ronannarbor

“Billy Elliott” closing in Chicago

Billy Elliott has posted a closing date in Chicago for November 28th. This sit-down production (Actually called the First National Tour) will head to Toronto next for an open-ended run. The Second National Tour continues strong in North Carolina, and heads into Cleveland next where it will play through the holidays. The Broadway production continuesContinue reading ““Billy Elliott” closing in Chicago”

“Into the Woods”, University of Michigan, is wonderful (review)

“Into the Woods” presented by the University of Michigan Musical Theater Program, is the only local production of this (way way overproduced)show that I have seen that does it the way it’s supposed to be done. I had the fortune to see the original Into the Woods on Broadway when I was living there inContinue reading ““Into the Woods”, University of Michigan, is wonderful (review)”

Recent and Upcoming Musicals Closing on Broadway (Updated)

I missed a couple last month — but this is the current list of musicals that are slated for closure on Broadway in the coming months and the last two months. Surprisingly, the drab A Little Night Music continues on with star Bernadette Peters having breathed new life into the show. Besides the shows listedContinue reading “Recent and Upcoming Musicals Closing on Broadway (Updated)”

West Side Story (Tour) Review, Detroit, MI — Bland but Pretty

For the uninitiated (and there seemed to be a lot of them in the sold out Fisher Theater last night) West Side Story seemed to surprise and cause audible gasps in the young ones as the story played out in its final minutes. For those who know the show (most of the audience) this currentContinue reading “West Side Story (Tour) Review, Detroit, MI — Bland but Pretty”

Damn Yankees strikes out at Croswell Opera House (Review)

In the past, Croswell has been the sole not-fully Equity regional theater that I have reviewed in this blog. I do so for a reason — they quite simply present the best musical theatre being produced on a non-professional (or educational, read University of Michigan) basis in the area. I can’t do a full reviewContinue reading “Damn Yankees strikes out at Croswell Opera House (Review)”

“Five Course Love” musical makes for a great date-night at the Williamston Theatre (review)

I love discovering new musicals that I have neither heard of nor seen, and then seeing them done well. Such is the case with Five Course Love at the Williamston Theater. This professional theater company continues to impress with their work, and this production is top-notch. An easy drive from Ann Arbor, this side ofContinue reading ““Five Course Love” musical makes for a great date-night at the Williamston Theatre (review)”

“Memphis”; “La Cage Aux Folles”; “Come Fly Away” – Broadway (reviews)

A week after seeing a few new musicals on Broadway, I’ve still been thinking about each of them, and that says a lot. The 2010 Tony Award Winner for Best Musical (along with a handful of other awards), MEMPHIS has clearly found a longterm home for itself at the Shubert Theater. Long in development (severalContinue reading ““Memphis”; “La Cage Aux Folles”; “Come Fly Away” – Broadway (reviews)”

A Chorus Line, Croswell Opera House (Review)…good but uneven

I have to preface this review by stating that A Chorus Line is probably my favorite musical of all time. Its written perfectly: it hits the jugular for musical theater performers like no other show ever had before it’s initial run, and none has since. The choreography is pointed, clean, familiar and fast paced. AndContinue reading “A Chorus Line, Croswell Opera House (Review)…good but uneven”

Excellent “Will Rogers Follies” at Croswell Opera House – Review

There are some shows that any theater in Michigan best leave to Croswell with it’s big budget and full orchestra. One of those shows is The Will Rogers Follies which makes its second appearance at COH in the past 15 years. And its a doozy. Kent Sheridan and some of the ensemble of The WillContinue reading “Excellent “Will Rogers Follies” at Croswell Opera House – Review”

Cedar Point 2010 – Live Shows (Review) — updated

All of Cedar Point’s shows are now up and running for the 2010 season. I’ll start with the newest of them, “Rock Band Live” at the front of the park. It’s awful. I can’t tell you what a mess this show is. Based on the computer game, it mixes pre-auditioned audience participation with a gag-meContinue reading “Cedar Point 2010 – Live Shows (Review) — updated”