Uncategorized – Page 3 – Mostly Musical Theatre

God-Awful “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” on NBC

About 15 years ago or so, I wrote a scathing review for the stage musical “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” after I saw it on Broadway. I hated it then — and I hated NBC’s adaptation of the stage musical. This is all you need to see to get an idea of this monstrosity. AdaptedContinue reading “God-Awful “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” on NBC”

Little spirit and no magic in Christmas events…but it’s all part of the dumpster fire of 2020

I should preface this post by stating that this is the first time in twenty-five years I haven’t spent at least a week at Walt Disney World before Christmas. So right off the bat, much of my idea of “magical holiday” is right out the window…but that being said, here’s a look around what’s happeningContinue reading “Little spirit and no magic in Christmas events…but it’s all part of the dumpster fire of 2020”

Hey, Halloween Fans!

Ann Arbor Civic Theatre and Dexter Community Players are presenting a Halloween Drive-Through event on October 30th and 31st at Domino Farm’s petting zoo! Performers in costume will present three “scenes” sure to make you smile – from zombies to teenagers and aliens invaders…with dance and song thrown in to make your Halloween grin comeContinue reading “Hey, Halloween Fans!”

Croswell Opera House cancels remaining summer/early fall musicals – plans outdoor and special events

The Croswell Opera House has announced several changes to its summer and fall schedule due to the ongoing Coronavirus situation. Three previously scheduled shows are being canceled or postponed, and a number of outdoor and online events are taking their place. The musicals “Holiday Inn,” “The Little Mermaid” and “Cabaret,” which had been scheduled forContinue reading “Croswell Opera House cancels remaining summer/early fall musicals – plans outdoor and special events”

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)”

Remarkable West Side Story at Encore (Review)

Photo by Michele Anliker, courtesy Encore Musical Theatre Company. Encore Musical Theatre Company has a beautiful production of West Side Story that opened tonight and you should order your tickets now. It is unlike anything you have seen in their space before and it’s a summer must-see. For the first time, that elevated crosswalk inContinue reading “Remarkable West Side Story at Encore (Review)”

Archiving reviews 09/01/18

Hey theater friends! If you like a review, or want to copy and paste your review into your own notes, please do so by September 01. 2018 at which time I will be cleaning up the site and making it fresh and accessible for more reviews and cool stuff. Over the course of the lastContinue reading “Archiving reviews 09/01/18”

SNOW CANCELLATIONS SE Michigan Fri 02/18

*************************************************** SNOWMAGEDDON THEATER UPDATE for FRI 2/9 *************************************************** Dark Tonight: Williamston Theatre – Our Lady of Poison Purple Rose – Flint Penny Seats – Edges Hillberry Theatre – The Colored Museum Puzzle Piece Theatre – Crimes of the Heart Dexter Community Players – Alice in Wonderland Tipping Point – Every Brilliant Thing Horizon Performing ArtsContinue reading “SNOW CANCELLATIONS SE Michigan Fri 02/18”

Very Funny Wacky-doodle “The Explorers Club” at Ann Arbor Civic Theatre (Review)

Ann Stoner, Jimmy Dee Arnold, Adam Peterson, Charles Sutherland, Christopher Tiffany, and Thomas Underwood in “The Explorers Club” photo Lisa Gavan Men’s clubs of late 1800’s London display their wackier side in Nell Benjamin’s farce “The Explorers Club” (Broadway production 2013) at Ann Arbor Civic Theatre which opened last night and runs through January 14thContinue reading “Very Funny Wacky-doodle “The Explorers Club” at Ann Arbor Civic Theatre (Review)”