Ain’t no doubtin’ you’ll have a good time at Performance Network this holiday season – Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Review)

Performance Network has brought Ann Arbor an early Christmas present with their current production of Ain’t Misbehavin’, the Fats Waller musical show. Winner of the 1978 Tony Award for Best Musical, (it surprisingly beat out On the Twentieth Century, not surprisingly The Act, Dancin’ and Runaways), the show revived musical reviews, and while it hasContinue reading “Ain’t no doubtin’ you’ll have a good time at Performance Network this holiday season – Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Review)”

Obsession at Croswell Opera House a fascinating musical premier (Review, kind of)

First, let me say right off the bat, it’s hard to review a workshop of a new show, even if it is fully staged. Because that is exactly what the production of OBSESSION, the musical (loosely based on Frankenstein) was this past weekend at the Croswell Opera House. Fully staged and realized, the production wasContinue reading “Obsession at Croswell Opera House a fascinating musical premier (Review, kind of)”

Dancap announces Toronto Musical Theater Tour Season 2012

Dancap announces their 2012 Musical Theater Touring Season in Toronto — Note that Dancap is the up-and-rising direct competitor to Mirvish Productions. Most of its productions are presented at the stellar Centre for the Performing Arts in North York (nee Ford Centre for the Performing Arts).  Dancap is particularly known for its longterm sitdown productions suchContinue reading “Dancap announces Toronto Musical Theater Tour Season 2012”

Hodgepodge from UM, Tigers, Jackson, etc.

Yeah, lots going on, and no particular single topic to write on…. Jackson Michigan saw a pretty dandy production of [title of show] this past few weekends. Still waiting for this to have a decent production in the Ann Arbor area now that it’s available royalty-wise. Jackson’s The Fourth Wall presented a critically acclaimed productionContinue reading “Hodgepodge from UM, Tigers, Jackson, etc.”

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)”