Central Pennsylvania Theater Reviews: Best Shows & Critic Recommendations Page 12

Review: THE MUSIC OF QUEEN+JOURNEY at Prima Theatre
by Marakay Rogers - June 27, 2022

What did our critic think of THE MUSIC OF QUEEN+JOURNEY at Prima Theatre? It's true that Prima Theatre's own music shows can be its best productions. This one, THE MUSIC OF QUEEN+JOURNEY, is no exception to that rule. This was performed outdoors in 3021; now, post-pandemic, it comes to Prima's stage...

Review: THE SECRET GARDEN at Players On High At The Carlisle Theatre
by Andrea Stephenson - June 24, 2022

Overall, this production of The Secret Garden, directed by Ashley Shade Byerts, is a lovely retelling of the classic tale. As Byerts states in the Note from the Director, this show marks the most ambitious and challenging production the Carlisle Theatre has undertaken. This reviewer certainly looks ...

Review: A RAISIN IN THE SUN at Susquehanna Stage
by Jason Davis - June 20, 2022

What did our critic think of A RAISIN IN THE SUN at Susquehanna Stage?...

Review: ANNE OF GREEN GABLES at The St. James Players
by Jessica Crowe - June 20, 2022

See what our critic thought, 'Anne has been brought to life by The St. James Players in a stage musical with delightful results.'...

Review: Arthur Miller's THE CRUCIBLE at Ephrata Performing Arts Center
by Rich Mehrenberg - June 18, 2022

The Crucible is a timeless story of the dangers of authority, the problems with the over-reliance of religion, and the value of self-integrity.  EPACs production highlights these themes through an compelling story and a high quality production....

Review: THE WINTER'S TALE at Gamut Theatre
by Andrea Stephenson - June 16, 2022

One of the best things about Gamut’s Shakespeare in the Park is the sense of community that fills the audience. Many audience members have made Shakespeare in the Park an annual tradition, so come on out to Reservoir Park for The Winter’s Tale and then keep an eye on the upcoming shows at https://w...

BWW Review: GREAT BALLS OF FIRE at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
by Rich Mehrenberg - June 12, 2022

Chances are good that you will also find something to like and might end up dancing in the aisles. The limited run of the show plays now through June 25th. A wop bop a loo bop a wop bam boom!...

BWW Review: VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE at Theatre Harrisburg
by Rich Mehrenberg - June 11, 2022

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike is an enjoyable night of entertainment.  Contrary to the show’s title, knowledge of Anton Chekov is not necessary to enjoy the show.  It runs now through June 19th at Krevsky Center in Harrisburg....

BWW Review: FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE at Fulton Theater
by Rich Mehrenberg - June 06, 2022

Fulton's newest fourth floor production will definitely make you want to come back for 'Moe'. Five Guys Named Moe is a peppy, cheerful musical dedicated to the music of jazz giant, Louis Jordan. Davon Williams stars as Nomax, a down on his luck fella who would rather spend an evening with the bottle...

BWW Review: CROWNS at Sankofa African American Theatre Company At Open Stage
by Andrea Stephenson - May 29, 2022

This cast is comprised of superb storytellers who use their voices, facial expressions, and movement to draw the audience into the performance. The most remarkable part of Crowns is the way in which it tackles heavy and complicated themes in a way that leaves the audience with an overwhelming feelin...

BWW Review: MAN OF LA MANCHA at Fulton Theatre
by Rich Mehrenberg - May 29, 2022

Sometimes life imitates art in strange and unpredictable ways. On Friday May 27th, I saw Fulton Theatre's production of Man Of La Mancha. For reasons that will soon become clear, my commentary will be presented alongside select lyrics of the show's iconic number, The Impossible Dream....

BWW Review: COME BLOW YOUR HORN at Little Theatre Of Mechanicsburg
by Andrea Stephenson - May 21, 2022

In true Neil Simon fashion, Come Blow Your Horn explores complicated themes in hilarious yet poignant ways. This production, with its intelligent staging and talented cast, will keep audiences hanging on every word, laughing uproariously, and joining the characters on their emotional journey....

