‘Tracy Jones’ is moving, funny at Island City Stage

Photo by Matthew Tippins Cast members Sara Grant, Irene Adjan, and Niki Fridh act out a comical scene from Island City Stage’s production of Tracy Jones.     By AARON KRAUSE Comedy can be an effective tool for playwrights to deliver messages to audiences. Indeed, once we start at least...

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‘One More Yesterday’ deserves a bright future

‘One More Yesterday’ deserves a bright future

Lydia Taylor (Angie Radosh) becomes quite popular after starring in The Vigalanny Granny.   By AARON KRAUSE Let’s not mince words: Versatile theater artist Ronnie Larsen’s new musical, One More Yesterday, is a life-affirming, funny, touching, imaginative, and gorgeous show that will invigorate you. Indeed, if you are a theater...

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’42nd Street’ sparkles at LPAC

’42nd Street’ sparkles at LPAC

Photo by David Popken The cast performs a scene from the Broadway at LPAC’s production of “42nd Street.”      By AARON KRAUSE In the classic Broadway musical, 42nd Street, a character invites another to “come on along and listen to…the lullaby of Broadway.” But a current professional production of...

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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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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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‘Ben Butler’ is not your average play about war

‘Ben Butler’ is not your average play about war

Photo by Amy Pasquantonio Major Cary (Jim Gibbons) argues with Major General Benjamin Butler (Troy J. Stanley) in Boca Stage’s production of Ben Butler.   By AARON KRAUSE You normally would not expect to laugh uproariously while watching a play about the Civil War, set during that time period. But...

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MNM’s ‘Sister Act’ is heavenly

MNM’s ‘Sister Act’ is heavenly

Photo by Amy Pasquantonio The cast of Sister Act is divine.   By AARON KRAUSE While you might not rush to buy the cast recording, the stage musical adaptation of the hit 1992 film, Sister Act, starring Whoopi Goldberg and Maggie Smith, nevertheless succeeds. For instance, the live show features...

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Boca Stage’s ‘Rx’ is just what the doctor ordered

Boca Stage’s ‘Rx’ is just what the doctor ordered

Photo by Amy Pasquantonio Dr. Phil Gray (Timothy Mark Davis) is in desperate need of help as Ed (Jim Gibbons) tries to provide assistance.   By AARON KRAUSE Connected shapes dot the dark upstage wall as part of the set design for Boca Stage’s humorous, touching, and believable production of...

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Love is real — and surreal — in Almost, Maine

Love is real — and surreal — in Almost, Maine

Photo by Tim Stepien Brandon Morris (left) and Niki Fridh play two of many characters who are dealing with love in John Cariani’s play, Almost, Maine.   By AARON KRAUSE It is frigid these days at Palm Beach Dramaworks (PBD). Therefore, frostbite is a distinct possibility in a part of...

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‘Tootsie’ tickles the funny bone, inspires in national tour

‘Tootsie’ tickles the funny bone, inspires in national tour

Photo by Evan Zimmerman Jeff Slater (Jared David Michael Grant) looks on amusingly as Michael Dorsey (Drew Becker) argues with Sandy Lester (Payton Reilly) in a non-equity national touring production of Tootsie.    By AARON KRAUSE There is at least one time for celebration in Tootsie, the engaging and compelling,...

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