‘Anastasia’ awes in national touring production
Photo by Jeremy Daniel Anya (Kyla Stone) goes on a journey into her past in the non-equity touring production of Anastasia, currently playing in Miami. By AARON KRAUSE A ride up the Eiffel Tower and a journey by train through the early 20th century European countryside are some...
‘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,...
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...
‘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...
‘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...
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...
Anastasia offers eye-popping visuals, soaring music and heartfelt emotion
Photo by Matthew Murphy Anya (Lila Coogan) basks in the glow of lights in one of the stunningly vivid projections. By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDERDALE — Dramamine is not one of the products for sale in the theater lobbies where the Broadway musical adaptation of Anastasia plays. But...
‘Waitress’ remains timely, touching and empowering in national tour
Photo by Philicia Endelman Jenna Hunterson (Christine Dwyer) appears contemplative in the national equity tour of Waitress By AARON KRAUSE MIAMI — Jenna Hunterson likely makes the #MeToo movement proud. Certainly, her new-found confidence and nerve inspire many in the Tony-nominated best musical Waitress. In particular, one scene should...
Mormon’s positive message feels more vital
Photo courtesey bookofmormonbroadway.com/tour The missionaries from The Book of Mormon prepare to head off for their assignments. MIAMI — No matter how many times you’ve seen The Book of Mormon, the musical phenomenon feels more uplifting, encouraging and vital this time around. At this writing, more than a month...
Phantom sequel’s lush melodies, visuals enthrall
Photo by Joan Marcus The Phantom, regularly played by Gardar Thor Cortes (left), seduces Christine Daae (Meghan Picerno) in the national tour of Love Never Dies. FT. LAUDERDALE — There are moments in Love Never Dies, the sequel to The Phantom of the Opera, that will likely startle, or...
