Road Less Traveled Production of Burn This (on stage until May 18) is a scorching and fierce examination of grief and the ways we manage it. Playwright Lanford Wilson set this in 1987 New York City when Robbie dies in a boating accident with his partner. His roommates Anna, a fellow dancer, played by Leah … Continue reading Burn This is on Fire at RLTP
Waitress – One Slice of Life at a Time
The musical Waitress is the current production of the MusicalFare Theatre. Book by Jessie Nelson with music and lyrics by Sarah Bareilles, Waitress will take center stage until May 18 and will be the last production housed in the Daemen University location. It's all about Jenna Hunterson, a waitress and expert pie maker, in a … Continue reading Waitress – One Slice of Life at a Time
A Beautiful Noise is So Good, So Good, So Good at Shea’s
I don’t always love the juke box musicals that became so popular on and off Broadway the past several years. The Neil Diamond Musical A Beautiful Noise on stage at Shea’s Performing Arts Center is a different story…literally. Yes, many of Diamond’s hits are woven through the story and they are the ones you expect … Continue reading A Beautiful Noise is So Good, So Good, So Good at Shea’s
Chess is a Winning Strategy at Lancaster Opera House
I've loved this powerful, remarkable score since its debut as a concept album (yes, dear readers....vinyl...which I still have) in 1984. It's this gorgeous music and lyrics (Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson and Tim Rice respectively) that keeps Chess so poignant and relevant. The only other time I've seen this in person on stage is … Continue reading Chess is a Winning Strategy at Lancaster Opera House
Dorian is a Portrait at ICTC
I attended the opening night performance of Dorian but didn't feel that I knew enough about the book from which the adaptation was taken to review at that time. After reading the Dramaturgy notes written by Juno Hunter, I felt compelled to read the novel. I'm so glad that I did. If I were to … Continue reading Dorian is a Portrait at ICTC
Pippin is King at O’Connell and Company
Book by Roger O Hirson, Music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz Musicals of today unfortunately don't seem to have the flair of the musicals from the past. They don't seen to display the elegance and sophistication possessed by the early musicals of the 50's. A good example would be the 1954 film White Christmas starring … Continue reading Pippin is King at O’Connell and Company
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
Theatre Review: ‘Shucked’ at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre
The Cast of The North American Tour of SHUCKED (Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman) ‘Shucked’ is a hilarious good time. To be honest, I was not looking forward to attending a show about corn, but at the end of the evening, I was so incredibly glad that I did. This underrated gem of … Continue reading Theatre Review: ‘Shucked’ at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre
Deconstruction Builds for First Look Buffalo
Old friends are sometimes the true friends you need when times are rough. In this world premier new play by Adam Hahn, Naomi (Brooke Goergen) is at a life crossroad. She's newly divorced, facing a devastating health crisis, and is thinking twice about her strong faith. She's also reconnected with an old high school chum, … Continue reading Deconstruction Builds for First Look Buffalo
Twists and Turns in Sanctuary City
How far would you go to help a friend? That's the story behind Santuary City, now onstage at D'Youville Kavinoky Theatre. I thoroughly enjoyed this production. The twists and turns in the scenes as well as on the set made for a truly enjoyable evening. J.Marc QuattenBaum's (Set Designer) design was intriguing, and imaginative and … Continue reading Twists and Turns in Sanctuary City