Category Archives: Theatre

A Chorus Line, Croswell Opera House (Review)…good but uneven

I have to preface this review by stating that A Chorus Line is probably my favorite musical of all time. Its written perfectly: it hits the jugular for musical theater performers like no other show ever had before it’s initial run, and none has since. The choreography is pointed, clean, familiar and fast paced. AndContinue reading “A Chorus Line, Croswell Opera House (Review)…good but uneven”

Excellent “Will Rogers Follies” at Croswell Opera House – Review

There are some shows that any theater in Michigan best leave to Croswell with it’s big budget and full orchestra. One of those shows is The Will Rogers Follies which makes its second appearance at COH in the past 15 years. And its a doozy. Kent Sheridan and some of the ensemble of The WillContinue reading “Excellent “Will Rogers Follies” at Croswell Opera House – Review”

Cedar Point 2010 – Live Shows (Review) — updated

All of Cedar Point’s shows are now up and running for the 2010 season. I’ll start with the newest of them, “Rock Band Live” at the front of the park. It’s awful. I can’t tell you what a mess this show is. Based on the computer game, it mixes pre-auditioned audience participation with a gag-meContinue reading “Cedar Point 2010 – Live Shows (Review) — updated”

Lush “South Pacific” on tour, Wharton Center, East Lansing (Review)

See it! Run, don’t walk. Sure, every college and community theatre across America has done South Pacific, but you haven’t seen it like this, and you haven’t heard it like this. I first saw this production of South Pacific at the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center last season. I instantly fell in love withContinue reading “Lush “South Pacific” on tour, Wharton Center, East Lansing (Review)”

Top Notch cast leads “Spring Awakening” tour in Detroit (Review), but audience ignorance just as entertaining.

To be certain, Spring Awakening (aka the Duncan Sheik musical) is an acquired taste and is not for everybody. I personally think it is riveting must-see musical theater for adults…and I do mean adults. And the current tour that has landed at the Fisher Theater through May 9th is simply top-notch. Wendla (Christy Altomare) andContinue reading “Top Notch cast leads “Spring Awakening” tour in Detroit (Review), but audience ignorance just as entertaining.”

Stunning “Ragtime” at University of Michigan Musical Theatre Program (Review)

The University of Michigan’s Musical Theatre Program has another stunning success on their hands. As usual, all performances are sold out, so beg, borrow, or take up any friend’s offer of an extra ticket to see this wonderful production. Seen on sold-out Friday night, this production proves once again why it is one of theContinue reading “Stunning “Ragtime” at University of Michigan Musical Theatre Program (Review)”

Stranahan Theater (Toledo) announces 2010-2011 Season

The Stranahan Theater in Toledo announced their 2010-2011 professional Broadway Series musical theater tour season, just in time to make sure their current box-office breaking crowds at “Wicked” get a new brochure with their programs this month… A Chorus Line – Oct 28-31 Fiddler on the Roof – Feb 3-6 The Color Purple – MarchContinue reading “Stranahan Theater (Toledo) announces 2010-2011 Season”

Professional Musical Theater This week in SE Michigan

This is a big week this week for professional musical theater in the local area. Happy Easter, and go see a Broadway show! The tour of AVENUE Q does a one-off on April 5th at the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor. At the Stranahan Theater in Toledo, WICKED has settled in for a multi-week run.Continue reading “Professional Musical Theater This week in SE Michigan”

Wharton Center (East Lansing) announces 2010-2011 Musical Theater Season

Wharton Center in East Lansing has announced their 2010-2011 Season. Mary Poppins – November 3 – 21 9 to 5: The Musical – December 15-19 Stomp – January 21-23 Shrek The Musical – February 8 – 13 Chicago – April 8 – 10 Jersey Boys – Sept 28 – Oct 16 (2011) – Which technicallyContinue reading “Wharton Center (East Lansing) announces 2010-2011 Musical Theater Season”