‘Aladdin’ still astonishes with visuals, while offering enough substance

January 18, 2020 0

  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...

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‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ sweet, not scrumptious

January 10, 2020 0

Photo by Jeremy Daniel Willy Wonka (Cody Garcia, far right) shows visitors his chocolate factory.   By AARON KRAUSE MIAMI — Remember Willy Wonka’s chewing gum? When it assumes a blueberry pie flavor, problems arise. Well, the stage musical version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is also problematic. To...

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Les Miz remains a favorite due to upbeat messages, breathtaking songs

October 17, 2019 0

    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...

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‘The Lion King’ still stuns, captivates

May 28, 2019 0

Photo by Deen van Meer Buyi Zama appears as Rafiki in the North American Tour of The Lion King   By AARON KRAUSE MIAMI — With Hamilton capturing the theater world’s attention like few shows in recent memory, it can be easy to pass without a glance the marquee of...

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A show to die for is touring the country

January 12, 2018 0

    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...

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Finding Neverland fails to soar to great heights

January 9, 2018 0

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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