World premiere of ‘Starmaker’ shines bright at Island City Stage

World premiere of ‘Starmaker’ shines bright at Island City Stage

Photo courtesy of Wentzler Photography Henry Willson (David Edwards) feels like he’s on top of the world, surrounded by his star “creations” in Michael Leeds new play, “Starmaker.” The work’s debut production runs through Sept. 8 at Island City Stage, near Ft. Lauderdale. By AARON KRAUSE WILTON MANORS — It’s...

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These ‘Men on Boats’ will win you over

These ‘Men on Boats’ will win you over

Photo by Dennis Lyzniak Nobody said a group of explorers in 1869 had it easy. But they proved fiercely determined, as Jaclyn Backhaus’ play Men on Boats demonstrates in Main Street Players’ production.   By AARON KRAUSE MIAMI LAKES — Chances are, you won’t hear many people equate Jaclyn Backhaus’ play Men...

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Intrigue, laughs and multi-skilled actors help make ‘Murder for Two’ a hot ticket

Intrigue, laughs and multi-skilled actors help make ‘Murder for Two’ a hot ticket

  Photo by Alberto Romeu Mark Schenfish and Martin Landry appear in a  scene from Murder for Two at Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre.   By AARON KRAUSE CORAL GABLES, Fla. — It’s hardly a mystery as to what has endeared the madcap musical comedy Murder for Two to many...

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 ‘She Shorts’ empowers, delights  

 ‘She Shorts’ empowers, delights  

    Photo courtesy of Thinking Cap Theatre and City Theatre An intense scene plays out in Webster’s Bitch, one of several pieces comprising the inaugural presentation of She Shorts.   By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDERDALE — Looking back, the all-around beneficial collaboration seemed inevitable. To begin with, throughout its...

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‘Come From Away’ renews our faith in humanity

‘Come From Away’ renews our faith in humanity

Photo by Matthew Murphy Here are cast members of the First North American Tour of Come From Away. By AARON KRAUSE MIAMI — Do yourself a favor: Do not think about Come From Away as just another show “about 9/11.” To be sure, this remarkable true story would not exist...

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Despite its flaws, ‘A Bronx Tale’s’ heart and humor win us over

Despite its flaws, ‘A Bronx Tale’s’ heart and humor win us over

Photo by Joan Marcus Athletic, even acrobatic choreography helps tell the ‘tale’ in A Bronx Tale. Pictured above are touring cast members.    By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDERDALE — A couple of reviews of A Bronx Tale, the Broadway musical, describe the show as a blending between Jersey Boys and West Side Story. Many might rightly...

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‘Veronica’s Position’ entertains, provokes thought at Island City Stage

‘Veronica’s Position’ entertains, provokes thought at Island City Stage

  Photo by George Wentzler Philip Wilder (Ben Sandomir) is flanked by the women in his life. To our left, looking at the screen, is stage director Christina Groom (Mallory Dascomb) and Veronica Fairchild (Laura Hodos)     By AARON KRAUSE WILTON MANORS, Fla. — The senator proclaims his vision for...

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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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This is certain: Actors’ Playhouse’ ‘Doubt’ is a winner

This is certain: Actors’ Playhouse’ ‘Doubt’ is a winner

    Photo by Alberto Romeu Sister Aloysius (Laura Turnbull) castigates Father Flynn (Terry Hardcastle) in Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre’s production of Doubt: A Parable.   By AARON KRAUSE CORAL GABLES, Fla. — No doubt, sparks fly quickly and furiously in Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre’s combustible,...

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A House of Blue Leaves well worth visiting at Palm Beach Dramaworks

A House of Blue Leaves well worth visiting at Palm Beach Dramaworks

    Photo by Samantha Mighdoll Bananas (Elena Maria Garcia) and Artie (Bruce Linser) pray during Pope Paul VI’s televised broadcast from Yankee Stadium in The House of Blue Leaves.   By AARON KRAUSE WEST PALM BEACH — As anyone familiar with John Guare’s The House of Blue Leaves knows,...

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