Uncategorized – Page 6 – Mostly Musical Theatre

Women send “Company” soaring at Croswell (review)

Opening the 2022 Broadway Season at Croswell Opera House, Stephen Sondheim’s Company is a great way to launch the summer season at Michigan’s oldest theater! Before reading further, get your tickets now at croswell.org — the show only runs through Sunday — and you should see it. Bobby is the sole single person among hisContinue reading “Women send “Company” soaring at Croswell (review)”

Josh Gates Live! (Detroit) review

It’s hard to say anything but nice things about the delightfully entertaining archeologist/adventurer/actor Josh Gates (host of Discovery’s Expedition Unknown). But the entire “Live” appearance is built around his charisma and his stories – believe them or not. Ardent followers of his TV show (myself included) know that he is a highly enthused explorer inContinue reading “Josh Gates Live! (Detroit) review”

Recent Movie Reviews

Downton Abbey: A New Era is exactly what you expect…a continuation of the same story you have been familiar with all these years. It looks great. Character stories are familiar and while it won’t win any Downton converts, its a nice two hour diversion for already existing fans. There are zero surprises here, but IContinue reading “Recent Movie Reviews”

Exceptional Gutenberg The musical at the Dio is the funniest show you’ve never seen before

The best 17 shows west of the Hudson are on display in the single “Gutenberg The Musical” at The Dio theater in Pinckney. Brilliantly executed by stars Richard Payton and David Moan, hilariously directed by Steve Debruyne, with musical direction by Brian Buckner, the show is a non-stop laugh-fest the likes of which has notContinue reading “Exceptional Gutenberg The musical at the Dio is the funniest show you’ve never seen before”

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)”