Connecticut Theater Reviews: Best Shows & Critic Recommendations Page 8

BWW Review: QUIXOTE NUEVO at Hartford Stage
by Joseph Harrison - September 29, 2019

There are some stories that have a timeless quality, speaking to the aches and the joys of modern life regardless of the era in which they are told. Such is the classic tale of Don Quixote, a story that, when Miguel de Cervantes published it in 1605, took on a certain meaning and century after centu...

BWW Review: IN THE HEIGHTS soars high at Landmark Community Theatre
by Jared Reynolds - September 24, 2019

Lin-Manuel Miranda writes energetic and challenging musicals that require a dedicated and talented cast. Not only does Landmark Community Theatre have an exquisite cast for this production of Into the Heights, but their set is well-designed and the choreography is stunning, culminating in an energy-...

BWW Review: WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION at TheatreWorks New Milford
by Jared Reynolds - September 24, 2019

To many, the idea of a courtroom drama is boring and uneventful. But to others, the idea of a court case being presented on stage is intellectually thrilling as you get to follow the conversations and watch information get teased and extracted over time. The key to a successful courtroom drama is to...

BWW Review: MAMMA MIA! at Downtown Cabaret Theatre
by Sean Fallon - September 23, 2019

For fans of the music of Abba, MAMMA MIA! is a show you will love. Julia Lennon shines in the leading role of Sophie, bringing more to this character than I have ever seen before. With excellent choreography and dancing, this performance at Downtown Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport, CT is one that I ...

BWW Review: NUNSENSE at Playhouse On Park
by Joseph Harrison - September 22, 2019

There's a quote from Bennet Cerf that says, a?oeThe person who can bring the spirit of laughter into a room is indeed blessed.a?? I am not sure I could find a better way of describing the refreshingly funny, exciting, and entertaining opening show of Playhouse on Park's 11th season, NUNSENSE. The cl...

BWW Review: THE STAR SPANGLED GIRL at Castle Craig Players
by Sean Fallon - September 23, 2019

On Saturday, September 21, I had the pleasure of seeing Neil Simon's THE STAR SPANGLED GIRL as put on by the Castle Craig Players at the Almira F. Stephan Memorial Playhouse, in Meriden, CT.  This hilarious comedy is directed by Pam Amodio and features a highly talented cast of three who gel togethe...

BWW Review: MACBETH at Brookfield Theatre For The Arts
by Cindy Cardozo - September 18, 2019

Just in time for the upcoming spooky season, Brookfield Theatre for the Arts presents an engaging production of Macbeth...

BWW Review: MACBETH slays at Brookfield Theater Of The Arts
by Jared Reynolds - September 16, 2019

Language is essential in Shakespeare and that puts a large burden on the actors to translate that language and portray it in a way that the audience can understand. Combining strong vocal performances, simple, minimalist designs, and stunning projections, Brookfield Theatre rose up to the challenge ...

BWW Review: The Opera House Players' BRIGHT STAR
by Joseph Harrison - September 14, 2019

Alice Murphy, the protagonist in the musical, BRIGHT STAR (now on stage at the Enfield Annex, produced by the Opera House Players) sings in her opening number, a?oeIf you knew my story, you'd have a good story to tella?? and the musical that follows those words is just that, a good story a?" one wit...

BWW Review: CABARET at Fairfield Center Stage
by Sean Fallon - September 16, 2019

I had the pleasure of seeing CABARET as put on by Fairfield Center Stage, at the Trevi Lounge in Fairfield, CT.  Fairfield Center Stage has yet again put on a well known production in a brilliantly unique way that audiences would not get to experience anywhere else.  Fairfield Center Stage gets the ...

BWW Review: The Phoenix Stage Company Strikes Again With Laughter In Their Production of The PINK PANTHER STRIKES AGAIN!
by Amanda Grillo - September 09, 2019

I recently had the pleasure of being invited to the Invited/Final Dress Rehearsal for Phoenix Stage Company's production of the laugh-out-loud riot, The Pink Panther Strikes Again adapted by William Gleason. This hysterical production was directed by Ed Bassett. Bassett wore many hats in this produc...

BWW Review: LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS at Ridgefield Theater Barn
by Sean Fallon - September 07, 2019

On Friday, September 6, I had the pleasure of seeing Neil Simon's comedy LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS at the Ridgefield Theater Barn in Ridgefield, CT.  This amazing cast, under director Michael Ferrara manages to successfully maximize every line and motion.  Whether the line or movement needs to be e...

