Category Archives: Musicals

Hands on a Hardbody (review) Broadway.

I’ve held off a few days on posting my review of Hands on a Hardbody, seen on Thursday night. I have to admit right off the bat that I didn’t like the show, and haven’t been able to put my finger on exactly why. Trey Anastasio certainly creates a good musical score, if a bitContinue reading “Hands on a Hardbody (review) Broadway.”

Matilda the musical (review) NYC — something naughty this way comes

Matilda the musical, now playing at the Shubert Theatre on Broadway, is a naughty big brash musical comedy freshly imported from London where it won a record number of Olivier awards a few months back. Half of that cast has come along for the ride. It probably helps to have read Roald Dahl’s book priorContinue reading “Matilda the musical (review) NYC — something naughty this way comes”

Kevin Rose in Concert – Encore Musical Theatre (review)

Every now and then, a rising star swings through the Ann Arbor area, most recently thanks to Dexter’s Encore Musical Theatre Company, and treats the audience to an evening of polished, superb Broadway fare that really makes you think about the amazing talent out there in the world, and how fortunate we are in theContinue reading “Kevin Rose in Concert – Encore Musical Theatre (review)”

SMASH is back, and its as infuriating as ever…

Reviewed after screening the first three hours of the new season (NBC has telecast to the first two hours this week). Well, Smash is back on NBC, and your like (or dislike) of the show will directly relate to a) your ability to tolerate Katharine McPhee, b) your enjoyment of musical theater as a whole,Continue reading “SMASH is back, and its as infuriating as ever…”

2012 Musical Theater Season in SE Michigan – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly…

It’s hard to make a “best of” list in this area of the country, since the blend of collegiate, community, and professional often overlap and sometimes Community theater productions can be as good as (or better) than some professional productions, while at other times, college shows can look better than Broadway tours….nonetheless, here is myContinue reading “2012 Musical Theater Season in SE Michigan – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly…”

“Les Miserables” movie is stunning, emotional, and divisive (Review)

Do you hear the people sing? Do you scour all the movie reviews to decide if you want to see a movie or not? Do you trust your Facebook friends and their opinions? It seems everyone has an opinion on “Les Miserables”, the movie adaptation of the long-running stage musical. I, among many, just lovedContinue reading ““Les Miserables” movie is stunning, emotional, and divisive (Review)”

Home for the Holidays, Dionysus Theatre, Review

Looks like Steve DeBruyne and Matthew Tomich have found (at least temporarily) a home for Dionysus Theatre at the Hartland High School auditorium — and its in a small beautiful space with professional amenities that theater companies envy. Its also a short 25 minute drive north of Ann Arbor (half the distance to Croswell forContinue reading “Home for the Holidays, Dionysus Theatre, Review”

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” musical tour (review)

Take a 10-minute book, turned into a 30 minute tv special, and expand it to a 90-minute intermissionless musical, and you have the plusses and the minuses of the holiday musical “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” which is currently playing multiple times a day at the Detroit Opera House on its holiday tour. There isn’tContinue reading ““How the Grinch Stole Christmas” musical tour (review)”

Broadway-bound JEKYLL & HYDE revisal is excellent…(Tour review, Detroit)

There’s no way around it…you either love Jekyll & Hyde the musical or you hate it…and this production might just change a few minds for those who don’t. Completely restaged, reimagined, re-orchestrated and more in line with the original concept album than the 97 Broadway production, the revised Broadway bound Jekyll & Hyde is magnificent andContinue reading “Broadway-bound JEKYLL & HYDE revisal is excellent…(Tour review, Detroit)”

Broadway Fall 2012 – Annie, Drood, Chaplin (reviews)

Musical Theater is in full swing on Broadway this fall, with some new material, and some revivals — and the good news is, whatever you choose, you’ll be in for a treat. Seen the weekend of November 16 – 18, this trip included revivals of Annie and The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and the newContinue reading “Broadway Fall 2012 – Annie, Drood, Chaplin (reviews)”