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
TOY’s Production of The Hobbit worthy of B’way
I thought the set traveled with the script/score only to find out that it's a product of the exceptional expertise of the creative staff. Andrew Machovec, Scenic Designer, Chris Cavanagh, Lighting Designer, Jay Wollin, Sound Designer, Ken Shaw, Costume Designer, Michael Brooks,Sound Engineer, Diane Almeter Jones, Props Artisan, Gabrielle Gutierrez, Technical Director/ lead Carpenter, Steve Vaughan, Fight … Continue reading TOY’s Production of The Hobbit worthy of B’way
RLTP Puts the Fun Back in the Funeral Home
The funeral home: a place to grieve, to come together, to reflect. And sometimes swear. A lot. Oh and then there’s the corpse that disappears along with one of the mourner’s pants. And that’s just the opening of Our Lady of 121st Street, on stage now at Road Less Traveled Productions. This is another dark … Continue reading RLTP Puts the Fun Back in the Funeral Home
Next to Normal: Powerful and Resilient
There are more than 200 classified forms of mental illness/disorders. Each one capable of affecting a person's thoughts, emotions and behavior. Kudos to Tom Kitt (music) and Brian Yorkey (book and lyrics) for bringing such a sensitive subject out of the dark ages, in Next to Normal putting it on stage and rocking it! Thanks … Continue reading Next to Normal: Powerful and Resilient