Category Archives: Theatre

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)”

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)”

The Book of Mormon…Catch Me If You Can…Sister Act…(Broadway, reviews)

I can’t remember a time I spent a few days in NYC seeing musicals that there wasn’t at least one so-so show in the bunch…instead, all three musicals I saw this past weekend on Broadway were all excellent in their own ways, with their own strengths. No doubt about it, Broadway’s hottest current ticket (andContinue reading “The Book of Mormon…Catch Me If You Can…Sister Act…(Broadway, reviews)”

Outstanding “The Last 5 Years” at Encore (Review)

Steve DeBruyne (Jamie) and Thalia Schramm (Cathy) turn in two excellent performances in Encore’s current offering, Jason Robert Brown’s “The Last 5 Years”. These two performers sing-through 75 minutes of intermission-less ballads, pop songs, and story songs to tell the tale of a 5-year relationship;  her tale beginning at story’s end and working backwards, hisContinue reading “Outstanding “The Last 5 Years” at Encore (Review)”

Count yourself lucky if you have a ticket to BRIGADOON, University of Michigan Musical Theatre Program (Review)

To put it simply, the best musical theater in the region is consistently presented by the University of Michigan’s Musical Theatre Program. The productions from performance to stagecraft are indistinguishable from Broadway staging and tours (which is as it should be, since this one of the best musical theater training programs in the country). BrigadoonContinue reading “Count yourself lucky if you have a ticket to BRIGADOON, University of Michigan Musical Theatre Program (Review)”

“Nevermore” at Encore (Review)

  Simply put, Encore Musical Theatre Company’s “Nevermore” is the best production they have presented. Period. Dan Cooney is exceptional in a role he originally created for the Signature Theater in Arlington, and here both stars and directs. And he is surrounded by a terrific supporting cast of five women. Weaving lyrics adopted from theContinue reading ““Nevermore” at Encore (Review)”

Professional Musical Theater – Detroit Regional Update (2011-2012)

2011 Musical Theater Seasons (local professional and tour-B contracts) Updated 2/22/11 Broadway in Detroit – Fisher Theater Burn the Floor – February 22 to March 6 Les Miserables – March 22 – April 3 Mamma Mia! – April 13 – 17 Chicago – May 17 – 22 Come Fly Away – Sept 13 – 25Continue reading “Professional Musical Theater – Detroit Regional Update (2011-2012)”

“Corktown” (review) – Purple Rose, Chelsea MI

Your enjoyment of “Corktown” at Purple Rose Theater will be directly related to your enjoyment of a) sharp, thoughtful dialogue, b) gangster stories with lots of blood, and c) suspension of belief in the “reality” of this storyline. Michael Brian Ogden has written dialogue that snaps, crackles, pops, and sometimes just lets things sit stillContinue reading ““Corktown” (review) – Purple Rose, Chelsea MI”

Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Musical – (Review) Toronto pre-Broadway

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, the Musical, now playing in Toronto and London, and heading to Broadway this coming spring, is in a word “FAB-U-LOUS.” Seen in Toronto at the Princess of Wales Theatre, the musical follows the movie pretty faithfully, expanding on a few key scenes, and using much of the music of theContinue reading “Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Musical – (Review) Toronto pre-Broadway”