Review: SAN DIEGO OPERA'S MADAMA BUTTERFLY at San Diego Civic Center
Puccini’s Madama Butterfly is one of the most popular operas ever written. It has a wonderfully lyrical score, familiar arias and a story that remains compelling even after often heard. San Diego Opera’s most recent production played to a full house on opening night, and under the direction of Jose Maria Condemi the well-chosen cast delivered a performance with impressive emotional depth. Corinne Winters’s convincing portrayal of the naïve 15-year-old Cio-Cio-San brought bravas and enthusiastic applause at curtain call. But her portrayal of innocence exploited meant both bravos and boos over extended applause for tenor Adam Smith’s convincing version of her heartless seducer, Lieutenant Pinkerton.
Bass Reeves Play COWBOY to Return Off-Broadway Beginning in May
The Off-Broadway production of Cowboy, based on the life of Bass Reeves will return beginning next month. Reeves holds the distinction of being the first black U.S. Deputy Marshal and this will be the first true western play to hit a Broadway or Off-Broadway stage in over 80 years.
Review: FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE at The Winter Park Playhouse
If you are looking for a fun, energetic, and uplifting musical experience, look no further than The Winter Park Playhouse's current production of FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE. This musical revue, featuring the songs of Louis Jordan, the 'King of the Jukebox', is a celebration of life, love, and music, with a dash of humor and a lot of soul. Directed and choreographed by Joshian Morales, FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE is a show that will have you tapping your feet, clapping your hands, and singing along to some of the most catchy and memorable tunes of the 1940s and 50s.
Review: ROMEO AND JULIET at Kennedy Center
The oft-told tale of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet which has been beloved throughout the ages and been interpreted and showcased in so many films, stage productions and even a ballet ---has been mounted by the Washington National Opera in an odd sort of manner. In composer Charles Gounod’s opera, the music is bewitching and should be the glory of the opera, but it should be paired with a text that is respected.
Review: HONKY TONK LAUNDRY at The Winter Park Playhouse
The Winter Park Playhouse, a staple in the Orlando arts community has opened its 21st season of professional musical theatre with HONKY TONK LAUNDRY, a jukebox musical featuring music from some of the most popular women of country music including Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, and Tammy Wynette. This handclapping, foot-stomping musical provides a high-energy and fun evening for theatergoers in Winter Park and opens their season with a bang.
Review: DESPERATE MEASURES at The Winter Park Playhouse
Sometimes a production comes along that finds the perfect synergy between content, cast and creative vision ultimately delivering an elevated theatrical experience. And when that show is lesser known, but wildly entertaining that makes this perfect alignment seem even more rare. I am thrilled to say that The Winter Park Playhouse has found just such a production in DESPERATE MEASURES, the final offering in its 20th season. This rollicking, hilarious and superbly performed musical comedy is sure to thrill and shows off why The Winter Park Playhouse is truly a gem in the Orlando theatre community.