Rich Mehrenberg

The show is 90 minutes with no intermission.  Director, Victor Legarreta understands the farcical elements and keeps the action coming. However, funny, and fast are not synonymous.  The coherency of the plot is sometimes sacrificed by the manic pace of the show. This is a flaw of the script, not this production.

Your appreciation of Pretty Woman the Musical is probably directly related to your familiarity and love of the movie.  There is extensive dialogue, events, and costume call backs to the Julia Roberts classic.  Some audience members (like my plus-one) loved this, while others might prefer to stay home and stream the original.

This production retains the same charm and value as what I have seen before, while adding a few additional tweaks to make it special. 

In summary, The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 was a great introduction to Oyster Mill.  I look forward to getting back to this venue soon.

Fulton’s Frozen brings imagination, creativity, and positivity to the Lancaster stage.  Buy your tickets to this spectacle sooner rather than later.

Winter Wonderland is an excellent show for both locals and those visiting out of town.  It has great effects and will be appreciated by families and magic lovers of all ages.  I recommend adding tickets to your Christmas list!

I am grateful that the company has decided to celebrate more non-traditional stories for a more diverse audience. Performances run now through November 1st. Let’s do this again soon!

To be totally honest with you, I would have been satisfied with EPAC’s recent production of Gypsy if it was simply the orchestra banging out the soundtrack.  The nine piece band led by conductor, Cheryl Markle was every bit as bold and brass and full of life as Mamma Rose, herself! 

Dutch Apple pulls out all the stops for their best show of the season!  Hairspray is a toe-tapping, feel-good show celebrating acceptance and inclusion.  It is warm and funny and has a lot of heart.

'Deathtrap' is a thriller that keeps you guessing until the end. Just when you think you have it figured out, a new complication arises. Danger lurks around every corner, and nothing is as it seems.

This show might be up your alley if you are a Beetlejuice superfan, enjoy crude humor or like to have your senses assaulted. In any case, you probably should leave your kids and your epileptic friends at home.

Beautiful is just that, a beautiful show.  It is a great way to start the new season, and highlights Lancaster’s strong, continuing dedication to the fine arts.

What did our critic think of CHICKEN & BISCUITS at EPAC?

Avatar the Last Airbender-In Concert “blew” into the Hershey Theatre on Thursday, August 8th and was met with “thunderous” applause. Audience members were treated to a giant movie screen playing scenes from the “fiery” series, accompanied by a very talented, yet “grounded” live orchestra.  As you might be able to guess, Avatar (no connection to the James Cameron movies with the blue people) deals with a battle among the elements, and the people who have control over them.

Oh, what a night!  Dutch Apple brings the crowd-pleaser Jersey Boys to the Lancaster stage.  Based on the life and times of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, this toe-tapping blast from the past serves up all their hits like Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, and Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You. 

Broadway World recently had the opportunity to interview Emily Marshall.  Emily is the musical director/conductor for Avatar The Last Airbender Live In Concert. The tour will land in Harshey Theater on August 20th

I am a big fan of Rachael Opdenaker’s portrayal of Sally Bowles.  Opdenaker brings vitality and beauty to her role.  All of her numbers are fantastic, but her cover of the title song is a true powerhouse performance that needs to be seen and heard.

The Sound of Music is an iconic show, and Dutch Apple had a full and appreciative audience.  It’s a great first show for kids as well as family members who have seen the movie a dozen times

I am very grateful that EPAC brought Angels in America to their stage.  This important show is simultaneously contemporary and a product of its time. More people need to see it.

But just like sex and pizza, Shakespeare is always, at least, pretty good.  This show has its moments, and the cast gives 110% with tons of physical comedy, silly voices, and manic energy.