BWW Review: NUNSENSE at Sharon Playhouse
by Sean Fallon - September 03, 2019

On Friday, August 30, 2019, I had the pleasure of seeing the musical comedy NUNSENSE at the Sharon Playhouse in Sharon, CT.  With book, music, and lyrics by Dan Goggin, this show provides entertainment enjoyed by the audience from start to finish.  Director and choreographer Teri Gibson brings out t...

BWW Review: CABARET at Ivoryton Playhouse
by Andrew Beck - August 27, 2019

The Ivoryton Playhouse's current production of Kander and Ebb's 'Cabaret' does justice to the musical in its own unique way. It is by no means a slavish replica of Sam Mendes's 1998 revision that stressed the decadence to a significantly risqué degree. Nor does it reflect the more conventionality of...

BWW Review: SYLVIA at Connecticut Cabaret Theatre
by Sean Fallon - August 26, 2019

On Friday, August 23, I had the pleasure of seeing the A.R. Gurney comedy SYLVIA at the Connecticut Cabaret Theatre in Berlin, CT.  Director Kris McMurray has yet again found an excellent play to produce, and the perfect cast to perform the characters.   The highly entertained packed house at this o...

BWW Review: FULLY COMMITTED at TheaterWorks
by Joseph Harrison - August 11, 2019

Sometimes a peek behind the proverbial curtain can be a thrilling affair. Whether it is a look at the inner workings of a complicated machine or a sneak peek a?oebehind the scenesa?? of the latest summer blockbuster, people have been fascinated with understanding what it takes to a?oemake the sausag...

BWW Review: JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT at Sharon Playhouse
by Sean Fallon - August 12, 2019

On Saturday, August 10, I had the pleasure of seeing JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT spectacularly performed by a talented cast at the Sharon Playhouse, in Sharon, CT.  Marking the fiftieth anniversary of this very first musical collaboration between songwriter Andrew Lloyd Webber and l...

BWW Review: THE SOUNDS OF THE SEVENTIES at Downtown Cabaret Theatre
by Sean Fallon - August 12, 2019

On Friday, August 9, I had the pleasure of seeing the inaugural production of Downtown Cabaret Theatre's Decades in Concert series, which is THE SOUNDS OF THE SEVENTIES. This approximate two hour performance includes nearly fifty different songs, performed by four extremely talented cast members. Mi...

Broadway Veteran, Jamie Karen, Leads the Cast of New Paradigm Theatre's Production of BYE BYE BIRDIE
by Kristin Huffman - August 03, 2019

Broadway Veteran, Jamie Karen, leads the cast of New Paradigm Theatre's production of Bye Bye Birdie....

BWW Review: HERSHEY FELDER AS IRVING BERLIN at Westport Country Playhouse
by Sherry Shameer Cohen - July 28, 2019

Don't miss this tour-de-force performance by the multi-talented Hershey Felder....

BWW Review: GYPSY at Castle Craig Players
by Sean Fallon - July 29, 2019

On Saturday, July 27, I had the pleasure of seeing the Castle Craig Players production of the musical GYPSY at the Almira F. Stephan Memorial Playhouse in Meriden, CT.  This tale, based on a true story, has book written by Arthur Laurents, with music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.  Ia...

BWW Review: SHREK, THE MUSICAL at Musicals At Richter
by Sean Fallon - July 29, 2019

On Friday, July 26, I had the pleasure of seeing the musical comedy SHREK, THE MUSICAL, as put on by Musicals at Richter in Danbury, CT.  Directed by Lindsay O'Neil, this talented cast brings these characters to life! The outdoor venue on the grounds of the Richter House Arts Center is perfect for t...

BWW Review: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at Sharon Playhouse
by Sean Fallon - July 22, 2019

I witnessed the best stage effects I have ever seen anywhere (including Broadway), when  on Saturday, July 20, I had the pleasure of seeing BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at the Sharon Playhouse, in Sharon, CT!   While this story is likely familiar to most people, the Sharon Playhouse grips the audience right...

BWW Review: BECAUSE OF WINN DIXIE at GoodspeedOpera House
by Joseph Harrison - July 19, 2019

There's an old saying from W.C. Fields that says 'Never work with animals or children'. This quote is often assumed to mean that a performer should avoid this, as children and animals can be quite unpredictable and/or unreliable. But based on what I saw on stage during Goodspeed Musicals' latest pro...

BWW Review: BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA at Thrown Stone Theatre Company
by Sean Fallon - July 19, 2019

On Thursday, July 18, I had the pleasure of seeing America's East Coast Premiere of BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA, as put on by Thrown Stone, at the Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance, in Ridgefield, CT.  This play, written by Anna Moench, is yet another brilliant selection by Thrown Stone, bringing a meanin...