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
Theatre Review: ‘Back To The Future The Musical’ at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre
Pictured (L-R): Don Stephenson (Doc Brown) and Lucas Hallauer (Marty McFly) in the First National Touring Company of BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL. Photo by McLeod9 Creative, 2025 Talk about pageantry at its finest. Back To The Future The Musical opened last night at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre to thunderous applause and crowd excitement. Audience members … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Back To The Future The Musical’ at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre
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
The Hatmaker’s Wife, a Great Topper at JRT
The Hatmaker's Wife by Lauren Yee is part folktale, part allegory about who to love and how to love, and a reminder of the high price of loss. It's a beautiful story with more depth and nuance than the show publicity (sorry, Jewish Repertory Theatre) portrayed when it mentioned talking walls and hats. That "you … Continue reading The Hatmaker’s Wife, a Great Topper at JRT
Sweet Charity is Sweet indeed at Kavinoky
Sweet rendition of Sweet Charity on stage at the D'Youville Kavinoky Theatre. The musical Sweet Charity tells the story of Charity Hope Valentine, a dance hall hostess in New York City during the 1960s as she navigates a series of love affairs and bad dates while trying to find true love. The story is full … Continue reading Sweet Charity is Sweet indeed at Kavinoky
O’Connell and Company finds dreams In the Woods
Into The Woods is an adult fairy tale that takes familiar characters from Grimm's fairy tales -Cinderella, Jack, and Little Red Riding Hood, each with a wish, a dream or a need - on a journey into the woods to find a specific object. Where they learn the necessity of community and the fact that … Continue reading O’Connell and Company finds dreams In the Woods
Everybody onstage at Ujima
Tioga Simpson speaks about the unusual writing style and format of the play. Abstract characters exist in thoughts or as ideas but not having physical or concrete existence. Kyra Jade (lighting Designer) and Nick Quinn (sound designer) created a foreboding atmosphere. Curtis Lovell (set designer) basically left the performance space bare with accents on each … Continue reading Everybody onstage at Ujima
Theatre Review: “Legally Blonde The Musical” by MusicalFare at Shea’s 710 Theatre
MusicalFare 710 LEGALLY BLONDE - Gretchen Didio (center) with the Muses. Photo by Jake Grear MusicalFare’s high energy production of “Legally Blonde The Musical” is one that cannot be missed. From the opening notes, to the final bows, this cast brings the wonderful comedic energy needed to tell this tale of love and motivation. “Legally … Continue reading Theatre Review: “Legally Blonde The Musical” by MusicalFare at Shea’s 710 Theatre
Hedwig Slays for SGT
Second Generation Theatre, once again, takes musical theatre next level with this production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. John Cameron Mitchell's book with Stephen Trask's music and lyrics set the story of Hansel, a music-loving teen in East Germany who meets an American soldier who wants to marry him. In 1998, the only option … Continue reading Hedwig Slays for SGT
Alleyway Theatre Delivers a Master Class for Mystery
When I arrived at the Alleyway Theatre, I was given a form for lack of a better term, which listed some information about the production. It lists the names of the performers, etc and directed me to go to the website for more information. Well, when I arrived at the website there were pictures of … Continue reading Alleyway Theatre Delivers a Master Class for Mystery