Category Archives: Musicals

“Come-a, Come-a, Come-a” on down to this Little Shop (Croswell Opera House – Review)

There’s a whole lot of fun going on in Adrian where Croswell Opera House is presenting Little Shop of Horrors, a musical theater staple. Under the direction of Jared Hoffert, musical direction of Jonathan Sills, choreography of Jessica Briggs and Scenic Design of Doug Miller, how can you not have one spectacular production. And thisContinue reading ““Come-a, Come-a, Come-a” on down to this Little Shop (Croswell Opera House – Review)”

Forgotten Musicals: Legs Diamond

In a new series on forgotten musicals – today’s first entry is Legs Diamond — the misbegotten Peter Allen musical. You can readily find the cast album (it was more afordable to record a show in the 80’s when it flopped but someone still ponied up the cash to record the show). While it wasContinue reading “Forgotten Musicals: Legs Diamond”

CATS is weird, but CATS is CATS, and the dancing is outstanding. And I didn’t hate it.

It’s very rare that I write a review that totally seems to contradict the mainstream movie critics, but this review of CATS is one of them. Not that it’s a good movie — but it’s a very solid adaptation/interpretation of the stage musical. If you do not love musical theater, then for God’s sake stayContinue reading “CATS is weird, but CATS is CATS, and the dancing is outstanding. And I didn’t hate it.”

Outstanding The Addams Family at Osceola Arts (Review – Kissimmee, FL)

There’s a stunning production of The Addams Family musical at Osceola Arts running through October 13th.  I’m going to be honest, I was skeptical prior to arrival (except of course for the excellent word of mouth the show has been getting around Orlando) but I have seen this musical in different theaters over the pastContinue reading “Outstanding The Addams Family at Osceola Arts (Review – Kissimmee, FL)”

Practically Perfect “Mary Poppins Returns” (review)

The greatly awaited Mary Poppins Returns has opened – and despite a few mis-steps, it is another instant Disney classic and one of the best pictures of the year. Picking up a few decades after the original, Michael and Jane Banks are all grown up – he’s a bank teller but wannabe artist, and she’sContinue reading “Practically Perfect “Mary Poppins Returns” (review)”

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)”

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)”