O Christmas Tree makes triumphant world premiere as a new holiday play

Courtesy of Thinking Cap Theatre Family members Grandma Anne (Carol Sussman), Frankie (Phillip Andrew Santiago), and Claudia (Angelina Lopez Catledge) rejoice during the world premiere production of O Christmas Tree.   By AARON KRAUSE An interfaith family coexists peacefully while respecting and celebrating their differences in O Christmas Tree, a...

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Palm Beach Dramaworks’ ‘Twelve Angry Men’ is a total triumph

Photo by Tim Stepien  David Kwiat as Juror 11 confronts Juror 7 (John Leonard Thompson) while Juror 5 (Jim Ballard) listens.   By AARON KRAUSE Folks, when it comes to top-notch live theater, it does not get any better than Palm Beach Dramaworks’ (PBD) Carbonell Award-deserving production of the ensemble...

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‘Red Speedo’ represents a nice depature from Ronnie Larsen’s usual fare

‘Red Speedo’ represents a nice depature from Ronnie Larsen’s usual fare

Dennis Dean/courtesy Ray (Gabriell Salgado) speaks with his brother Peter (Chris Anthony Ferrer) in Ronnie Larsen’s production of Red Speedo.   By AARON KRAUSE How far would you really go to win if the stakes were sky high, you encountered at least one significant obstacle, and were desperate? Perhaps it...

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‘Misery’ mesmerizes at Empire Stage

  Photo by Joseph Long Annie Wilkes (Elizabeth Price) tends to Paul Sheldon (David R. Gordon) in Empire Stage’s triumphant production of Misery.   By AARON KRAUSE The riveting stage adaptation of Stephen King’s 1987 suspenseful novel, Misery, grabs you in a vice-like grip and never lets go. Undoubtedly, you...

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Controversial ‘Bent’ is a cautionary play for our times

Controversial ‘Bent’ is a cautionary play for our times

  Warning: This play contains brief nudity, disturbing images, and subject matter. Photo by Preston Bircher Max (Matthew Salas) tries to get a point across to Rudy (Ben Shaevitz) in a co-production of the historical play, “Bent.”   By AARON KRAUSE If Martin Sherman’s moving and disturbing, at times implausible...

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New play about veteran actor has potential

New play about veteran actor has potential

Photo by Magnus Stark Ruben Rabasa appears as himself in the world premiere of Rubenology: The Making of An American Legend.   By AARON KRAUSE Rubenology: The Making of An American Legend is a new one-person play whose title suggests a journey or process. Actually, the piece itself has a...

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Actors’ Playhouse handles Hank Williams bio-musical with care

Actors’ Playhouse handles Hank Williams bio-musical with care

Photo by Alberto Romeu Hank Williams (Andy Christopher, center) happily plays and sings. Flanking him are Chaz Rose (left) as Tee-Tot and Lindsey Corey as Audrey Williams.   By AARON KRAUSE For much of the run of Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre’s spirited and believable production of the stirring,...

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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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‘The Year of Magical Thinking’ is powerful theater at GableStage

‘The Year of Magical Thinking’ is powerful theater at GableStage

Photo by Magnus Stark Joan Didion (Sara Morsey) appears in a scene from The Year of Magical Thinking.   By AARON KRAUSE A mirrored floor is part of the minimal yet effective set in GableStage’s haunting production of the moving, one-character stage adaptation of writer Joan Didion’s powerful memoir, The...

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Touring production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ offers a relatable titular character

Touring production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ offers a relatable titular character

  Photo by Matthew Murphy, Evan Zimmerman, MurphyMade Jesus Christ (Aaron LaVigne) stands out in this dance number from the 50th anniversary national touring production of Jesus Christ Superstar.    By AARON KRAUSE Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s glorious music is front and center in the moving and intense,...

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