The KeyBank Broadway Series production of ‘Death Becomes Her’ simply amazes
From the first bombastic number by Viola (Nasia Thomas) and The Immortals to the Finale appropriately titled “The End” by Madeline (Kate Baily), Helen (Kristen Beth Williams) and Ensemble “Death Becomes Her” is chock full of surprises. From split second on stage costume changes, superb choreography, tons of catty one liners and a load of special effects including an amazing death scene this is one of the most exciting shows to hit the KeyBank State Theatre stage ever. The mus
Cain Park’s ‘The Addams Family Musical’ is scary good
Photo By Steve Wagner “They’re creepy and they’re kooky, Mysterious and spooky...well...you know the rest. One of the most complex musicals has landed of all places at Cain Park. The show features music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa with book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice and based on The Addams Family characters created by Charles Addams. The show opened on Broadway in April 2010 closing on December 31, 2011 and was followed by a national tour. Last night’s opening was de
Weathervane Playhouse’s ‘The Secret Garden’ pulls out all the stops to a happy ending
I simply do not get it. For the life of me I cannot fathom why Marsha Norman’s (Book and Lyrics) and Lucy Simon’s (Music) “The Secret Garden” is such a popular production. The music is extremely complex having an almost operatic quality to it all in a minor key adding to the gloomy atmosphere. The costuming is extremely elaborate (spoiler alert: everyone dress in white is a ghost and there are a lot of ghosts). The lighting is somber right up to the last musical number. Being
The Porthouse Theatre’s production of ‘Brigadoon’ is BONNIE!
Brigadoon...just the mere mention of the name evokes thoughts of peace, happiness, romance, laughter and tradition. The musical by Alan Jay Lerner (book and lyrics) and Frederick Loewe (score) hit the Broadway stage in 1947 running for 581 performances. The movie which has been seen by “everyone” stars Gene Kelly, Van Johnson and Cyd Charisse came out in 1954. This was followed by loads of community theaters hopping on the cart. Tommy Albright (Matt Gittins) and his best frie
The Con-Con production of “Macbitches” is epic
There is no doubt about it. Convergence Continuum and their audiences will wish this show was performed in a larger theater. “Macbitches” by Sophie Mcintosh is sure to be a huge hit with sell out performances throughout it’s run. It has everything...literally everything you could want in great theater. Comedy...Drama...Tragedy...Shakespeare...Suspense...Heavy Drinking...Fighting...Blood...it has it all and then some. At a fine arts college somewhere in America casting assignm
This touring production of ‘The Lion King’ is the best version yet
As the audience filed in to be seated in what appeared to be the sold out spacious KeyBank State Theatre at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio the excitement was evident. Many knew what they were about to witness while there were a large number of “first timers” including quite a few children. This Broadway extravaganza is much more than a show. It is a moving life changing experience that excites both young and old. The house lights dimmed slightly and spotlights flooded th
Weathervane Playhouse’s ‘Parade’ defines heavy drama
I have to admit. This is one of the most difficult reviews that I have ever written. Not because the show is bad, on the contrary it is one of the best produced musicals ever. With a multi generational cast of 43 and 32 musical numbers it is the most complex and ambitious works I think Weathervane Playhouse has ever put on stage. The fact of the matter is this show is jarring and one that will stay with you for days following. The show is aptly directed and choreographed by J
The Porthouse Theatre production of “Grease” is the word
“Grease”. Probably one of the most well known Broadway shows and movies adaptations. The show features music, lyrics and book by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. The name is a triple reference to the cultural phenomena of the 50’s that included the excessive use of hair gel, a diet of greasy burgers and pizza and the hot rod car culture. In the show, fictional Rydell High School is a reference to rock and roll singer Bobby Rydell and based on Taft High School in Chicago. The show
Blank Canvas Theatre’s ‘Noise Off’ is a few door slams off from good
“Noises Off”, currently onstage at Blank Canvas Theatre, is a 1982 farce penned by English playwright Michael Frayn. The title is taken from the theatrical stage direction indicating sounds coming from offstage. Frayn got the idea for “Noises Off” while watching another one of his shows from back stage. The three acts (lasting over three hours) are a play within a play that shows the evolution of an English sex farce called “Nothing On”. Act one is an after midnight dress reh
KeyBank Broadway Series production of ‘The Great Gatsby’ will razzle some dazzle others
Sometimes reading a book or seeing a movie adaptation or two can hurt one’s perception of a Broadway musical. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel “The Great Gatsby” captured the roaring twenties in sharp detail (warts and all). Fitzgerald went to great lengths in capturing the razzle dazzle that varnished over the truth of deep pain, relentless social climbing, loss of ethics, post-war psychosis (exhibited in both civilians and veterans alike) and jazz-jazz-jazz which translated
