‘Happy Days’ at Thinking Cap Theatre thanks to bravura production

‘Happy Days’ at Thinking Cap Theatre thanks to bravura production

    Photo by Nicole Stodard Despite Winnie’s odd situation, she finds reason to smile. In Thinking Cap Theatre’s production, Karen Stephens (pictured) plays the character.   By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDERDALE — A man with much physical difficulty tries to reach the love of his life. Naturally, she seems...

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Humor and humanity are in ‘Groundhog Day’s’ forecast

Humor and humanity are in ‘Groundhog Day’s’ forecast

Photo by Rodrigo Balfanz Phil Connors (Clay Cartland) gets to know Rita Hanson (Kimmi Johnson) in the Slow Burn Theatre Co./Broward Center for the Arts co-production of Groundhog Day: The Musical. By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDERDALE — Whoever said “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”...

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‘Evita’ proves particularly timely in Wick Theatre’s laudable production

‘Evita’ proves particularly timely in Wick Theatre’s laudable production

Photo by Amy Pasquantonio Eva Peron (Daniella Mass) shows her supposed love for the Argentine people in The Wick Theatre’s production of Evita.   By AARON KRAUSE BOCA RATON, Fla. — As divided as the United States might be, Americans can agree on this much: People either hate or love...

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The 1950’s feel like today in compelling ‘Ordinary Americans’

The 1950’s feel like today in compelling ‘Ordinary Americans’

Photo courtesy of GableStage   Gertrude “Tillie” Berg (Elizabeth Dimon) asks a favor from Cardinal Spellman in the world premiere co-production of Joseph McDonough’s play Ordinary Americans.   By AARON KRAUSE CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Late actor Philip Loeb was a “stain,” which wouldn’t “go away,” if you believe one...

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Powerful ‘American Son’ prevails at Zoetic Stage

Powerful ‘American Son’ prevails at Zoetic Stage

Photo by Justin Namon A struggle breaks out between a father and a police officer in the riveting drama, American Son. Here, the officer, Paul Larkin (Ryan Didato) tries to restrain the dad, Scott Connor (Clive Cholerton). Flanking the strugglers are Scott’s ex, Kendra Ellis-Connor (Karen Stephens) and Lt. John...

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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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Villainous Company’ rivets and unnerves at Primal Forces

Villainous Company’ rivets and unnerves at Primal Forces

Photo by Amy Pasquantonio Here are Rita Cole as Tracy, Anna Lise Jensen as Joanna and Elizabeth Price as Claire in a scene from Primal Forces’ production of Villainous Company.   By AARON KRAUSE BOCA RATON — Do you feel that no one is watching or listening to you when...

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City Theatre serves up thoughtful ‘Cake’ at Miami’s Arsht Center

City Theatre serves up thoughtful ‘Cake’ at Miami’s Arsht Center

            Photo by Justin Namon Jen (Lexi Langs) and Macy (Stephon Duncan) share an intimate moment as a married couple in The Cake.   By AARON KRAUSE MIAMI — If only the key to a perfect world entailed giving everyone a piece of cake, wouldn’t...

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Wick Theatre’s ‘The Music Man’ mesmerizes

Wick Theatre’s ‘The Music Man’ mesmerizes

        Photo by Amy Pasquantonio John Tartaglia works his magic as Harold Hill in The Wick Theatre’s production of The Music Man.   By AARON KRAUSE BOCA RATON –Before Lin-Manuel Miranda there was Meredith Willson. Sure, Miranda’s bold use of non-traditional musical genres in Hamilton may have changed...

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This ‘Forum’ is a hoot at MNM Theatre Company

This ‘Forum’ is a hoot at MNM Theatre Company

  Photo by Amy Pasquantonio Johnbarry Green (left) appears as Pseudolus and Michael Scott Ross as Hysterium in MNM Theatre Company’s production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.    By AARON KRAUSE WEST PALM BEACH — “Think of musical comedy, the  most glorious words in the English...

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