Category Archives: Uncategorized

Have you ever left the theater so in awe of what you just watched that you wish the box office was still open so that you can get tickets to return? That was my reaction as I left 42nd Street at Encore Musical Theatre Company. My second thought was, how did they fit that giantContinue reading “42nd Street at Encore is Grand, Grand, Grand”

Photo Credit: Michele Anliker There is a stellar production of ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, the Ahrens and Flaherty musical, currently being presented by Encore Musical Theatre Company and I urge you to get tickets now for this limited run production, You won’t see a better production of it anywhere – in fact, it is BroadwayContinue reading “Dreamy, stellar Once on This Island at Encore (Review)”

One of the things that I like best about reviewing a show is when a theater takes a risk with the material. You might like it, you might hate it, you might not get it. But it is something new and it is something worthwhile. The Dio is currently producing such a play — TheContinue reading “The Violet Hour at The Dio – a night out with a high thinking factor. (Review)”

The Encore Musical Theatre Company wishes you a Merry Christmas by way of their wonderful production of “A Christmas Story the musical”, based on the movie, with book by Joseph Robinette and Music and Lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Everything in this production just clicks and even brings a tear to your eyeContinue reading “Charming “A Christmas Story the Musical” at Encore (Review)”

Back in 2005, Sutton Foster created a stirring Jo March in the short lived Broadway musical Little Women, written by Allan Knee, Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, and Music by Jason Howland. The audience was faced with a beautiful act curtain upon entering, with handwritten pages of Jo’s “Little Women” book, and I was entranced byContinue reading “Lovely Little Women, The Dio, Review”

I am usually overwhelmed with requests to review shows in SE Michigan. I can only review a limited number per month. Just a rundown on reviews: I review primarily musicals, but occasionally plays are not out of the question. In general I need to want to see the show, so that usually excludes smaller worksContinue reading “A reminder on reviews”

Peter and the Starcatcher, winner of 5 Tony awards in 2012 and oft-produced nationwide opened last night at the Croswell Opera House and it is a lovely evening of theater, music, color, storytelling, and maybe a slight tear in your eye.  Based on the 2004 children’s book, the story tells of two ships crossing theContinue reading “Catch a lovely Peter and the Starcatcher at Croswell (Review)”

Lyle Lyle Crocodile (4/5 stars) is a terrific, tuneful, and fun family movie that all ages will enjoy. They sort of hide the fact that it is a musical in its trailers. The songs (sung by Shawn Mendes) are by Pasek and Paul and they are catchy and you’ll find yourself buying the album afterContinue reading “Lyle Lyle Crocodile, and Amsterdam”

If you haven’t yet purchased tickets for “Kinky Boots,” at The Croswell Opera House, September 16th-25th, what are you waiting for? With a book by Tony-winner Harvey Fierstein and music and lyrics by Tony- and Grammy-winner Cyndi Lauper, the show hits all the right notes and so does the local production team and cast. GoContinue reading “Everybody say Yeah to Kinky Boots (Review – Croswell Opera House)”

Medieval (called Jan Źiźka internationally) arrives in time to salvage an early September weekend with original programming. Set in the early days of Czech Bohemian hero Jan Źiźka’s formative mercenary years, it’s a story most Americans are not at all familiar with. In the early 1400’s the Catholic Church is in such disarray that thereContinue reading ““Medieval” is a violent but fascinating film”