It’s not a secret; I’m not a fan of movies on stage. But Shrek the Musical, now onstage at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre is a delight and is also a fine study in DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.) How do you figure? Well, Shrek the Ogre is mean and green (just like Audrey II in … Continue reading Shrek Slays at Shea’s
Hats Off to JRT and Crossing Delancey
Yes, that title is a bit of a spoiler alert. In this sweet and gentle love story, the gift of a hat underscores a bit of banter between two characters and is also a subtle message to try embrace the unexpected. Watch for it...and revel in the characters' vulnerability and anticipation. That's the heart of … Continue reading Hats Off to JRT and Crossing Delancey
Artificial Intelligence – AI – is all the talk today. How can it be used appropriately, where is off limits, and how are the ethical boundaries drawn are frequently asked questions. But think ahead 100 years. Technology will have advanced. AI will be even more dominant and humans may be more comfortable with these interactions. … Continue reading
Once -once again – is Magical
“You cannot walk through life leaving unfinished love behind you.” That’s the essence of the plaintive and lovely musical Once, produced by MusicalFare Theatre and presented by Shea’s 710 Theatre. I flat out loved this production, from the Irish pub set designed by Chris Cavanagh to the way director Randy Kramer used the whole house … Continue reading Once -once again – is Magical
Merrily We Roll Along…at last!
Stephen Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along had a very short run on Broadway originally in 1981 with a few other short runs in subsequent years. It was retooled and is a hit on Broadway now. Second Generation Theatre is the first regional theatre company to stage this musical gem. It’s at Shea’s Smith Theatre until … Continue reading Merrily We Roll Along…at last!
Plenty of Watsons at RLTP
Does everywhere have a Watson? Someone to call just because…or someone to listen to your deductions? Does everyone need a Watson, someone of your own design who’s always there for you, even if he needs a nudge in the right direction? Playwright Madeline George explores the world of Watsons in her Pulitzer Prize-nominated play The … Continue reading Plenty of Watsons at RLTP
CROWNS is Joyful Noise and Fashionable, too
Who hasn’t been told to “cover your head” to either protect or adorn your crowning glory? What we wear on our heads and why is at the heart of CROWNS, now onstage at MusicalFare Theatre until May 19. Playwright Regina Taylor weaves Black American history, inspirational storytelling, and glorious Gospel music into a proud tale … Continue reading CROWNS is Joyful Noise and Fashionable, too
Gutenberg! Goofy and Good!
I get a kick out of plays about plays. Noises Off, The Play That Goes Wrong, [title of show] all make the audience members feel like insiders in the wonderful world of theatre. Gutenberg! The Musical! on stage now at D’Youville Kavinoky Theatre has that same vibe with a heavy dose of both goof and … Continue reading Gutenberg! Goofy and Good!
MAMMA MIA! … Loads of Fun and Music, too!
MAMMA MIA!, the mother of all juke box musicals, on stage now at Shea’s Performing Arts Center, is just as fun and lively as it’s ever been. All the ABBA songs you know and love frame a sweet story about love, marriage, and waiting until the time is right. In brief, 20 year old Sophie … Continue reading MAMMA MIA! … Loads of Fun and Music, too!
Paul Robeson Theatre Hits a Home Run
They all loved to play ball. They weren’t well paid. Some of them made it to the big league. Who were they?: men of color in what was called the Negro League in the early 20th century. Baseball – the All American Sport – had its own color barrier and the solution was to exclude … Continue reading Paul Robeson Theatre Hits a Home Run