Regional Roundup: Top 10 Stories This Week Around the Broadway World - 7/1; JUMANJI in DC, HELLO, DOLLY! in Sacramento and More!

This week, we go around our Broadway World to feature stories in Washington, DC, Rhode Island, Sacramento and more. Check out our top 10 stories around our Broadway World below, which include JUMANJI in DC, WEST SIDE STORY in Rhode Island, and HELLO, DOLLY! at Sacramento Music Circus, just to name a few.

East/Northeast

1. Washington, DC: Editor Keith Tittermary reviews JUMANJI at Adventure Theatre MTC. He says, "The show, which clocks in just shy of an hour, kept the children in the audience at the seat of the pants in large part due to the impressive puppets by Andrea "Dre" Moore. Ms. Moore always seems to outdo herself with each production she designs and these animals come to life with her creative magic. The sprawling set by Luciana Stecconi is perfect in the intimate space. Jungle master and director, Serge Seiden, uses the space so well and puts Ms. Moore's puppets to use through his almost ballet-like direction of bringing these animals to life." Read more here.

2. Rhode Island: Editor Andria Tieman reviews WEST SIDE STORY at Theatre by The Sea. She says, "Of course, no stage musical can be a success without some impressive vocal talents, and this production has that well covered. Anita, played by Dana Hunter smolders on the stage and fills every corner of space with her clear and powerful vocals. Hers is a voice that is a pure pleasure to listen to, and it stands out even in a cast as talented as this. The other standout is Bronson Norris Murphy as Tony. His rendition of "Maria" is the kind of performance that can have the audience wiping away tears they didn't even know were there." Read more here.

3. Boston, MA: Editor Kristen Morale reviews THE LITTLE MERMAID at Cape Cod Theatre Company. She says, "Lindsey Erin Agnes as Ariel gives a wonderful performance, combining the insistence of her character with the sweetness which makes everyone empathize with her character. She has a beautiful soprano that allows Ariel's voice to soar and penetrate the hearts of those watching. Christopher Sidoli* as King Triton (also making appearances as the pilot, Chef Louis and in the ensemble) brings such a tender aggressiveness to the story; as both a King and more importantly Ariel's father, he is authoritative yet kindhearted, certain yet unsure at the same time. Sidoli is a great actor, and he proves this in his performance; he also makes for one hell of a sadistic chef." Read more here.

Midwest

4. Minneapolis, MN: Editor Jill Schafer reviews Jungle Theater's LE SWITCH. She says, "LE SWITCH is a funny and beautiful love story, but not just a romantic love story (although there is that, and a wonderful one). It's also a love story between a brother and a sister who are each other's only family; a love story between childhood best friends who, despite their differences, still love and support each other unconditionally; a love story between the main character and a man who was more of a father to him than his biological father ever was or could be. It's a fantastic new play and I'm excited to see where it goes next." Read more here.

5. Milwaukee, WI: Editor Peggy Sue Dunigan reviews NST's DOCTOR! DOCTOR! She says, "AFT co-founder Fred "Doc" Heide revels in the role of the older physician, Albert, while Chase Stoeger, who has perfected NST comedic timing, gives the younger Doctor Olson, handsome vibes. Kudos to returning Rhonda Rae Busch and Kelly Doherty, two distinguished actors and voices, in the roles of Julie Hagen, the doctor's assistant, and Mavis Gorski, the general store manager. " Read more here.

South/Southeast

6. Tampa, FL: Editor Peter Nason reviews Tampa Rep's production of Eugene O'Neill's masterpiece, THE ICEMAN COMETH. He says, "THE ICEMAN COMETH is long but never tedious. Its scope is huge. How else can such epic subject matter--death, despair, broken illusions--be handled appropriately? It belongs on a giant canvas, the theatrical equivalent of Gericault's "Raft of the Medusa" in a barroom setting. It's big. Bigger than big. And I had no issue sitting for so long, not when so much was at stake onstage with so many characters. It's a show that matters, with undiminished power, and one that is rarely if ever performed unexpurgated. We should celebrate this, not complain that it may be "overlong." Read more here.

7. Memphis, TN: Editor Austin McLellan reviews THE OUTGOING TIDE at Theatreworks. He says, "OUTGOING TIDE relies on a mere three characters in a single set, with nary a special effect (except for seagulls). But the vivid script and the lively acting are captivating. The story features the elderly Gunner and his loyal wife Peg, played by the amazing couple Jim and Jo Lynne Palmer. Their adult son Jack (Marques W. Brown) has come for a visit. From the opening scene, as father and son cast pebbles into the ocean, these talented actors command attention." Read more here.

West Coast

8. Sacramento, CA: Editor Harmony Wheeler reviews HELLO, DOLLY! at California Music Circus. She says, "Glenn Casale's direction and Craig Barna's musical direction hit a sweet spot with an ensemble whose vocals blend beautifully and an outstanding orchestra. Inventive choreographer Randy Slovacek also takes full advantage of the athletic cast and the Music Circus aisles and round stage in routines that ultimately steal the spotlight in a lively and enthusiastic production." Read more here.

International

9. Sydney, Australia: Editor Jade Kops reviews BICYCLE at Old Fitz Theatre, Woolloomooloo. She says, "Baynes presents a wonderfully delicious and dark performance as she alternates between talking to her horse Clyde, narrating, and recreating conversations between herself and the Count, and later, her Father. The research into the history of the warnings about female cyclists is detailed and is the first insight into the limitations set on women as she explains the new machine that promises to "set her free" as her new form of transport." Read more here.

National Tour Highlight:

10. Los Angeles Editor Don Grigware reviews BEAUTIFUL: A Carole King MUSICAL at Pantages. He says, "First acts of musicals are usually long, tedious and many times unfulfilling. Not so with BEAUTIFUL! With terrific pacing from director Marc Bruni, the show takes off right at the top and does not lag. The scenes are short, often amusing and to the point thanks to the clever writing of Douglas McGrath...and the story not only follows King and Goffin, but also another dynamic pair of composers Cynthia Weil (Becky Gulsvig) and Barry Mann (Ben Fankhauser)." Read more here.

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