, and a mesmerizing, powerful script is all you need. Layer in some breathtaking audio cues and compelling lighting and you have Remember This: The Lesson of Jan Karski, beautifully presented now by the Jewish … Continue reading Harrowing Story Beautifully Told at JRT
Extra, Read All About It, Newsies on Stage at 710
D’Youville Kavinoky Theatre is kicking off its season at Shea’s 710 Theatre with a jubilant production of Disney’s Newsies. If you were a fan of the original 1992 film or saw the Broadway or touring production, you know what a treat the Alan Menken/Jack Feldman score is with Harvey Fierstein’s book. Team Kavinoky assembled a … Continue reading Extra, Read All About It, Newsies on Stage at 710
Alleyway’s 45th Season Catches a Big Wave
Surf’s Up on Alleyway Theatre’s 45th season and it’s cresting on a big wave with Wipeout by Aurora Real De Asua. The first thing you’ll notice when you enter the house is that the stage and house are turned 90-degrees to create a much wider set. Since the 95-minute show is set in the Pacific … Continue reading Alleyway’s 45th Season Catches a Big Wave
The Prom Rocks at MusicalFare
Teens can be mean. And sometimes mean teens grow into unkind adults, too. But then there are other people who have the power to empower and uplift others who need support. Those are two of the root messages at the heart of The Prom, now onstage at MusicalFare Theatre. The story takes us from the … Continue reading The Prom Rocks at MusicalFare
Hats Off to JRT and Crossing Delancey
Yes, that title is a bit of a spoiler alert. In this sweet and gentle love story, the gift of a hat underscores a bit of banter between two characters and is also a subtle message to try embrace the unexpected. Watch for it...and revel in the characters' vulnerability and anticipation. That's the heart of … Continue reading Hats Off to JRT and Crossing Delancey