Theatre Review: ‘Come Back To The Five and Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean’ at New Phoenix Theatre

The New Phoenix Theatre production of Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean opened on Friday. Even though this story has history, having made a Broadway run and adapted to film with what may have been a stellar cast, I entered Friday with zero familiarity.  Arguably, you might quarrel that a … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Come Back To The Five and Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean’ at New Phoenix Theatre

Theatre Review: ‘The Firebugs – A learning-play without a lesson’ at Niagara University

Why would Gottlieb Biedermann allow arsonists to stay in his attic?    Because Biedermann, with his eager desire to do good and help seemingly less fortunate souls can’t seem to see into those souls.  He’s philanthropic to a fault, at the edge of noble, the guy who’s accommodating to those less fortunate than his own middle-class … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘The Firebugs – A learning-play without a lesson’ at Niagara University

Theatre Review: ‘Dearly Departed’ at Aurora Players

With a dull thud, Mr. Turpin drops dead on the kitchen floor. According to his wife, Raynelle, the man had all but stopped breathing for the better part of their thirty-plus year marriage.  Besides, he was a mean and surly man. . . .off-the-map funny. So goes “Dearly Departed,” the current comedy by Aurora Players … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Dearly Departed’ at Aurora Players

Theatre Review: ‘The Lottie and Bernice Show’ at Ghostlight Theatre

They’re back. Along with their fronts, their sides and yes, their large bottoms.  Lottie and Bernice make a return to Ghostlight Theatre this month, fresh as ever, following their numerous appearances locally and elsewhere since 2001, when they first appeared in Ghostlight’s “Dance Macabre.”  This time, they are in the reproduction of “The Lottie and … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘The Lottie and Bernice Show’ at Ghostlight Theatre

Theatre Review: ‘Late In The Evening: The World According To Paul Simon’ at MusicalFare Theatre

You might have large expectations for "Late in the Evening," a MusicalFare production based on the works of Paul Simon, if you are a fan of Simon the musician and songwriter.  And MusicalFare, with its cozy close proximity seating to the stage is a venue that holds even more promise. . . .an absolute banquet … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Late In The Evening: The World According To Paul Simon’ at MusicalFare Theatre

Theatre Review: ‘Frost/Nixon’ at Irish Classical Theatre

Let’s make one thing perfectly clear:  opening night for Irish Classical Theater’s production of “Frost/Nixon” sold out. . . .a fascinating story, expertly told, acted, and staged. . . One bet is there’s some interest in the not so long ago historical subject matter.  And what better venue than ICTC’s in-the-round for a play whose … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Frost/Nixon’ at Irish Classical Theatre