Broadway Show Reviews & Critics' Ratings - Page 2

What did our critic think of THE MINUTES at Wichita Community Theatre?

What did our critic think of HAIRSPRAY at Crown Theatre?

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) continues their successful 2024 Season with a gem of a production, Jane Austin’s, 'Sense and Sensibility' now through September 22nd. The show is impeccably directed by Nisi Sturgis and features a marvelous cast.

It was famously performed at the West End in 2022, with the title role being played by Jodie Comer (Killing Eve,) where it was recorded for NT Live and shown in theatres around the world. The production then transferred to Broadway in Spring of 2023, earning Jodie the Tony Award for Best Actress in a play.

This is almost certainly the funniest thing you’re likely to see all year. Leave your delicate sensibilities behind and go.

It is on the wings of wit and pleasantly wacky characterizations that the operative message od tolerance is delivered, in one case with the revival meeting fervor of “Love Thy Neighbor,” led by the fun and funny antics of Michael Valinoti as genially goofy Trent Oliver. 

I have long been a Sara Bereilles stan. My love for she and her music stems from my high school days, extends to my college years when I saw her twice in concert, and leads to where we are now: Bareilles making her way from concert venues to theatrical stages, earning three Tony nominations along the way for her work on the latest show to make its way to the Arvada Center, Waitress.

Despite the title, character names, and some references, the dialogue is contemporary and comfortable. It seems as if we could be viewing three generations of just about any family unit. There are plenty of mmh hmmh moments and head nods as the action unfolds that feels familiar regardless of one’s ethnic background or even gender.

The celebrated and now-iconic jazz vocalist and legend Billie Holiday is portrayed as a tormented “just holding on” survivor in playwright Lanie Robertson’s play Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill. The audience is transported back to the feel of this classic bar and grill to the year 1959 where a tired-out “Lady Day” (Billie Holiday) looks back at her life and sings fifteen of her classic songs with three superb jazz accompanists backing her up. The nightclub ambience of Emerson’s Bar and Grill envelops the theater’s patrons as soon as they enter Mosaic Theater Company’s top-notch cabaret setting (scenic designer Nadir Bey’s atmospheric work includes a neon-lit sign, and a stage filled with warmth).

When summer ends many people get depressed. Let’s face it, you can’t go to the beach or your private summer home for another year. However, you can look on the bright side of things knowing that the end of summer brings a new season of audible brilliance from the mighty National Symphony Orchestra (NSO). This past Saturday evening, the NSO Pops season opened with a bang as Tony Award winning performer Heather Headley made her Kennedy Center Concert Hall debut. The evening featured lots of show tunes, a choir, a TV vocal competition winner, and most importantly, YOUR NSO under the baton of Maestro Steven Reineke.

This is one of those offbeat musicals that entertains you with its unusual charm, catchy tunes, and cartoon-like characters. With the plot line featuring a talking plant that feeds only on human blood, this is not your grandmother’s kind of musical. (Unless your grandmother regularly attends the wide variety of shows performed at the Ogunquit Playhouse.)

There’s potential for Come Dine With Me: The Musical to become a Michelin-starred delight, and its Edinburgh Fringe production has the foundations for it. The cast are all great, the writing has its laughs and the songs are catchy. It just needs more time to simmer and extra spice to give it that extra kick.

Leigh’s husband was arrested for inappropriate sexual conduct with a minor. A teacher once loved by students and parents alike, he’s now out of prison and facing the casualties of his violent fall from grace. Playwright Carey Crim explores the effects of these serious allegations on the ones who surround the accused, viewing the aftermath of the crime mostly from Tom’s family. As Leigh tries her best to protect their son and stand by her spouse, her faith in him falters. Is he really capable of what he’s been charged with? Far from an easy watch, this is a thought-provoking and provocative piece of theatre.

Gina Beck is a tremendous new Sarah Brown in London's must-see musical revival

What did our critic think of SPRING AWAKENING at Rec Room Arts?

Their energy is contagious, their individual voices are unique and beautiful, and together they create rock magic. The harmonies, in particular, are a treat for the ears. If you are looking for a performance that is full of joy, catch “Go Your Own Way: A Celebration of Fleetwood Mac.'

A comforting and sweet time, The 22+ Weddings of Hugo offers a little taste of everything on the menu. It may leave you wanting something more substantial, but none the less was delicious along the way.

For Shakespeare enthusiasts seeking a fresh and original take on his works, the Walking Shadow Shakespeare Project delivers unique experiences that make classic literature accessible without feeling overwhelming. I eagerly anticipate the company’s next unconventional interpretation of Shakespeare’s plays. #austintheatre #shakespeare

What did our critic think of A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE at Cain Park--Alma Theatre?

Premiere Stages at Kean University is now presenting the compelling New Jersey Premiere of playwright, Scott Organ’s 'Diversion' through September 22nd.  Get your tickets.  It is an excellent, must-see production that addresses a current, significant issue.