Review: STAGE KISS at Harrison Players
by Bruce Apar - October 25, 2024
The real-life director of Stage Kiss, Anthony Valbiro, has brought his reliably effective stagecraft instincts to this polished production...
Review: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN Is Monstrously Funny at Elmwood Playhouse
by Bruce Apar - September 17, 2024
The Elmwood cast, directed with the requisite command of comic timing and savvy stagecraft by Director and Choreographer Jason Sommers, is comprised of an impressive array of skilled performers who seem to be enjoying their over-the-top antics as much as the audience does. ...
Review: THE STEEL MAN Forges Forth at Penguin Rep Theatre.
by Bruce Apar - September 15, 2024
At the center of the orbit of mashed-up relationships is the consummate performance of Sam Guncler. He prowls the stage as a feral Leo with gritty gravitas. He is the “steel man” not just because he lives in Pittsburgh, but also because he has defied death several times, including twice surviving fi...
Review: THE PROM Pulses with Heart at Ridgefield Theater Barn
by Bruce Apar - September 10, 2024
It is on the wings of wit and pleasantly wacky characterizations that the operative message of 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. ...
Review: DEAR JACK, DEAR LOUISE at Penguin Rep Theatre
by Bruce Apar - August 04, 2024
With 'Dear Jack, Dear Louise,' Mr. Ludwig willingly dates himself, to give us a poignant glimpse into what it was like, 80-plus years ago, to woo someone without benefit of physical connection and with a world war raging....