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Little House on the Prairie, The Musical: Wholesome, lovely, and pure (Review)

Something very rare happened at the Fox Theatre last night in Detroit. I walked to the Box Office at intermission to get a ticket to see the show a second time for later in the weekend. Little House on the Prairie, the Musical, is wholesome, lovely, and pure. It brings something to the musical theatreContinue reading “Little House on the Prairie, The Musical: Wholesome, lovely, and pure (Review)”

2009 TV Scorecard – Best: “V”; “Glee” and “Modern Family”

Fall series premiers are getting ever less exciting, and with shows almost completely dependent on ratings and tv commercial dollars, its no wonder that little comes our way anymore on network tv. But there is the occasional breakthrough. Those of us who have had our hearts ripped out with cancellations of such well-done shows asContinue reading “2009 TV Scorecard – Best: “V”; “Glee” and “Modern Family””

101 Dalmations, the Musical — Review

There are three reasons to see 101 DALMATIONS, THE MUSICAL….1) Rachel York, 2) Rachel York, and 3) Rachel York. Playing Cruella DeVil she has enough energy for three shows — look out Glenn Close, your nemesis has arrived. Rachel York in 101 Dalmations, The Musical. Cast, kids, and Dogs in 101 Dalmations, the Musical Ok,Continue reading “101 Dalmations, the Musical — Review”

Patti Lupone at Hill Auditorium — Review

The first of the fall’s big local Broadway Events occured last night at Hill Auditorium, presented by the University Musical Society at the University of Michigan — Patti Lupone in concert (“Coulda Woulda Shoulda”). Comprised of songs she has sung in Broadway productions, songs she could have sung, and songs she made her own withContinue reading “Patti Lupone at Hill Auditorium — Review”

Roland Emmerich’s “2012” is insanely entertaining

If you’re not a fan of “Independence Day” or “The Day After Tomorrow” or “Armageddon” or “The Poseidon Adventure” by all means, bypass 2012 at all costs and you can stop reading now — but if you did like any (or all) of those movies, then run, do not walk, to your local theatre toContinue reading “Roland Emmerich’s “2012” is insanely entertaining”

“Castle” on ABC — this is good stuff

Anyone else watching “Castle” on ABC? It’s snuck up on me, and turned into one of my favorite television shows. First, the chemistry between stars Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic is palpable. Both are terrific actors in their own right, but together, they sizzle. Second, the show is so well written — it’s witty andContinue reading ““Castle” on ABC — this is good stuff”

Legally Blonde, The Musical — Tour, Detroit

Legally Blonde, the musical, as any 13-year old girl knows, is the girl-power Broadway show that tells the tale of Elle Woods trip to Harvard Law School, initially to follow her ex-boyfriend, and ultimately to find success as a lawyer, find new love, and save the day for a former sorority sister accused of murder.Continue reading “Legally Blonde, The Musical — Tour, Detroit”

“Evita” – University of Michigan Musical Theatre Program

“Evita”, currently running at the Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre at the University of Michigan is a musical theatre diamond. Presented by the Musical Theatre department, it is as slick as a Broadway tour, and as tight as a college production can be. The production reaffirms that the only current professional caliber musical theatre being presented inContinue reading ““Evita” – University of Michigan Musical Theatre Program”

“The Boys in the Photograph” stirring new musical in Toronto

The Boys in the Photograph, the reworking of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Ben Elton’s The Beautiful Game, opened last weekend in Toronto at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. This is a stunning work of theatre not to be missed this season. Where The Beautiful Game told the story in big-budget West End style, this is aContinue reading ““The Boys in the Photograph” stirring new musical in Toronto”

Bloodless, emotionless Sweeney Todd at Encore

When you drain the blood out of Sweeney Todd (the current musical at Encore Musical Theatre Company) you drain the emotion out of the piece as well. When the emotion is gone, there isn’t much to this Sondheim masterpiece. Walter O’Neil (Sweeney Todd) and Sarah Litzsinger (Mrs. Lovett) “By the Sea” Steve DeBruyne (Anthony) andContinue reading “Bloodless, emotionless Sweeney Todd at Encore”