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
Conscience is Compelling at JRT
The productions at Jewish Repertory Theatre are consistently thoughtful and moving. Even the comedies aren't all frothy and fluffy and have impact, and that's what I appreciate most about this fine company. Conscience, on stage now to November 23, is a fine example of what JRT does best. Conscience isn't merely straight-up storytelling. Playwright Joe … Continue reading Conscience is Compelling at JRT
BUA/First Look Buffalo Team Up for Thrills
‘Tis the season for stories about things that go bump in the night. First Look Buffalo Theatre Company and Buffalo United Artists collaborated to produce the world premiere of Buffalo gal playwright Bella Poynton. The Girl in the Washroom is a time-hopping thriller that also examines gay love in the ‘60s and today. In brief, … Continue reading BUA/First Look Buffalo Team Up for Thrills
Come From Away – Emotion-Packed and Extraordinary
No doubt you remember the horror of the 9/11 tragedy. Perhaps you read The Day the World Came to Town, by journalist Jim DeFede which chronicles how the 10,000 people who call Gander home welcomed 6,800 strangers into their community when their planes were forced to land their after the attacks. Or maybe you saw … Continue reading Come From Away – Emotion-Packed and Extraordinary
Night Watch at Lancaster Opera House
I've long been a fan of writer Lucille Fletcher. Her iconic radio drama "The Hitch-Hiker" is an Orson Welles classic which was adapted for television in the first season of The Twilight Zone. Among of her radio dramas is "Sorry, Wrong Number" which starred Agnes Moorehead long before she was Endora to this generation. She … Continue reading Night Watch at Lancaster Opera House
Theatre Review: “The Notebook” at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre
The Notebook North American Tour Company; Photo by Roger Mastroianni From “The Outsider’s” to “The Notebook”, Shea’s Performing Arts Center has been bringing book to screen to stage adaptations to the main stage this season! In case you are somehow unfamiliar with this cinematic classic, The Notebook debuted in 2004 as a romantic drama based on the … Continue reading Theatre Review: “The Notebook” at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre
The Book of Will is Full of the Bard and Laughs, too
Road Less Traveled Productions started its new season paying homage to some of the greats. The first offering - The Book of Will by Lauren Gunderson - is a co-production with Shakespeare in Delaware Park to honor its 50th anniversary, and by tacit design, the work and the collaboration honor the life and legacy of … Continue reading The Book of Will is Full of the Bard and Laughs, too
The Cottage: What’s Old is New Again and it’s Hysterical
Sandy Rustin's The Cottage takes the best of a classic British farce, folds in some more contemporary ideology, and comes up with something so incredibly funny, Noel Coward would not have imagined it. It's onstage now to September 27 at Alleyway Theatre and it's a superb way to launch its 46th season, with a good … Continue reading The Cottage: What’s Old is New Again and it’s Hysterical
Dreamgirls is Vibrant!
It all starts with a dream...and for a trio of talented girls in the 1960s, their dream was to sing and be heard and blaze a new trail for Black women in the music industry. That's the story behind Dreamgirls, an extravagant, exuberant musical that's kicking off the theatre season at Shea's 710. The 1981 … Continue reading Dreamgirls is Vibrant!
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