MI – Mostly Musical Theatre

“9 to 5” at Acting Out Productions – Taylor, MI

There’s a new kid in town, and they’re putting on a really entertaining production of “9 to 5 the musical”. Disclaimer: I usually review community theater productions only when they are something to rave about. In this case, while not a rave and far from technically proficient, I make the rare exception to talk aboutContinue reading ““9 to 5” at Acting Out Productions – Taylor, MI”

Memphis lives in me (Thoughts on closing)

This isn’t a review. And it isn’t a random entry. This is truly an article about what “Memphis” means to me. Yesterday, we played our final performance of MEMPHIS the Musical at The Croswell Opera House in Adrian, MI. It was a show that earned rave reviews (two were published right here!) and almostContinue reading “Memphis lives in me (Thoughts on closing)”

Encore’s Extraordinary “Into the Woods” (review)

There is probably very little I can say that hasn’t already been written about Encore Musical Theatre Company’s Into the Woods — simply, it’s brilliant, original, and the best musical they have presented. I, for one can tell you that I am sick and tired of Into the Woods — I’ve seen every one of itsContinue reading “Encore’s Extraordinary “Into the Woods” (review)”

Lead Performances drive this “Parade” (Peppermint Creek) Review

Love it or hate it, any theater company takes a risk when producing the Alfred Uhry/Jason Robert Brown musical “Parade” — it is a hard sell to get an audience to empathize with a jewish factory manager who may or may not have committed the murder and rape of a 13-year old factory worker in 1912Continue reading “Lead Performances drive this “Parade” (Peppermint Creek) Review”

Downriver Actors Guild gets a new home (and puts on a great Superstar)

Downriver Actors Guild in Wyandotte (that’s 38 minutes away to the southeast for you Ann Arbor folks) have much to celebrate in their new home — The Theater on Avenue at 2656 Biddle Avenue. Born in only 6 months in an abandoned warehouse (about 4 times the size of the Encore in Dexter), the theaterContinue reading “Downriver Actors Guild gets a new home (and puts on a great Superstar)”

Croswell’s “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” is one of their best summer shows ever (Review)

I am starting with ticket information for Croswell Opera house — online at croswell.org, or by phone at 517-264-7469. Quit reading — go order tickets — then come back. Erin Satchell Yuen as Milly, and Steven Antalek as Adam (photo copyright Croswell Opera House) Croswell Opera House opened one of their finest musicals ever lastContinue reading “Croswell’s “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” is one of their best summer shows ever (Review)”

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)”

HAIRSPRAY at Croswell Opera House (Review)

Hairspray, the Tony winning musical with book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, Music by Marc Shaiman, and Lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman has quickly become the most overproduced musical in the current amateur musical circuit — at last count, this is the 28th or 29th production of it in the state ofContinue reading “HAIRSPRAY at Croswell Opera House (Review)”

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)”

Forever Plaid at Encore is terrific entertainment (review)

Forever Plaid, which opened tonight at the Encore Musical Theater Company in Dexter, will bring you “plaid tidings”, um, you’ll be “plaid you went”, er…you’ll “boldy go where no plaid has gone before”…. Yeah, okay, it’s that kind of show…and it is terrific. The actors are wonderful, the scenic design spiffy, and the entire eveningContinue reading “Forever Plaid at Encore is terrific entertainment (review)”