Rich Mehrenberg - Page 2

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.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a scrumdiddlyumptious summer treat on the Fulton stage. The production retains everything you love about the original movie (Pure Imagination, eye-popping sets, bratty kids, etc.) and eliminates or updates the parts that weren’t so great (mediocre special effects and the always fast-forwardable Cheer Up, Charlie).

While theater often manages to entertain or to move its audience, Angles in America is a great example of how quality theater can also educate....upon hearing Kushner’s masterful dialogue and viewing Checchia’s excellently vulgar and vile performance (of Roy Cohn), I was incentivized to learn everything that I could about this man and the damage that he has done.

The Full Monty is a lot of fun, and a great palate cleanser after the more solemn, Ragtime.  It is playing now through June 22.

Fulton has done some remarkable small-scale musicals on their fourth floor stage. Shows like Next to Normal and Five Guys Named Moe easily prove that not every show needs to have a big cast or a bigger budget to be entertaining and engaging.  Unfortunately, The Last 5 Years isn’t in that same category for me.

Abandon All Hope is a timely show full of hope.  I think it resonates especially well with younger audience members who may struggle with identity and acceptance.

I don’t think that South Pacific or even the shows of Rogers and Hammerstein are especially dated or irrelevant.  A few years back, Fulton put on The Sound of Music to great appreciation and acclaim.  I wish they were able to capture some of that magic this time around.

Their robust and exposition-heavy first act scenes reminds me of that classic physics question, “what happens when an unstoppable force meets an unmovable object?”. 

This is the real deal!  Audience members were called on stage.  Real cash and prizes were awarded.  Same music, same sound effects, same games.  Hosted by “the host with the most’ Todd Newton, everyone involved had a great time.  Newton has that smooth, buttery emcee demeanor while simultaneously exuding charm, enthusiasm, and a great sense of humor.

Dutch Apples steps outside of their comfort zone with mostly favorable results.  Ragtime is a challenging and thought-provoking piece, and any criticism is directed towards the script, not its talented cast and crew.

Broadway World had the pleasure of recently talking with Todd Newton.  Mr. Newton is an accomplished author, social media creator, and master of ceremonies.  He is coming to the Hershey Theater on April 16 as host of The Price is Right Live! After reading the interview, we encourage you to “come on down” and experience the fun.

The audience laughs, cries, and if they are lucky, has something to reflect upon on the way home.

Open Stage presents its 24th annual production of The Diary of Anne Frank beginning March 19.