It’s supposed to be hard to put your finger on the guilty party in a whodunit. In the fashion of murder mysteries, the perpetrator could be any of the characters who take the stage. And who done it becomes, by the end of the production, glaringly clear. The realization can be satisfying, bewildering, disappointing, or … Continue reading ‘The Mousetrap’ at Lancaster Opera House
Daniel Davey Reviews
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: ‘Navigators’ at Alleyway Theatre
Seems like Alleyway is looking to whet the appetite of Western New York theatergoers with its offering of Navigators. Opening a week before Curtain Up! the cast and crew get several performances in the meantime, giving the production ample opportunity to work out any kinks before the big night. . . .a charming wave through … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Navigators’ at Alleyway Theatre
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: ‘The Jungle Book’ at Theatre of Youth
On a cold and blustery March day a little time in a jungle seems a welcome and warm idea. But it’s the nature of things to have their ups and downs, and we’re not just talking about monkeys climbing here. . . .visually stunning, inventive and creative . . . The ups are many and, … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘The Jungle Book’ at Theatre of Youth
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
Theatre Review: ‘Baby’ at Lancaster Opera House
Having babies can be a messy business. The question is whether a play about having babies would come to life on the stage. The simple answer is yes. . . .a delightfully easy on the eyes and ears production. But if giving life were that simple, everybody would do it. Not everybody can. And not … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Baby’ at Lancaster Opera House