iPhone 4S vs iPhone 4 — should you upgrade? (UPDATE: Camera quality)

SEE UPDATE at the end of this article. Many of my clients have asked me about the iPhone 4S, and should they upgrade….here is my take: First, if you want the latest and greatest, by all means upgrade. Second, if you have a 3G or older, absolutely upgrade. You will be amazed what the iPhoneContinue reading “iPhone 4S vs iPhone 4 — should you upgrade? (UPDATE: Camera quality)”

“Jersey Boys” tour as fresh as ever (East Lansing, Wharton Center) Review

Okay, granted, the Wharton Center is a bit late in the game with the Broadway tour of Jersey Boys which has been traveling around the country for years now…but the production currently appearing in East Lansing is as fresh as ever, with a fine cast. Lead by Joseph Leo Bwarie (in the Frankie Valli role)Continue reading ““Jersey Boys” tour as fresh as ever (East Lansing, Wharton Center) Review”

Moneyball (movie review) one of the best baseball movies ever.

I waited a few days to write this review, since I’m still basking in the thrill of what is possibly one of the best baseball movies of all time. Moneyball, which opened on Friday, is about baseball, financing a team, and assembling the best team possible given the circumstances. If you have read the book,Continue reading “Moneyball (movie review) one of the best baseball movies ever.”

Simply put, “The Light in the Piazza” at Encore is their best production to date (Review)

Take a superior score and script; add Encore’s strongest singing cast ever; stir in a new sound system and some terrific direction, and you have, quite simply, Encore Musical Theatre Company’s best production to date with “The Light in the Piazza”. I have to disclose that I am partial to this show to begin with:Continue reading “Simply put, “The Light in the Piazza” at Encore is their best production to date (Review)”

“Warrior” movie joins ranks of best fight-movies (Review)

You’ve probably seen those posters around town — in subway stations and bus stops — in cineplex lobbies…you know, the type of poster that sells tickets without any other need for explanation: I’m happy to report that WARRIOR, seen at an advanced screening yesterday, won’t need much more than those posters. It’s a terrific fightContinue reading ““Warrior” movie joins ranks of best fight-movies (Review)”

Cedar Point – Paddlewheel Excursions closing forever as of Labor Day

Yes, it’s true — I’ve talked about it before, but this time its real — The Paddlewheel Excursions (nee Western Cruise) will offer its last rides ever at Cedar Point on Labor Day 2011. This has been a long time coming, so its not a surprise to most Cedar Point veterans…with rising fuel costs andContinue reading “Cedar Point – Paddlewheel Excursions closing forever as of Labor Day”

Outback Steakhouse changes Prime Rib recipe — tastes like crap

I don’t normally do much writing about things non musical-theater related on my blog, but since I am getting thousands of hits a week, I felt it was my duty to warn of a recent development at my beloved Outback Steakhouse. Outback Steakhouse has changed the recipe for its prime rib — the same recipeContinue reading “Outback Steakhouse changes Prime Rib recipe — tastes like crap”

Singin’ in the Rain — Croswell Opera House — Review

Now is as good a time as most to get tickets for Croswell Opera House’s SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN. The production which opened last night is an example of Croswell at it’s finest — when all the pieces click (technical, musical, and performances), and the qualities that make a show at this fine theater standContinue reading “Singin’ in the Rain — Croswell Opera House — Review”

The Book of Mormon…Catch Me If You Can…Sister Act…(Broadway, reviews)

I can’t remember a time I spent a few days in NYC seeing musicals that there wasn’t at least one so-so show in the bunch…instead, all three musicals I saw this past weekend on Broadway were all excellent in their own ways, with their own strengths. No doubt about it, Broadway’s hottest current ticket (andContinue reading “The Book of Mormon…Catch Me If You Can…Sister Act…(Broadway, reviews)”

“The Wedding Singer” – Dexter Community Players….or, how to make a community theater production look like a million bucks…

I’ve just completed directing and choreographing a weekend run of THE WEDDING SINGER, the musical, for Dexter Community Players in Dexter, MI. Not to toot my own horn, but the single most heard comment in the audience (besides what a fun show) was how professional the show looked and sounded. This is not a review.Continue reading ““The Wedding Singer” – Dexter Community Players….or, how to make a community theater production look like a million bucks…”