Review: LES MISERABLES at Rochester Broadway Theatre LeagueOctober 16, 2024The Rochester Broadway Theatre League begins its 2024-2025 season with one of the 20th century’s most iconic musicals; one that has traversed the globe, been spun into multiple screen adaptations (including the 2012 Oscar-winner starring Russel Crowe and Hugh Jackman), and has done pit stops at the West Herr Auditorium Theatre on more than one occasion in recent years.
Review: A CHORUS LINE at JCC Centerstage TheatreJuly 15, 2024Reviewing summer youth theatre productions is always an assignment I eagerly anticipate, because I’m reminded of the treasure trove of young theatrical talent that Rochester has to offer. Summer youth shows in Rochester (Blackfriars Theatre and JCC both have them) consistently feature professional-caliber performers, choreography, and production designs, and the JCC CenterStage Theatre’s 2024 production of “A Chorus Line” is no different.
Review: CABARET at Blackfriars TheatreMay 10, 2024One of theatre’s many powers is its ability to reflect the happenings of the outside world, illuminating events and societal trends, and even portending things to come. When “Cabaret” was written in 1966 we were only one generation removed from the biggest global conflict in world history, in which America and much of Europe battled down the forces of fascism and tyranny. The show explores the period leading to this tumultuous era, and now in 2024 as American democracy once again feels fragile and antisemitism is on the rise around the world, “Cabaret” is, unfortunately, quite topical.
Review: SISTERS IN LAW at JCC Centerstage TheatreApril 8, 2024Currently playing at Rochester’s JCC Centerstage Theatre is a play that seems out of place in our modern era of intense division and heightened polarization because it explores the deep respect and affection between two people who hold sharply different political and philosophical views, performed by two women who capture all the intellect, humor, and authenticity of the play’s subjects.
Review: SANCTUARY CITY at Geva TheatreMarch 29, 2024Currently playing on Geva Theatre’s Fielding Stage is “Sanctuary City”, a powerful—and timely—story about the American dream and the concept of home.
Review: MRS. DOUBTFIRE at Rochester Broadway Theatre LeagueFebruary 22, 2024f you’re a 90’s kid like me, that famous greeting from cinema’s most iconic Scottish nanny is permanently imprinted on your memory, especially if, like me, your childhood home had “Mrs. Doubtfire” playing on repeat throughout your formative years (I think we eventually burned out the VHS tape). And while the stage adaptation of this pop culture classic presents some new characters and storylines that will be unfamiliar, it provides just as many heartwarming moments and, more importantly, side-splitting belly laughs.
Review: HITMAKERS: ROCK VS. DISCO at JCC Centerstage TheatreFebruary 6, 2024There is perhaps no greater rivalry in the history of music than that of rock and disco. Both genres had their icons and their laughingstocks, and the rivalry among the respective fanbases reached a level of ferocity unforeseen in the annals of popular culture. What better fodder for the 2024 installment of JCC’s beloved annual tradition, the “Hitmaker” series.
Review: LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES at Blackfriars TheatreFebruary 2, 2024“Les Liaisons Dangereuses” is a story with myriad adaptations. The 18th century novel was spun into a stage play in 1985 by playwright Christopher Hampton, which was then adapted into the 1988 film “Dangerous Liaisons”, which was THEN adapted into the 90’s cult sensation “Cruel Intentions.” It’s not hard to understand why; who doesn’t love tawdry palace intrigue with a dash (Splash? Tidal wave?) of sexuality and decadence? If these things are piquing your interest, better hurry to Rochester’s Blackfriars Theatre before February 11th.
Review: ANNIE at Rochester Broadway Theatre LeagueDecember 14, 2023Though it’s not necessarily a Christmas show in the way that “A Christmas Carol” or “It’s a Wonderful Life” are, “Annie” captures many of the essential elements of the Christmas season: friendship, love, optimism, and hope for the future. There is possibly no more prominent feel-good story than “Annie”, and the touring production currently on stage at Rochester’s West Herr Auditorium Theatre is, as you would expect, heartwarming from top to bottom.
Review: A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Geva TheatreDecember 4, 2023As someone who covers theatre I’m always a bit apprehensive as the holiday season approaches each year, because having seen “A Christmas Carol” more times than I can possibly count, I fear that I won’t have something new to say; the story is 180 years old after all, so at this point there aren’t many new angles to explore. We all know the plot, the themes, and in the case of Geva’s production, can probably hum the tune of Fezziwig’s Christmas party in our sleep. And yet, each year I find myself noticing something new, appreciating a new feature of the staging or set, and leaving the theatre after curtain call with a renewed sense of Christmas spirit. It’s a testament to the power of this story, but also to the care and precision that Geva’s artistic staff takes in mounting the production each year.