‘Chicago’ remains entertaining and terribly timely

‘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...

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‘Aladdin’ astonishes anew

    The titular character (Adi Roy) touches gold in an equity national  touring production of Aladdin.     By AARON KRAUSE The last time Aladdin visited South Florida, life as we knew it was still operating. Specifically, a little less than three years ago, in January 2020, virtually nobody...

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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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‘Frozen’ the musical leaves you feeling warm inside

‘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...

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Broadway in Miami to return this fall

Broadway in Miami to return this fall

Photo by Matthew Murphy Actor Andre De Shields appears in a scene from the Broadway production of Hadestown.   Rejoice, South Florida. Soon after Broadway in Ft. Lauderdale officials announced that touring productions will return to the Broward Center this fall, Broadway in Miami officials made a similar announcement for...

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

‘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...

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‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ sweet, not scrumptious

‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ sweet, not scrumptious

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

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...

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‘The Lion King’ still stuns, captivates

‘The Lion King’ still stuns, captivates

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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