New touring ‘Hairspray’ is mostly a hit

New touring ‘Hairspray’ is mostly a hit

Photo by Jeremy Daniel Tracy Turnblad (Niki Metcalf) and Edna Turnblad (Andrew Levitt) appear in a scene from a new non-equity national touring production of Hairspray.   By AARON KRAUSE Ever since Niki Metcalf witnessed the original 2002 Broadway production of the hit musical comedy, Hairspray, the young New York-based...

Read more
‘Joe Papp at the Ballroom’ offers an up-close look at a legend

‘Joe Papp at the Ballroom’ offers an up-close look at a legend

Photo by Magnus Stark Avi Hoffman appears as Joe Papp   By AARON KRAUSE If you wish to catch The Music Man on Broadway, a seat about four rows from the stage will cost you $714. That is not a misprint. And if you decide instead to sit in the...

Read more
‘Kinky Boots’ is the kind of show we need right now

‘Kinky Boots’ is the kind of show we need right now

Photo by Gregory Reed Lola (Elijah Word) and Charlie (Dominique Scott) find common ground in Slow Burn Theatre Company’s production of Kinky Boots.   By AARON KRAUSE If ever there were a time that we needed a show to “raise us up,” surely it is now. With a pandemic destroying...

Read more
‘Helen on Wheels’ is a fun, meaningful ride at Pigs Do Fly Productions

‘Helen on Wheels’ is a fun, meaningful ride at Pigs Do Fly Productions

Photo by Carol Kassie Helen Wheeler (Beverly Blanchette) and Elmer (Michael Gioia) share a moment in Pigs Do Fly Productions’ mounting of Helen on Wheels.     By AARON KRAUSE Few among us can resist feisty, foul-mouthed septuagenarians such as Helen Wheeler. We find them funny because, well, we do...

Read more
‘The People Downstairs’ receive much-deserved recognition at Dramaworks

‘The People Downstairs’ receive much-deserved recognition at Dramaworks

Photo by Alicia Donelan Photography Henk (Bruce Linser) and Miep (Amy Miller Brennan) comfort each other during a scene from Palm Beach Dramaworks’ world premiere production of  The People Downstairs.   By AARON KRAUSE If you knew him, you may not have wanted to invite Mr. Visser to your house....

Read more
Theatre Lab’s ‘To Fall in Love’ is relatable, heartfelt

Theatre Lab’s ‘To Fall in Love’ is relatable, heartfelt

  Photo by Julia Rose Photo For much of To Fall in Love, Wyatt Grimes (Matt Stabile) and Merryn Thomas (Niki Fridh) struggle to connect.   By AARON KRAUSE Can a study that scientists claim makes people fall in love actually help save a marriage splintered by tragedy? That is...

Read more
Approaching Anne Frank from another angle

Approaching Anne Frank from another angle

Photo by Tim Stepien Amy Miller Brennan plays Miep Gies in the world premiere production of Michael McKeever’s play, The People Downstairs.   By AARON KRAUSE Whenever Palm Beach Dramaworks (PBD) Producing Artistic Director William Hayes read or watched Anne Frank’s story play out on stage or screen, he wondered...

Read more
‘Middletown’ offers a thoroughly satisfying emotional experience

‘Middletown’ offers a thoroughly satisfying emotional experience

Photo by Alberto Romeu Cast members act out an upbeat moment from Middletown: The Ride of Your Life! by Dan Clancy. Pictured from left are Adrian Zmed as Tom, Didi Conn as Peg, Loretta Swit as Dotty, and Donny Most as Don.   By AARON KRAUSE As a playwright, you...

Read more
GableStage’s ‘The Price’ is first rate

GableStage’s ‘The Price’ is first rate

Photo by George Schiavone Victor Franz (Gregg Weiner, seated), Esther Franz (Patti Gardner), and Walter Franz (Michael McKenzie) appear in a tense scene from GableStage’s production of The Price, by Arthur Miller.     By AARON KRAUSE These days, witnessing a theater company staging a live, in-person production with as...

Read more
‘Come From Away’ wraps us in a recognizable, tight embrace

‘Come From Away’ wraps us in a recognizable, tight embrace

Photo by Matthew Murphy Come From Away can remind us of the joys that come with connecting with folks. Here, cast members appear in a scene from the North American Equity touring production.   By AARON KRAUSE Come from Away, the beloved, big-hearted Broadway musical about a small Canadian town...

Read more