BWW Review: MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS at Oyster Mill Playhouse
by Andrea Stephenson - May 14, 2022

Moonlight and Magnolias is a farce that combines physical comedy with rapid-fire dialogue to create a hilariously funny, yet thought-provoking play. Treat yourself to an enjoyable evening with a talented cast and crew....

BWW Review: HAIRSPRAY at Hershey Theatre
by Rich Mehrenberg - May 04, 2022

Dance the night away with Hairspray at Hershey. The musical adaption of the John Waters' film is a celebration of acceptance and individuality. Niki Metcalf stars as vibrant teen, Tracy Turnblad. Metcalf is a joyful performer who exudes confidence. Metcalf has a good voice and uses it to great effec...

BWW Review: HALFWAY TO HALLOWEEN at Kim's Krypt Haunted Mill
by Jessica Crowe - May 02, 2022

When somebody says that they want to go to the theatre, your mind most likely conjures up images of a raised stage with a velvet curtain and a room full of seats. There are, however, unique theatrical options available that more fully immerse you in the stories being told. One of the most well-known...

BWW Review: A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER at EPAC
by Rich Mehrenberg - April 30, 2022

Feel free to disagree, but EPAC's current production of A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder is a great example of attempting to create a silk purse out of a sow's ear....

BWW Review: STEEL MAGNOLIAS at The Belmont Theatre
by Jason Davis - April 23, 2022

Attempting to produce a show adapted into an award-winning film is challenging. With audience members continually comparing the performance to highly acclaimed actors, it takes a brave director and a confident cast to pull off Steel Magnolias. Jack Hartmann (director) should be applauded for rising ...

BWW Review: ROCK OF AGES at Dutch Apple Dinner Theater
by Rich Mehrenberg - April 23, 2022

Fog machines! Stripper poles! Poop jokes!  This ain’t your Grandma’s dinner theater! Dutch Apple goes outside their comfort zone with the funny and fun musical, Rock of Ages....

BWW Review: THE BUZZ IS ABOUT JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at Mickey's Black Box At Rock Lititz
by Marakay Rogers - April 16, 2022

Goths, not hippies, spread the buzz about Lindsay Bretz-Morgan’s Jesus at Rock Lititz venue. The casting works perfectly, and offers some insights. Read our critic's review....

BWW Review: SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE at Fulton Theatre
by Jason Davis - April 10, 2022

Whether you know all the songs of Leiber & Stoller or only a few, there is something for everyone in the Fulton Theatre's production of Smokey Joe's Cafe....

BWW Review: SWEAT at Fulton Theatre
by Rich Mehrenberg - April 03, 2022

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BWW Review: POLYESTER at Hanover Little Theatre
by Rich Mehrenberg - April 02, 2022

Strap on your boogie shoes, get out your Afro pick, and hustle down to Hanover Little Theatre. Their current production of Polyester is more fun than a double date with Pinky Tuscadero and Florence Jean Castlebury. This was my first visit to HLT, and they did not disappoint! Perks like friendly park...

BWW Review: BWW REVIEW: MURDER BALLAD IS A SHOW TO DIE FOR at PRIMA Theatre
by Marakay Rogers - March 29, 2022

The one-act rock musical promises, and delivers, on murder. This is not your grandmother's Agatha Christie drawing-room whodunit....

BWW Review: ORLANDO at Gamut Theatre Group
by Andrea Stephenson - March 20, 2022

In partnership with the PA Coalition for Trans Youth, Gamut Theatre Group presents Orlando under the direction of Francesca Amendolia now through March 27th.This entire production is astonishingly beautiful, from the staging to the costumes and lighting to the acting. Get your tickets now for this e...

BWW Review: HEDDA GABLER at EPAC
by Rich Mehrenberg - March 19, 2022

The Ephrata Performing Arts Center takes a step outside of the community theater comfort zone with their recent production of Hedda Gabler. While many theaters are catering to the greatest common denominator, EPAC continues to take risks and prioritize quality over quantity. This production is a per...