Hamilton makes history learning fun, imparts valuable lessons

Hamilton makes history learning fun, imparts valuable lessons

Photo by Joan Marcus The ultra-popular Hamilton remains docked in Miami through March 24   By AARON KRAUSE With the state of our country today, maybe we need to go back in time and learn (or re-learn) why our forefathers founded this nation. And there aren’t that many better shows...

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Maltz Jupiter Theatre triumphs with ‘Oliver!’

Jason Nuttle Photography Mr. Bumble (Troy J. Stanley) is astonished after Oliver Twist (Benjamin Pajak) asks for more gruel.   By AARON KRAUSE Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s current production of Lionel Bart’s beloved classic musical, Oliver!, is mostly a winner. The professional, nonprofit company has assembled a talented cast that includes...

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‘Rotterdam’ is relatable, touching theater at Island City Stage

Photo by Matthew Tippins Alice (Suzanne Ankrum) and Fiona/Adrian (Autumn Kioti Horne) play lovers in Jon Brittain’s touching play, Rotterdam.     By AARON KRAUSE Change can be hard for anybody, especially when they least expect it. With that in mind, you may find it easy to identify with Alice,...

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Island City Stage’s “The Mystery of Irma Vep” is consistently entertaining

Island City Stage’s “The Mystery of Irma Vep” is consistently entertaining

Photo by Matthew Tippins Nicodemus Underwood (Larry Buzzeo, back) startles Jane Twisden (Bruce Linser) in Island City Stage’s production of The Mystery of Irma Vep.   By AARON KRAUSE Comic brilliance is on display at Island City Stage (ICS). There, a side-splitting production of the hilarious 1984 spoof, The Mystery...

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‘Kinky Boots’ is the kind of show we need right now

‘Kinky Boots’ is the kind of show we need right now

Photo by Gregory Reed Lola (Elijah Word) and Charlie (Dominique Scott) find common ground in Slow Burn Theatre Company’s production of Kinky Boots.   By AARON KRAUSE If ever there were a time that we needed a show to “raise us up,” surely it is now. With a pandemic destroying...

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A moving, scary ‘A Christmas Carol’ is streaming

A moving, scary ‘A Christmas Carol’ is streaming

            Photo by Chris Whitaker Ebenezer Scrooge (Jefferson Mays) looks as though he’s freefalling in a streaming version of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol.   By AARON KRAUSE At times, one of the newest adaptations of A Christmas Carol sounds and looks more like...

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Versatile artist of the stage, screen dies

Versatile artist of the stage, screen dies

Edinburgh Theatre Festival Tony Tanner as Sergei Diaghliev in his one-man show. The Tony and Drama Desk Award-nominated director and choreographer for the original Broadway production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has died. Tony Tanner died on Sept. 8 in his Los...

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A vibrant ‘Hamilton’ invades Miami

A vibrant ‘Hamilton’ invades Miami

    By AARON KRAUSE MIAMI — At this time, drama students do not have license to mount a production of the musical phenomenon, Hamilton. But just you wait — just you wait! Once youngsters, many of whom are committed activists these days, get their chance to climb into passionate,...

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A darker Oliver! is still tuneful, hopeful, compelling at Goodspeed Opera House

A darker Oliver! is still tuneful, hopeful, compelling at Goodspeed Opera House

  Photo by Diane Sobolewski The Artful Dodger (Gavin Swartz) takes Oliver (Elijah Rayman) under his wing in Goodspeed Musicals’ production of Lionel Bart’s Oliver!   By AARON KRAUSE EAST HADDAM, Conn. — Goodspeed Musicals’ impressive production of Lionel Bart’s Oliver! isn’t shrouded in darkness and dismay. But, make no mistake: This...

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Finding Neverland fails to soar to great heights

Finding Neverland fails to soar to great heights

Photo by Jeremy Daniel Here is the part of the national touring cast of Finding Neverland during a playful scene WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Sorry Tink. Your special fairy dust doesn’t transform Finding Neverland into the magical, soaring stage musical it could be. With its eye candy, child characters, live...

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