"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.
"The Power of Love"... Not Powerful At AllMarch 7, 2024
When a car from the 1980's that does fantastic tricks and stunts via some incredible theatrical magic turns out to be the real star of the show, you realize there's something amiss, especially when that car is receiving more audience reactions than the regular action onstage. Yeah, you might wanna stick with the movie when it comes to this one.
A Milestone Indeed, But Not A Perfect OneMarch 7, 2024
When something is said to be based on a true story, you believe that it did happen and maybe some or a lot of liberties were taken to enhance conflict or character. I did get to see the documentary "How To Dance In Ohio" is based upon, and while it's a groundbreaking opportunity at giving people on the autism spectrum a moment in the spotlight, the musical does not follow so closely as to exactly what occurred nor does it follow too closely to the people having an important, maybe even vulnerable, moment in their lives played in front of audiences nightly.
These Knights WILL Succeed On Broadway!March 7, 2024
These days we can all use a healthy dose of laughter, regardless of how absurd and ridiculous what's inducing said laughter may be (hey, funny is funny!). What lifted me out a very disoriented mind from these insane last few weeks and brought on a much need catharsis filled with joy came in the form of “Monty Python’s Spamalot” where your face will 100% ache from gleefully laughing 24/7!
An Epic, Almost-Perfect Conclusion To An Epic CareerMarch 7, 2024
Who ever thought we'd see the day where there'd be a final musical by the great Stephen Sondheim? But that time has sadly come, but at least we know he gave the team his blessing to go forward before his too-soon departure from this world. For my generation to get to witness the birth of a new Sondheim musical in the 21st century is an opportunity unlike any other; honestly, it's a god-given right! But to have this opportunity, and to see a new piece break down even more walls as to what musicals can truly be (something Sondheim was always known for) is an absolute honor. "Here We Are" bleeds together the forms of satire, surrealism, and existentialism into a night of theatre you'll not only want more of after the final blackout, but makes you leave thinking about our own existence and the habitual mannerisms in all humans alike.
A Good Thing Going Indeed!October 21, 2023
It’s hard for me to understand why this one flopped when it premiered. Maybe it was ahead of its time in the 1980’s. But come 2023, it has found it’s way back home to Broadway in a production helmed by Maria Friedman that is slick, polished, and indubitably meets the Sondheim stamp of approval. This is that kind of show that reminds you of what it means to hold on to that young, hopeful version of you that dreamed of paving a bright, successful future, and (on a more important level) to never compromise yourself just to find a shortcut that takes away less of who you were in the beginning.
Give 'Em A 'Hallelujah!'October 21, 2023
How did it take me so long to see any production helmed by Kenny Leon??? He knows a thing or two of how to keep it simple and still have SO much of a message to tell that screams “relevance” as much as it did when “Purlie Victorious” first premiered in the 20th century. But if this play leaves you with anything other than your sides split from such great comic chops and a fair amount of shock, you’ll find that there will be a strong resonance of hope as you leave your seat; the hope for a more peaceful, loving community we’re all striving to reach.
