Justin Smith

Review: Stellar Ensemble Stars in THE HUMANS at Elmwood Playhouse
by Bruce Apar - Nov 19, 2024

For that verite vibe to work its magic requires a high order of acting, and veteran director Lisa Spielman has cast Elmwood’s production with that requisite caliber of talent. 

Review: JANE EYRE at Austin Shakespeare
by Sabrina Wallace - Nov 12, 2024

Austin Shakespeare’s production of Jane Eyre offers a strikingly modern and feminist take on the iconic story of a woman’s resilience against the oppressive forces of her time. With music, movement, and a thoughtful focus on Jane’s journey as a woman rather than just her romantic entanglements, this production breathes new life into the well-known narrative.

THE HUMANS Comes to Elmwood Playhouse in Nyack
by Stephi Wild - Nov 6, 2024

Elmwood Playhouse in Nyack, NY will present Stephen Karam's Tony Award-winning play, The Humans. Learn more about the show and find out how to get tickets here!

JANE EYRE Comes to Austin Shakespeare Next Month
by Stephi Wild - Oct 11, 2024

Austin Shakespeare will be the first American theater company to stage a new version of Jane Eyre, recently developed by the National Theatre of Great Britain and The Bristol Old Vic Theatre. It will run Nov. 9-24 at the Long Center’s Rollins Theatre with a low-priced preview Nov. 8. Regular tickets start at $28.

Review: Kristin Chenoweth and Alan Cumming at Wolf Trap
by Elliot Lanes - Sep 18, 2024

Every once in a while, you see the billing for a concert and think to yourself “That’s an interesting combination”. This was my exact thought at Wolf Trap with Broadway superstars Kristin Chenoweth and Alan Cumming on the same bill. Don’t get me wrong, their talent is not to be questioned. It’s more the fact that Kristin Chenoweth has a very squeaky clean Christian raised wholesome personality while Alan Cumming is more no filter. Based on that, the evening felt like two different concerts with me and my wife enjoying one half of the program more than the other.

BWW Q&A: Rebekah Scallet on RED at New Jewish Theatre
by Joshua Wright - Jul 30, 2024

New Jewish Theatre presents Red by John Logan. Running Thursday, July 25 through Sunday, August 11, performances will take place in the J’s Wool Studio Theatre. Rebekah Scallet (Artistic Director) is in her second full season with the New Jewish Theatre. Last season she directed the St. Louis Theatre Circle Award-nominated production of The Immigrant.

Review: RED at New Jewish Theatre is a Stimulating Story About an Artist and His Art
by James Lindhorst - Jul 27, 2024

The New Jewish Theatre’s production of John Logan’s RED is sensational. Knoll’s directorial vision immerses the audience into Rothko’s studio, his painting techniques, and his fragile mind. Harris and Petrillo’s phenomenal portrayal and the production staff’s sensational work create a stimulating and layered story about both the artist and his art. 

Photos: New Jewish Theatre Presents RED by John Logan
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 25, 2024

New Jewish Theatre will present Red by John Logan. Running Thursday, July 25 through Sunday, August 11, performances will take place in the J’s Wool Studio Theatre. See photos from the production.

Photos: New Jewish Theatre Presents RED By John Logan
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 11, 2024

New Jewish Theatre will present Red by John Logan. Running Thursday, July 25 through Sunday, August 11. See photos of the show's stars. 

The New Jewish Theatre Presents RED by John Logan
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 20, 2024

NJT will present RED from 7/25 to 8/11, offering an insightful exploration into the mind of renowned artist Mark Rothko.

South Coast Repertory Presents PRELUDE TO A KISS, THE MUSICAL World Premiere
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 28, 2024

Experience the world premiere of PRELUDE TO A KISS, THE MUSICAL at South Coast Repertory. This modern fable, with lyrics by Sean Hartley and Daniel Messé, explores love's peaks and valleys.

