Review: NEXT TO NORMAL at Riffe Center Studio 1
by Paul Batterson - October 29, 2024
Sometimes you can tell a lot about a production even before you enter the theatre. For example, the Columbus Children’s Theatre placed a large fishbowl of Kleenex packets in the lobby for attendees of its musical, NEXT TO NORMAL....
Review: THE BOOK OF MORMON at Ohio Theatre
by Paul Batterson - October 09, 2024
There is no parental rating system for musicals, but after watching THE BOOK OF MORMON, some might believe there should be. It is not for the easily offended, but those who open that door are in for an unforgettable evening.
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Review: WALLER'S LIFE IS ONLY IN PERIPHERY IN AIN'T MISBEHAVIN'
by Paul Batterson - September 09, 2024
The cast adjusts the mood of the show quickly. It seamlessly moves from the bravado of “Fat and Greasy” to a somber reading of “Black and Blue” as images of newspaper coverage of lynchings and hate crimes are projected in the background....
Review: WILD THINGS at Shadowbox Live
by Paul Batterson - August 20, 2024
While not all the sketches are home runs, most offer a solid chuckle to nearly everyone. It may not be an event you can feel comfortable taking your grandparents to, but maybe you could bring a drunk Aunt Martha and Uncle Bill this time around....
Review: AMERICAN IDIOT at Abbey Theater Of Dublin
by Paul Batterson - August 14, 2024
What is refreshing about AMERICAN IDIOT is since it’s a pre-professional project, the entire cast is in the 14-19 age range. That is about the same age as the characters in the show. This cast doesn’t come across as amateurish. Lavery nails his role as Tunny, who comes home from the Gulf War broken,...