Ray Wills

Review: DIAL M FOR MURDER at The Forum Theatre

Being a fan of Alfred Hitchcock’s works, I was eager to see The Forum Theatre’s production of acclaimed Jeffrey Hatcher's new adaptation of Frederick Knott's Dial M for Murder.  Hatcher’s adaptation of the classic suspense thriller pays homage to the original and is a smart, tight, compelling update of Knott’s tale of jealousy, deception, and homicide. For those who have been fans of all things Hitchcock, The Forum’s production of Dial M for Murder will hit every nuance.  From the dangling burning cigarette to the ever-present liquor cabinet and the constant pouring of whiskey or brandy.

BWW Review: SHEAR MADNESS at The Forum Theatre Company, Wichita gets to pick who done it

Set in a fun and funky hair salon, Shear Madness concludes The Forum Theatre Company's 2019 production season in a big and bold way. The plot, almost from Clue the movie, has action that centers around figuring out exactly who murdered Isabel Churney with none other than hair cutting shears. If you go, which I do highly recommend, pay close attention to the action at the beginning of the show. It will be useful later to help solve the murder mystery. Filled with Wichita current events and references plus greatly polished improv from the cast, you can't keep from laughing but also appreciate the hard work and dedication which went into crafting out a carefully selected play thanks to producing artistic director, Kathy Page Hauptman.

BWW Review: SHEAR MADNESS at The Forum Theatre

There are three doors on this colorful 1980s set designed by Ben Juhnke, and immediately I think 'FARCE!' The 1980s tunes are pumping from the sound system, making the patrons move and groove in their seats. The atmosphere is lively, and the audience is upbeat and happy, chatting away until the action on stage catches their attention. A pre-show pantomime begins; Simeon Rawls and Jen Bechter begin their day in the beauty salon 'Shear Madness'; patrons begin to enter the shop and hilarity ensues. This pantomime continues for at least 15 minutes before any of the actors speak, and it is hysterical. The action is clean, quick, and understandable. The hilarity continues on until the last few minutes of the play. I will not reveal the ending, but suffice it to say these last bits are intense and dramatic, and showcase some serious acting chops.

SHEAR MADNESS Playing in Wichita Now!

The madness erupts at a hairstyling salon when suddenly, between a shampoo and a style, the old lady upstairs gets mysteriously murdered and everyone's dying to know whodunit?

Vote For the 2017 BroadwayWorld Wichita Awards; 12 ANGRY MEN Leads Best Play!

The 2017 awards honor productions which opened between October 1, 2016 and September 30, 2017. Nominations were completely reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended October 31, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors.

BWW Reviews: THEY'RE PLAYING OUR SONG at Forum Theatre

The Forum Theatre's latest production, They're Playing Our Song, is a sweet melody. With direction my Tom Frye and music direction by Steve Rue, enjoy a tuneful romp before it's too late.

BWW Reviews: Forum Theatre's ODD COUPLE (FEMALE VERSION) Fun and Feisty

The Odd Couple (Female Version) opened at the Forum Theatre last night. The production is a fundraiser for the theatre outside of the regular season of shows, and the cast and crew donated most or all of their time and talents.

BWW Reviews: MAN OF LA MANCHA at Forum Theatre Makes the Dream Possible

The cult classic Man of La Mancha, by Dale Wasserman, Mitch Leigh and Joe Darion, is running at Forum Theatre until May 4th. Paul E. Jackson's passionate, magical production proves what it takes to be timeless.

BWW Reviews: Forum Theatre's I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE Perfect for Lovers

I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, with book and lyrics by Joe Dipietro and music by Jimmy Roberts ran February 13 through March 9 at the Forum Theatre directed by Kathryn Page Hauptman. With clever lyrics and catchy tunes, it's easy to understand why the original off-Broadway production ran for over 5,000 performances.

BWW Reviews: Forum Theatre's DRIVING MISS DAISY Delivers

Driving Miss Daisy, by Alfred Uhry and directed by Deb Campbell, will run for one more weekend at Forum Theatre. Catch this beautifully staged Pulitzer Prize masterpiece while you can.

Reprise Ends Season with a Bang!

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock & Willie Gilbert music & lyrics by Frank Loesser directed & choreographed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge Reprise Theatre Company @ The Freud Playhouse, UCLA through May 23

Photo Flash: Reprise Theater Company's HOW TO SUCCEED

Reprise Theatre Company's production of the Pulitzer Prize winning 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying' plays at UCLA's Freud Playhouse. The production began May 11 and runs through May 23. Opening night for the production is tonight, May 12.

Tony Nominee Milgrom Dodge Talks RAGTIME & BUSINESS

It has been quite a year for director/choreographer Marcia Milgrom Dodge, who was recently nominated for Tony Award for her direction of the Broadway revival of RAGTIME last fall. A workhorse by admittance, Dodge has left herself little time to celebrate, as she finishes prep for the Reprise Theatre Company's production of HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, which opens tomorrow May 12 and runs thru May 23 at UCLA's Freud Playhouse.

Ed Asner And Nicole Parker Lead Reprise 'HOW TO SUCCEED' 5/11-23

Nicole Parker, best known for her work on Fox's sketch comedy show 'MADtv' will play the role of Rosemary and Melissa Fahn, who starred on Broadway in 'Wicked,' will play the role of Hedy LaRue in Reprise Theatre Company's production of the Pulitzer Prize winning 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying' at UCLA's Freud Playhouse May 11 to 23 (Press Opening May 12).

Ed Asner And Nicole Parker Set For Reprise 'HOW TO SUCCEED' 5/11-23

Nicole Parker, best known for her work on Fox's sketch comedy show 'MADtv' will play the role of Rosemary and Melissa Fahn, who starred on Broadway in 'Wicked,' will play the role of Hedy LaRue in Reprise Theatre Company's production of the Pulitzer Prize winning 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying' at UCLA's Freud Playhouse May 11 to 23 (Press Opening May 12).

Photo Flash: Its A Wrap On A Class Act NY's One-Week Broadway Camp Programs

A Class Act NY, the award-winning acting studio for kids and teens has recently wrapped their widely popular one-week Broadway camp programs. Campers, ages six through 16, came from all over the globe to participate in the camps including London, England, Ohio, Missouri and Pennsylvania.

CAMP ACA For Kids & Teens Runs 8/17-8/21 In NYC

Award-Winning Acting Studio for Kids & Teens Announces One Week Broadway Summer Camp: CAMP ACA Winner! Best In Class by Time Out NY Kids Magazine

CAMP ACA For Kids & Teens Runs 8/17-8/21 In NYC

Award-Winning Acting Studio for Kids & Teens Announces One Week Broadway Summer Camp: CAMP ACA Winner! Best In Class by Time Out NY Kids Magazine

CAMP ACA For Kids & Teens Runs 8/17-8/21 In NYC

Award-Winning Acting Studio for Kids & Teens Announces One Week Broadway Summer Camp: CAMP ACA Winner! Best In Class by Time Out NY Kids Magazine

TheatreWorks Presents West Coast Premiere of 'Snapshots'

TheatreWorks, the nationally-acclaimed theatre of Silicon Valley, opens its 39th season with the dazzling West Coast Premiere of 'Snapshots.'