February 2012 – Mostly Musical Theatre

“Noises Off” – University of Michigan Theatre – is hilarious fun (review)

Okay, so its not the first time you have probably seen Michael Frayn’s “Noises Off” in Ann Arbor (it makes regular appearances on our various stages)– but its by far the best production you’ll see, thanks to John Neville-Andrews hilarious staging currently on-stage at the Lydia Mendelssohn Theater, presented by the University of Michigan, DepartmentContinue reading ““Noises Off” – University of Michigan Theatre – is hilarious fun (review)”

Slick “Smokey Joe’s Cafe”, Encore Musical Theatre Company (review)

This is a good news-bad news review. Before I go further, let me just say that the very talented cast in Encore’s SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE sings well, dances well, and has stage presence to spare. The set looks great. The lighting right on target. The band sounds great. So what goes wrong? Well…nothing that EncoreContinue reading “Slick “Smokey Joe’s Cafe”, Encore Musical Theatre Company (review)”

Surprise! To fix “The Addams Family” musical get rid of Nathan Lane (review – tour – Wharton Center, East Lansing)

When I originally reviewed The Addams Family musical, I was among the minority that enjoyed it a lot. Now on tour it’s a much better show, and its not just because the script has been reworked. The tour, currently passing through East Lansing at the Wharton Center, is significantly different from the show seen in pre-BroadwayContinue reading “Surprise! To fix “The Addams Family” musical get rid of Nathan Lane (review – tour – Wharton Center, East Lansing)”