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“Phantom of the Opera” tour, Wharton Center East Lansing (review)

Phantom makes its final stop in Michigan (the tour is about to close after 18 years) at the Wharton Center in East Lansing, and it is everything you expect – no more, no less. Andrew Lloyd Webber forever changed the face of musical theater tours when he emphasized the production values so that audiences onContinue reading ““Phantom of the Opera” tour, Wharton Center East Lansing (review)”

Lush “South Pacific” on tour, Wharton Center, East Lansing (Review)

See it! Run, don’t walk. Sure, every college and community theatre across America has done South Pacific, but you haven’t seen it like this, and you haven’t heard it like this. I first saw this production of South Pacific at the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center last season. I instantly fell in love withContinue reading “Lush “South Pacific” on tour, Wharton Center, East Lansing (Review)”

Top Notch cast leads “Spring Awakening” tour in Detroit (Review), but audience ignorance just as entertaining.

To be certain, Spring Awakening (aka the Duncan Sheik musical) is an acquired taste and is not for everybody. I personally think it is riveting must-see musical theater for adults…and I do mean adults. And the current tour that has landed at the Fisher Theater through May 9th is simply top-notch. Wendla (Christy Altomare) andContinue reading “Top Notch cast leads “Spring Awakening” tour in Detroit (Review), but audience ignorance just as entertaining.”

Thoroughly Entertaining “Promises, Promises” – Broadway, Review

Chalk another one up for Director/Choreographer Rob Ashford as he leads a talented and very funny cast of actors/singers/dancers in the Broadway revival of “Promises, Promises” which first appeared on Broadway in 1968. The Book written by Neil Simon, Music by Burt Bacharach, and Lyrics by Hal David instantly transport you to the 60’s; asContinue reading “Thoroughly Entertaining “Promises, Promises” – Broadway, Review”

Dreary “A Little Night Music” – Broadway, Review

Study this picture: If that set design looks good to you, evokes romanticism, and draws you in , by all sakes go see the revival of A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC at the Walter Kerr Theatre. It is, incidentally, the same set you will be staring at for three long hours. A transfer from London’s MenierContinue reading “Dreary “A Little Night Music” – Broadway, Review”

Stunning “Ragtime” at University of Michigan Musical Theatre Program (Review)

The University of Michigan’s Musical Theatre Program has another stunning success on their hands. As usual, all performances are sold out, so beg, borrow, or take up any friend’s offer of an extra ticket to see this wonderful production. Seen on sold-out Friday night, this production proves once again why it is one of theContinue reading “Stunning “Ragtime” at University of Michigan Musical Theatre Program (Review)”

Truly Outstanding “Little Shop” at Performance Network, Ann Arbor (Review)

“Little Shop of Horrors”, currently on stage at Performance Network in Ann Arbor, is quite simply the best production of the show I have seen since the original Off-Broadway run at the Orpheum Theater in New York. Director Carla Milarch keeps the production very true to it’s Off-Broadway roots, and infuses this production with anContinue reading “Truly Outstanding “Little Shop” at Performance Network, Ann Arbor (Review)”

Wonderful cast in WICKED tour (Toledo, Stranahan) Review

I have now officially lost count of how many times I have seen Wicked between New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Detroit, East Lansing, and now Toledo. Okay, I’ll admit, I’ve become a Wicked junkie…I love the show from top to bottom, from song to song, from scene change to scene change. The Wicked tour thatContinue reading “Wonderful cast in WICKED tour (Toledo, Stranahan) Review”

Stranahan Theater (Toledo) announces 2010-2011 Season

The Stranahan Theater in Toledo announced their 2010-2011 professional Broadway Series musical theater tour season, just in time to make sure their current box-office breaking crowds at “Wicked” get a new brochure with their programs this month… A Chorus Line – Oct 28-31 Fiddler on the Roof – Feb 3-6 The Color Purple – MarchContinue reading “Stranahan Theater (Toledo) announces 2010-2011 Season”

Professional Musical Theater This week in SE Michigan

This is a big week this week for professional musical theater in the local area. Happy Easter, and go see a Broadway show! The tour of AVENUE Q does a one-off on April 5th at the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor. At the Stranahan Theater in Toledo, WICKED has settled in for a multi-week run.Continue reading “Professional Musical Theater This week in SE Michigan”