Once again, ‘Annie’ wins us over

Once again, ‘Annie’ wins us over

Photo by Matthew Murphy Here are Annie and Daddy Warbucks during one of the musical’s brightest moments.   By AARON KRAUSE In the irresistible, new, non-equity national touring production of Annie, the orphans circle Miss Hannigan like vultures. Then, they unload garbage on her as though she were a dump....

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Maltz Jupiter Theatre triumphs with ‘Oliver!’

Jason Nuttle Photography Mr. Bumble (Troy J. Stanley) is astonished after Oliver Twist (Benjamin Pajak) asks for more gruel.   By AARON KRAUSE Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s current production of Lionel Bart’s beloved classic musical, Oliver!, is mostly a winner. The professional, nonprofit company has assembled a talented cast that includes...

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Area Stage’s ‘Annie’ will be fresh, director says.

Area Stage’s ‘Annie’ will be fresh, director says.

Giancarlo Rodaz     By AARON KRAUSE For its next professional production, South Miami’s Area Stage Company (ASC) promises the musical Annie “like you’ve never seen before.” Still, ASC Associate Artistic Director Giancarlo Rodaz, who is mounting the production, said the award-winning, nonprofit professional company will present the classic next...

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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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Area Stage’s ‘Matilda’ is filled with humor, heart and magic

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...

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New musical, ‘Boca Bound’ demonstrates it’s possible to repair relationships

New musical, ‘Boca Bound’ demonstrates it’s possible to repair relationships

        Richard Peshkin and Bonnie Logan   By AARON KRAUSE BOCA RATON — It took a crushed femur for Boca Raton resident Bonnie Logan to find her passion – writing for the stage. Indeed, if Logan hadn’t broken the longest and thickest bone of the human skeleton,...

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A darker Oliver! is still tuneful, hopeful, compelling at Goodspeed Opera House

A darker Oliver! is still tuneful, hopeful, compelling at Goodspeed Opera House

  Photo by Diane Sobolewski The Artful Dodger (Gavin Swartz) takes Oliver (Elijah Rayman) under his wing in Goodspeed Musicals’ production of Lionel Bart’s Oliver!   By AARON KRAUSE EAST HADDAM, Conn. — Goodspeed Musicals’ impressive production of Lionel Bart’s Oliver! isn’t shrouded in darkness and dismay. But, make no mistake: This...

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