Category Archives: Professional

“Phantom” in Westchester (not that one, the other one)

While some introductory background is a de facto requirement in a review of the “Phantom” musical that does not append “of the Opera” to its title, be advised upfront that the production at Westchester Broadway (Dinner) Theatre in Elmsford, NY … Continue reading

Blog, Professional, Regional

A Two River Theater premiere: “Pamela’s First Musical”

With eight musicians and a cast of fifteen, “Pamela’s First Musical” is the most elaborate musical produced by Two River Theater Company over its illustrious twenty-five years. The Stephen Sondheim-composed “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” … Continue reading

Blog, Professional, Regional

“Blithe Spirit” at Shakespeare of NJ will lift yours…

Considering the running time of some I’ve seen, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s “Blithe Spirit” comes in at a relatively compact two and three-quarters hours, including intermission. Even at that Noel Coward’s play still seems drawn out, but the … Continue reading

Blog, Professional, Regional

High body-count in “Titus Andronicus” at Shakespeare of New Jersey

More people are killed in Shakespeare’s “Titus Andronicus” than in his Scottish play and Danish plays combined. “Titus” also preceded “Sweeney Todd” in the bad-guy-pie department by four centuries. Shakespeare’s first-written tragedy is a gory affair that leaves little to … Continue reading

Blog, Professional, Regional

Oldies but goodies: “On a Clear Day You Can See Forever” at Irish Rep and “Anything Goes” in Westchester

The phrase ‘less is more’ is never more apt than when applied to Irish Repertory Theatre’s musical productions. Artistic director Charlotte Moore’s thirty-year old company, devoted to exploring Irish-American experience through works of theater, music and dance,  has a knowing … Continue reading

Blog, NY Theater, Off Broadway, Professional, Regional

Two plays, two women, one each. “In the Body of the World” and “Wild Horses”

It takes more than memorization to put across a solo play (although that element should not be minimized). Those sometimes deceptively crowded affairs require the establishing of unique personal connections to the audience and, in most, the enacting of multiple … Continue reading

Blog, NY Theater, Off Broadway, Professional, Regional