Once again, ‘Annie’ wins us over
Photo by Matthew Murphy Here are Annie and Daddy Warbucks during one of the musical’s brightest moments. By AARON KRAUSE In the irresistible, new, non-equity national touring production of Annie, the orphans circle Miss Hannigan like vultures. Then, they unload garbage on her as though she were a dump....
‘Chicago’ remains entertaining and terribly timely
Photo by Jeremy Daniel Billy Flynn (Jeff Brooks) makes a point during a performance of the national non-equity touring production of Chicago. By AARON KRAUSE During the age of Donald J. Trump, “Fake News,” “Alternative Facts,” and George Santos, the musical Chicago seems torn from today’s headlines. Indeed, although...
‘Tina’ triumphs in national touring production
Photo courtesy of Broadway Across America Naomi Rodgers slays as Tina Turner in an equity national touring production traversing the U.S. By AARON KRAUSE Tina Turner reportedly said that she summoned her “Inner Lion” to make it through various challenges. Certainly, the renowned performer’s fierce inner strength, fire, and...
‘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...
Much is nice about ‘Mean Girls’
By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDERDALE — Let’s say you are part of an audience watching the energetic, entertaining, savage and explosive stage musical adaptation of the widely-known 2004 movie, Mean Girls. And you’re a newbie. More specifically, you’re a member of that rare species that is as unfamiliar with...
‘Aladdin’ still astonishes with visuals, while offering enough substance
Photo by Deen van Meer The titular character (Jonah Ho’Okano) and Jasmine (Kaena Kekoa) share an intimate moment in a national equity touring production of Aladdin. By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDERDALE — The musical Aladdin might transport us to a “whole new world,” but the show also presents...
Les Miz remains a favorite due to upbeat messages, breathtaking songs
Photo by Mattthew Murphy Nick Cartell appears as a transformed, polished Jean Valjean in a U.S. touring production of Les Miserables. By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDERDALE — Even after witnessing Les Miserables for the umpteenth time, this beloved British megamusical from the 1980’s somehow re-assures us anew...
Anastasia offers eye-popping visuals, soaring music and heartfelt emotion
Photo by Matthew Murphy Anya (Lila Coogan) basks in the glow of lights in one of the stunningly vivid projections. By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDERDALE — Dramamine is not one of the products for sale in the theater lobbies where the Broadway musical adaptation of Anastasia plays. But...
Memphis is relevant, revitalizing at Slow Burn Theater
Photo courtesy of Slow Burn Theater Company. Felicia (Khadijah Rolle) and Huey (Brian Golub) sing a duet in Slow Burn Theater Company’s production of Memphis. FT. LAUDERDALE –The lyrics resonate chillingly in the wake of the recent mass school shooting in South Florida, leaving 17 dead – and another...
A show to die for is touring the country
Photo by Joan Marcus The touring cast of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder FORT LAUDERDALE — A word of caution: Do not heed the warning that “you’d best depart” the theater before the musical with an eyebrow-raising, attention-grabbing title begins. Those who are scared off will...
