Author Archives: ronannarbor

“Almost, Maine” at the Dio is simply delightful (review)

In about two hours, 4 actors play 19 characters in 9 scenes that all take place at 9:00 at night in a frozen Maine town called Almost (where it almost got a name, but remains just a numbered territory since nobody quite bothered to follow through). That is a great setup for what is, in essence,Continue reading ““Almost, Maine” at the Dio is simply delightful (review)”

The mess that is “Oliver!” at Encore (Review)

Against my better judgement (the larger the cast, the more I stay away from Encore productions), I went to see Oliver! last night, mostly to see my friends in the show. Here’s what I can say. The leads are all quite good. The secondary leads border on bad (with notable exceptions: and all of themContinue reading “The mess that is “Oliver!” at Encore (Review)”

Disney’s Aladdin the musical, Toronto (review) pre-Broadway

Disney’s Aladdin the musical is currently playing in Toronto pre-Broadway. It comes as no surprise that the show is slick, looks great, and is basically Broadway-ready. It is also one of the least magical Disney live-stage musicals, but that’s largely a part of the weak movie upon which it is based. There is nothing wrongContinue reading “Disney’s Aladdin the musical, Toronto (review) pre-Broadway”

Dio Theater announces auditions

The Dio – Dining and Entertainment, Livingston County’s professional dinner theatre, announces auditions for their upcoming production of the original musical, “Country Roads, A Musical Journey” by Leslie Jo Hood directed by Steve DeBruyne, music direction by Brian E Buckner, and choreography by Cara Manor. Auditions will take place on Sunday, January 12 from 3pmContinue reading “Dio Theater announces auditions”

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” Shines at Croswell (Review)

Late to the game in reviewing Croswell Opera House’s “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”, I just wanted to pipe into the already growing number of rave reviews with a rave of my own. First, in the world of musical theater when it comes to super-spectaculars like White Christmas, Croswell Opera House is one of the onlyContinue reading ““Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” Shines at Croswell (Review)”

Gentleman’s Guide, Big Fish, Beautiful, Little Miss Sunshine – NYC Reviews

Catching up on the current new musicals in NYC (fall 2013) here’s the scorecard — reviews follow — A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder — Walter Kerr Theatre — A+ Big Fish — Neil Simon Theatre — B+ Beautiful, The Carol King Musical — Stephen Sondheim Theatre — B Little Miss Sunshine — SecondContinue reading “Gentleman’s Guide, Big Fish, Beautiful, Little Miss Sunshine – NYC Reviews”

Lovely night of “Moonglow” at Ann Arbor Civic Theatre (Review)

There are rare evenings of theater that you want to hold onto and cherish, to remember and talk about, and to see with your loved ones…Ann Arbor Civic Theatre’s current production of Kim Carney’s Moonglow is one of those pieces. Spanning a year, it takes place in an Alzheimer’s care facility in Michigan — butContinue reading “Lovely night of “Moonglow” at Ann Arbor Civic Theatre (Review)”

Merrily We Roll Along – Menier Chocolate Factory US screening (review)

First, thank you to Fathom Productions for bringing the West End musical version of Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along to American audiences — sold out in NYC, 30 people in the theater here in Ann Arbor… its a great risk, and a tremendous thank you. Second — I directed this same version of the showContinue reading “Merrily We Roll Along – Menier Chocolate Factory US screening (review)”

Hello Dolly! tour with sparkling Sally Struthers (review – Toledo)

As Hello Dolly! continues its 2013-2014 tour, I had the chance to see it in Toledo at the Stranahan Theater today – it has already played in Detroit last week. And the news is good. The production is solid, and the cast excellent. Sally Struthers sparkles as Dolly Levi (a role, incidentally, that she hasContinue reading “Hello Dolly! tour with sparkling Sally Struthers (review – Toledo)”