‘Ben Butler’ is not your average play about war
Photo by Amy Pasquantonio Major Cary (Jim Gibbons) argues with Major General Benjamin Butler (Troy J. Stanley) in Boca Stage’s production of Ben Butler. By AARON KRAUSE You normally would not expect to laugh uproariously while watching a play about the Civil War, set during that time period. But...
‘Anastasia’ awes in national touring production
Photo by Jeremy Daniel Anya (Kyla Stone) goes on a journey into her past in the non-equity touring production of Anastasia, currently playing in Miami. By AARON KRAUSE A ride up the Eiffel Tower and a journey by train through the early 20th century European countryside are some...
‘Frozen’ the musical leaves you feeling warm inside
Photo by Deen van Meer A frozen set is one of many visuals in an equity national touring production of Frozen. By AARON KRAUSE There are plenty of visual delights and surprises in the captivating and faithful stage musical adaptation of Frozen to enthrall fans of the film. In...
MNM’s ‘Sister Act’ is heavenly
Photo by Amy Pasquantonio The cast of Sister Act is divine. By AARON KRAUSE While you might not rush to buy the cast recording, the stage musical adaptation of the hit 1992 film, Sister Act, starring Whoopi Goldberg and Maggie Smith, nevertheless succeeds. For instance, the live show features...
‘The Duration’ delivers in its world debut at Palm Beach Dramaworks
Photo by Alicia Donelan Audrey Batten (Elizabeth Dimon) and Audrey’s daughter, Emma (Caitlin Duffy) appear in a tense scene from Bruce Graham’s new comedy-drama, The Duration. By AARON KRAUSE The ancient Greek playwright, Aeschylus, said: “There is no pain so great as the memory of joy in present grief.”...
Slow Burn Theatre sparks a rousing ‘Once On This Island’
Photo by Gregory Reed Brinie Wallace is radiant as Ti Moune By AARON KRAUSE Slow Burn Theatre Company’s stirring production of the rousing, Caribbean-flavored folktale of a musical, Once On This Island, is simply stellar. From dynamic, in-sync dancing to believable, charming performances and eye-popping costumes, this production amounts...
Boca Stage’s ‘Rx’ is just what the doctor ordered
Photo by Amy Pasquantonio Dr. Phil Gray (Timothy Mark Davis) is in desperate need of help as Ed (Jim Gibbons) tries to provide assistance. By AARON KRAUSE Connected shapes dot the dark upstage wall as part of the set design for Boca Stage’s humorous, touching, and believable production of...
‘Grease’ pulsates with energy at Lauderhill’s LPAC
Photo by Amy Pasquantonio/Amatista Photography Jessie Dez as Sandy, and Jordan Gonzalez as Rizzo appear in MNM Theatre Company and North End Theater Company’s co-production of Grease in Lauderhill. By AARON KRAUSE Some arrived at the theater wearing outfits emblazoned with the word “T-birds.” Others came clad in clothing containing the...