Author Archives: ronannarbor

Spectacular performances in this Gypsy (Review, Garden Theatre, Winter Garden, FL)

Gypsy opened a strong run at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden on Friday night, and it proves that even when a good production of the show might be a bit rough around the edges, the show itself gleams and provides a stunner of a showcase for talented performers. There’s a reason this 1959 musicalContinue reading “Spectacular performances in this Gypsy (Review, Garden Theatre, Winter Garden, FL)”

Xanadu the Musical is Strange Magic in All The Best Ways (Review – Garden Theatre)

There is a remarkable new production of Xanadu the Musical at the Garden Theatre, and it is every bit as funny as the Broadway production, while additing its own clever spin to the production numbers. Douglas Carter Beane’s terrific script throws out almost every line of dialogue from the original movie, and cleverly both paysContinue reading “Xanadu the Musical is Strange Magic in All The Best Ways (Review – Garden Theatre)”

Remarkable West Side Story at Encore (Review)

Photo by Michele Anliker, courtesy Encore Musical Theatre Company. Encore Musical Theatre Company has a beautiful production of West Side Story that opened tonight and you should order your tickets now. It is unlike anything you have seen in their space before and it’s a summer must-see. For the first time, that elevated crosswalk inContinue reading “Remarkable West Side Story at Encore (Review)”

Funny Savannah Sipping Society at The Dio (Review)

  The Dio presents its third Jones Hope Wooten comedy The Savannah Sipping Society and it is a funny, well-acted summer treat. Jesse Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten come from the world of tv sitcoms (The Golden Girls being their most notable) and it is no surprise that their lightweight stage comedies feel aContinue reading “Funny Savannah Sipping Society at The Dio (Review)”

Hunchback of Notre Dame – Garden Theatre, Winter Garden (Review)

A2View-Orlando Edition Photo c Garden Theatre There is a gorgeous production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame currently running at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden and you owe yourself a trip to see it. This is the version based on the Disney film, but expanded with the darker original Victor Hugo source material, withContinue reading “Hunchback of Notre Dame – Garden Theatre, Winter Garden (Review)”

David Moan and Emmi Bills shine in “Big Fish” scaled-down version at Encore (Review)

In 2015, author John August and music writer Andrew Lippa created a scaled-down (“12 chairs”) version of their Broadway musical “Big Fish” for smaller venues. It replaces some songs and rearranges some scenes but is intended as an alternative for smaller venues with smaller casts. More on this later. That smaller scaled-down version is onContinue reading “David Moan and Emmi Bills shine in “Big Fish” scaled-down version at Encore (Review)”

Enthralling and Delightful “Daddy Long Legs” at the Dio Theatre (Review)

The Dio Theatre opened the Michigan premier of the 2015 Off-Broadway musical “Daddy Long Legs” last night and it is delightful and gorgeous, and you can expect to see it all over the local theatre awards later this year. Beautifully performed by Emily Hadick and Alexander Benoit, with lovely orchestrations under the capable direction ofContinue reading “Enthralling and Delightful “Daddy Long Legs” at the Dio Theatre (Review)”

Funny “First Date” musical at Ann Arbor Civic Theatre (review)

Drew Benson, Eric VanWasshnova, and Sarah Mazurek in First Date Photo courtesy Lisa Gavan During the opening number of “First Date” the ensemble sings it is about “meeting someone you don’t think is fuckin’ tragic”…and that is the starting and ending point for this one-act 2013 Broadway musical. In one funny lyric book writer AustinContinue reading “Funny “First Date” musical at Ann Arbor Civic Theatre (review)”

This Groovin’ Production of “Or,” Will Light Your Fire (Review)

Reviewed by Wendy Wright I’m embarrassed to admit that it’s taken me this long to make it to the Kickshaw Theatre and boy have I been missing out. Founder Lynn Lammers and her associates are creating the next big thing in the Southeastern Michigan theater scene and you really need to check it out. TheirContinue reading “This Groovin’ Production of “Or,” Will Light Your Fire (Review)”