By Stephen Dubois Sweeney Todd is a musical I absolutely love, ranking among my Top 10 favorite shows of all time. MusicalFare’s latest offering marks the eighth live production I’ve seen, following three professional productions—including an operatic interpretation at Glimmerglass, a rousing production at the Shaw Festival, and the infamous John Doyle staging in which … Continue reading Musicalfare’s Sweeney Todd Slays at Shea’s 710
MusicalFare Theatre
Hair is a Triumph for MusicalFare
By Stephen Dubois Our former receptionist at work, long since retired, once told me about seeing the original cast of Hair on Broadway. She vividly remembered the first moment the entire company sang the chorus of "Aquarius" and described the sound of their voices as a warm, powerful explosion that found its way into your soul. … Continue reading Hair is a Triumph for MusicalFare
MusicalFare’s Hairspray Has Staying Power
One show, two BTG reviewers. What do they think?
Jesus Christ Superstar Rocks at Shea’s 710
The 1970 concept album for Jesus Christ Superstar remains one of the finest ever committed to record. A rock opera that stirred emotion, controversy and propelled the young Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to immediate, overnight success. But having seen three professional productions (and one community one) I must say that I have never seen a … Continue reading Jesus Christ Superstar Rocks at Shea’s 710
Murder and Mayhem at MusicalFare
Who knew bumping off an entire family and some unrelated infidelity could be so darn funny? A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder, a MusicalFare production on stage at Shea’s 710 Theatre to March 8, is all that and more. It’s flat-out hilarious with some of the best singing – and sight gags - you’ll … Continue reading Murder and Mayhem at MusicalFare
Lady Day Shines for MusicalFare
She was a force; her unique singing style was a bright glimmer over her dark personal life. Billie Holiday - Lady Day - may not have realized how profound her musical influences are (her Grammy recognitions were all posthumous). Her music and her life story are celebrated in Lady Day at the Emerson Bar and … Continue reading Lady Day Shines for MusicalFare
White Christmas is a Smile at MusicalFare
Full disclosure: it's very rare that I enjoy a movie on stage, especially when it's a classic film. MusicalFare's production of Irving Berlin's White Christmas the Musical may not have wholly changed my mind, but honestly, there is so much to love about this production. To recap, the story is a re-telling on the 1954 … Continue reading White Christmas is a Smile at MusicalFare
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
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
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
