"If This Is Love," Then It Needs More Fine Tuning Here And ThereMay 1, 2024
Going in with low expectations for “The Notebook” was probably the best decision I could’ve made because it actually turned out to be a lot more engaging than I thought! I believe the critics might have been too harsh on this one, but that’s not to say this musical has its flaws.
The G.A.B.'s Take Broadway By StormMay 1, 2024
Everything in my history classes were always presented in such a clean cut way. I never got a complete picture of many things, especially on the darker side of key points in history. I always knew the 19th amendment was passed and that they marched, but I did not know about the abuse people in power utilized or the feuds within the suffrage movement. Now those stories are coming to light in a revolution called “Suffs.”
A New Century, A Timely New-But-Still-Faithful ChekhovMay 1, 2024
You bet I was leaning on the edge of my seat all ears when it came to that final scene between Elena and Astrov during Lincoln Center Theater’s astounding production of “Uncle Vanya.” That scene was and is a huge part of the foundation of mine and Lauren’s friendship; memories I’ll always hold dear to me! And getting to see a full scale production of this tragicomedy with my scene partner made it an experience I’ll also hold near to my heart. And I’m so thankful LCT brought out the best in this production with an exceptional cast and creative team.
"That Deaf, Dumb, and Blind Kid STILL Plays A Mean Pinball!"May 1, 2024
You ever seen audience members jump to their feet before the final curtain even occurs? It’s a rarity to see, but when it does, it actually warms your heart and informs you how powerful live theatre can be. The people who wound up standing before bows were, from my viewpoint, of an older generation of lovers of The Who. But it was sweet to see how much their love for this band, and assumably this show, has stood the test of time. And it probably moves them to see a show that must mean so much to them being introduced to a new generation of theatre lovers, and boy does this production deliver!
This Girl Is On Fire...SomewhatMay 1, 2024
Now, I happen to like Alicia Keys. I think her music is a brilliant blend of R&B, Soul, Contemporary Rock, Jazz, and even Gospel. It would make perfect sense for her music to land on the Broadway stage, and yes, “Hell’s Kitchen” does an absolutely breathtaking job at showcasing them with powerhouse vocality and exciting, pulsating arrangements by Adam Blackstone and Tom Kitt; it’s like hearing her music with new ears! However, that doesn’t mean the story is anything astonishing or mind blowing.
Right This Way, Your Table's WaitingApril 7, 2024
The motto that is branded on the stickers used to cover your phone cameras is “Keep It In The Kit Kat Club.” I’m gonna keep it that way for this post. Just read. The minute you walk in, the show has already begun. You don’t even recognize the newly minted Kit Kat Club formerly known as the August Wilson as it was for past shows. You’re immersed in a dimly lit nightclub with booze flowing and a grand array of unbelievably talented dancers and musicians at almost every corner imaginable of the venue, and this is just in the lobby before you even enter the actual theater. Then you walk into the glorious proscenium-turned-in-the-round theater to your table (at least that’s where I was sitting) with bottle service and a light meal that is quite delectable whether you get a regular or vegan option, and you’re still being treated to pre-show entertainment that leaves you clapping and hooting for more; it’s an energetic feast for the eyes. Then the drumroll starts, lights out, and the real show begins.
"Great Expectations" Are Met (Almost)March 23, 2024
We see so many books transformed into musicals, and, as we all know in this industry, results may vary. Sometimes adaptations miss the mark, sometimes they hit that bullseye. "The Outsiders," while still making its way to opening night, is so close to hitting the bullseye! I wouldn't say it's a perfect musical, but what makes it one of the stronger pieces to emerge from this season is the way it stays true to its source material, capturing the raw emotion and brotherhood S.E. Hinton has placed at the heart of her story and letting it soar into eclectic, vibrant colors of pain, regret, sorrow, revenge, and brotherly love.
A Slightly "Doubtful" Production, But Still StrongMarch 7, 2024
The ever elusive question that runs prominently throughout John Patrick Shanley's "Doubt" is one that is not everyone's particular favorite, or at least mine but I do it as a performer: "why?" You're asking that question at every turn this drama takes, and you're even asking it after you've left the newly named Todd Haimes Theater.
Accept Or Deny: A Brutally Brilliant Examination Of The American FamilyApril 7, 2024
Scathing, intense, and altogether terrifying. These are the words that come to mind when looking back Second Stage’s "Appropriate": a new, horrifyingly relevant portrait of the dysfunctional American family. You won't believe how much baggage there is to unpack in Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' take on signal-crossing family dynamics coupled with camouflaged racism and antisemitism (all handled with great care by director Lila Neugebauer) that leaves you leaning further and further on the edge of your seat until there's hardly any seat left (you're buckled in within the first 20 or so minutes).
Tragicomedy With An Impactful PunchMarch 7, 2024
Are any of us really safe? That's the question that rings out throughout this nearly 3-hour tragicomedy. That and the fact of how past and present can terrifyingly bleed into one another. It rattles you inside and out, pondering a multitude of questions about the world we live in, the people in it whether in charge or not, and what can we do to make a change that leaves an impact that actually sets forward positive progress.