Review: The McCallum Theatre Hosts an Intimate Evening with Kristin Chenoweth
by Gilmore Rizzo - Jan 29, 2024

From the moment her iconic voice could be heard singing a gentle ballad version of 'Que Sera Sera' from off-stage the audience could feel that familiar warmth of authenticity fill the entire theatre.  A friend, an ally, a spiritual powerhouse of talent was about to enter. When the gorgeous 4'11' frame dressed in a navy blue sequin knee-length dress, and silver three-inch bejeweled platform heels walked into the spotlight she was greeted by thunderous applause. With every word she sang of the 1956 Doris Day hit it felt like a large invisible hand reached out and captured all 1,127 people in attendance; we gladly remained there for the duration of the evening.

REVIEW: New Australian Work, THE DISMISSAL AN EXTREMELY SERIOUS MUSICAL COMEDY Is A Brilliant Exploration Of The Time Democracy Was Undermined By The Governor General.
by Jade Kops - Sep 6, 2023

REVIEW: New Australian Work, THE DISMISSAL AN EXTREMELY SERIOUS MUSICAL COMEDY Is A Brilliant Exploration Of The Time Democracy Was Undermined By The Governor General.

'RAYMOND SCOTT REIMAGINED' Releases on Violinjazz Recordings
by Blair Ingenthron - Jul 22, 2023

Violinjazz Recordings, the label of acclaimed Grammy-nominated musician Jeremy Cohen, principal violinist and founder of Classical Crossover specialists Quartet San Francisco, has announced the release of 'Raymond Scott Reimagined,' an unprecedented new collaboration teaming Quartet San Francisco with accomplished Grammy/Emmy Award-winning composer/producer/arranger Gordon Goodwin and revered Grammy-winning a cappella group Take 6.

Full Cast Set For THE DISMISSAL: AN EXTREMELY SERIOUS MUSIC COMEDY in Sydney
by Stephi Wild - Jun 21, 2023

Award-winning music theatre powerhouse Squabbalogic has announced the full cast for the brand-new, original Australian musical THE DISMISSAL, which will be making its long-awaited world premiere from 26th August 2023 at Sydney’s Seymour Centre.

Review: Jessica Vosk Pure Medical Grade Magic In CALIFORNIA DREAMIN' at 92NY
by Stephen Mosher - Jun 4, 2023

It’s one thing to be a good singer.  It’s one thing to be a great singer.  But what Jessica Vosk did on the stage today went beyond good or great.

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN': JESSICA VOSK SINGS THE SONGWRITERS OF LAUREL CANYON to be Presented at 92NY
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 16, 2023

The Lyrics and Lyricists 2022/23 season will close with California Dreamin’: Jessica Vosk Sings the Songwriters of Laurel Canyon on June 2, 4 and 5, an intimate exploration of the legendary icons of California’s Laurel Canyon in the 1960s and ‘70s.

RAYMOND SCOTT REIMAGINED, An Unprecedented Musical Journey Arrives July 21 Via Violinjazz Recordings
by A.A. Cristi - May 15, 2023

Violinjazz Recordings, the label of acclaimed Grammy-nominated musician Jeremy Cohen, principal violinist and founder of Classical Crossover specialists Quartet San Francisco, has announced the release of 'Raymond Scott Reimagined,' an unprecedented new collaboration teaming Quartet San Francisco with accomplished Grammy/Emmy Award-winning composer/producer/arranger Gordon Goodwin and revered Grammy-winning a cappella group Take 6.

REVIEW: Eamon Flack Strips Back Stephen Sondheim's INTO THE WOODS For An Intimate Australian Interpretation
by Jade Kops - Mar 26, 2023

Stephen Sondheim (Music and lyrics) and James Lapine’s (Book) INTO THE WOODS Is given a small stage adaptation and an Australian voice at Belvoir St Theatre.  Presented as a co-production between Belvoir St Theatre and Hayes Theatre Co, this new production is directed by Belvoir’s Artistic Director, Eamon Flack.

89 Teen Musicians Selected for Carnegie Hall's NYO2 in Summer 2023
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 21, 2023

Carnegie Hall has announced the names of the 89 young musicians selected from across the country for NYO2, an intensive summer orchestral training program for outstanding American instrumentalists, ages 14–17.