‘Aladdin’ still astonishes with visuals, while offering enough substance
Photo by Deen van Meer The titular character (Jonah Ho’Okano) and Jasmine (Kaena Kekoa) share an intimate moment in a national equity touring production of Aladdin. By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDERDALE — The musical Aladdin might transport us to a “whole new world,” but the show also presents...
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...
‘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...
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...
Stage adaptation of ‘Tootsie’ improves upon the film
Photo by Matthew Murphy The cast of “Tootsie” with Santino Fontana, center, as Dorothy Michaels. By AARON KRAUSE NEW YORK, N.Y. — Dorothy Michaels is unstoppable. We learned that much in the Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical adaptation of Tootsie. It is based on the popular Academy Award-nominated 1982 movie with the...
Les Miz remains a favorite due to upbeat messages, breathtaking songs
Photo by Mattthew Murphy Nick Cartell appears as a transformed, polished Jean Valjean in a U.S. touring production of Les Miserables. By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDERDALE — Even after witnessing Les Miserables for the umpteenth time, this beloved British megamusical from the 1980’s somehow re-assures us anew...
MNM’s ‘Man of La Mancha’ delves into material’s darkness
Courtesy of Jacek Photo Don Quixote (Michael McKenzie) and Sancho (Mark Kirschenbaum) stand and sit tall and proud in MNM’s production of Man of La Mancha. By AARON KRAUSE WEST PALM BEACH — This isn’t how your grandparents experienced Man of La Mancha. No, the nonprofit, professional MNM...
Area Stage’s ‘Matilda’ is filled with humor, heart and magic
Photo by John Rodaz Katie Duerr as Miss Honey and Alejandra Bess as Matilda are deep in thought in Area Stage’s commendable production of Matilda. By AARON KRAUSE CORAL GABLES — The smell of rebellion from “revolting” children has rarely been sweeter. The aroma emanates these days from...
New City Players’ bleak ‘Macbeth’ reflects the zeitgeist
Photo courtesy of New City Players Macbeth (Seth Trucks) makes a point to his wife, Lady Macbeth (Laura Plyler) in New City Players’ production of “The Scottish Play.” By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDREDALE — If you ask most people, they may tell you that they’ve always...
Promising, talented actors strut their stuff alongside veterans in Entr’Acte Theatrix’ Monty Python’s Spamalot
Photo by Carol Kassie Here are “The Knights of the Roundtable,” in Entr’Acte Theatrix’ production of Monty Python’s Spamalot. Pictured from left are Christian Ortega, Dallas Erwin, Chris Cimorelli, Troy Stanley (as King Arthur), Greg Halmos and Rosseroni Parris. By AARON KRAUSE DELRAY BEACH, Fla. — It is a sheer joy to...