Greer Firestone - Page 2

Candlelight Theatre continues to astound. While regional professional theatres are going from six week runs to three (see DE Theatre Co), the funky old barn in the bowels of sylvan Arden continues to welcome sold out crowds for a full six.

What did our critic think of SOThe Preludium (i.e. prelude) begins Candlelight Music Theatre’s Sound of Music. Sung in Latin and – one must believe – meticulously rehearsed by Music Director Douglass Lutz and Sisters Margaretta (Neena Boyle) Berte (Lindsey Grant), Sophia (Leah Senseney) and Mother Abbess (Audra Casebier). Their harmonies were beatific; appropriate to their cloistered domicile.ND OF MUSIC at Candlelight Music Theatre?

Community theatre is where it all begins. Children attain their first production in community theater; life experiences never to be forgotten. A nurturing Mom and Dad could say, “Hey, why not try this. It’s a cool.” Or a friend might comment, “Hey, I auditioned for this show. Come on. Let’s have fun. Let’s do this together.” Some are pulled in. And, if so entranced by the excitement of performing, the supercharged atmosphere of opening night and the culture of the venue, well…the theatrical ‘beast’ explodes and remains within them for the rest of their lives. Yes, theatre people are different. I know that. You know that.

Matt Silva’s first foray into two leadership roles: Artistic Director and Stage Director of DTC, resulted with an inspiring and majestic MAN OF LA MANCHA at Delaware Theatre Co.

What dAisle Say was a trifle surprised at the first dialogue interchange of I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE, the current production at Candlelight. It was risqué, somewhat risk-taking from the norm, owing to the senior citizen demographics of their audience.id our critic think of I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE at Candlelight Music Theatre?

Having the privilege of reviewing Candlelight Theatre for years, the once community theatre has morphed into a fully professional troupe. Over the past 3 years, Aisle Say has witnessed productions there that absolutely rival non-equity touring shows staged at The Playhouse.

Wilmington resident and theatre veteran Gerri Weagraff comes to The Playhouse as the Dowager Empress in the national tour of ANASTASIA. Six performances from February 9 – 12. Music and lyrics are by the award-winning team of Flaherty and Ahrens (RAGTIME, SUESSICAL THE MUSICAL and ONCE ON THIS ISLAND) with a book written by Broadway legend Terrance McNally.

After a stellar run of showstoppers and extraordinary, electric entertainment in 2022, Candlelight returns to the seasonal theme of sentimental and saccharine with Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS The Musical. Sentimentality and nostalgia are good. And, the venue is to be applauded for staging this show. It’s good box office. IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMA at Candlelight Music Theatre.

When it opened on Broadway in 2002, HAIRSPRAY won an extraordinary eight Tony awards. Its popularity has never waned and the tour will visit The Playhouse on December 1-4.

What did our critic think oHockadoo! MEMPHIS, The Musical, running at Candlelight through October 30, is a compelling show in many respects. Memphis is the story of Huey Calhoun (loosely based on real-life 1950s disc jockey Dewey Phillips) and his mission to bring blues and soul music to a white southern audience in a VERY segregated Memphis. Huey optimistically believes that music can transcend race, and with him on his journey is aspiring singer Felicia Farrell. The two fall in love, but must contend with social barriers, a prejudiced mother, and an overprotective brother. f MEMPHIS at Candlelight Music Theatre?

It was with some trepidation that I began my interview with Payton Reilly, star of TOOTSIE, the musical set to begin a 3 day run at The Playhouse on October 6. One of Payton’s acting credits was an off Broadway production of WILD WOMEN OF PLANET WONGO. How does one prepare for this? Is there a language of wongoise?

Back in 2016, it only took a Facebook page to show that everyone wanted to 'keep the faith with the music, the faces and the memories'. The quote is from Paula Wolkind, Executive Director of Delaware Rock and Roll Society Hall of Fame. Her husband, George serves as President. The 501©3 non-profit is gearing up for an induction ceremony on Sunday October 9 at the baby grand @ 2pm.

What did our critic think As a 5 decade long advocate for Candlelight Dinner Theatre, first as actor and then as reviewer, it is immensely gratifying to witness that not only have they survived but prospered over these years. They pay their actors and creative crew only a stipend. To a man/woman, “they do it for love”. Having been in tens of theatres over the years, no company exhibits the consistent joy and passion as do those that grace Candlelight’s stage. The packed house on opening night of SWEET CHARITY felt that vibe.of SWEET CHARITY at Candlelight Music Theatre?

Aisle Say has seen probably 600 shows in 65 years. Some I have been in, some I produced and directed. The vast majority are those he’s reviewed over 35+ years. However, next week at The Playhouse with a 4-day run of FIDDLER beginning June 9, Aisle Say announces a first! Never before has he heard a Samoan tenor.

Aisle Say’s most recent review was at DE Theatre Co’s OTHER WORLD, the largest and most technically challenging production in their 45-year history. The budgets of that show versus the cost of Candlelight’s BIG FISH are as dissimilar as Mt. Kilimanjaro to Brandywine Park’s Monkey Hill.

In it’s 45+ years existence, Delaware Theatre Company has never mounted a production of this magnitude. Originally scheduled to open 2 years ago at Bucks County Playhouse, the world went topsy turvy.

Mamma Mia must be one of the greatest juke box musicals of all time. When the film came out, a colleague mentioned that Pierce Brosnan had an atrocious voice, so I passed. He had star power. That is how two of the most horrendous miscastings of movie musicals were cast; Marlon Brando in Guys and Dolls and even worse, Russell Crowe in Les Mis.

I have been blessed with being involved in theatre for 64 years and have critiqued the arts for 35 years. Those of a certain age will remember News Journal theatre critics Phil Crossland and Otto Dekom of the 60’s through 90’s. Phil loved every show he ever saw and every actor on stage. We all wanted to be reviewed by him. On the other hand, the antagonistic Otto terrorized community theatre performers, often delivering cruel, personal attacks.

To boldly go where no 4 men ever went before: On December 4, 1956, a twist of extraterrestrial fate brought together Johnny Cash, 24, Jerry Lee Lewis, 21, Carl Perkins, 24 and Elvis Presley, 21, at the storefront studio of Sun Records in Memphis for one of the greatest jam sessions in Rock n Roll history. These 4 were not space pioneers, but they soon established new frontiers in the world of music.

Waitress entered the American zeitgeist as a somber, dark movie at Sundance years ago. The present producers of the musical had the vision to purchase the rights. They also had connections with celebrated Broadway director and Tony Award winner Diane Paulus (HAIR, PIPPIN) and Grammy Award winner – and feminist hero - Sara Bareillus who transformed it into a hilarious and beloved hit musical.