The 1950’s feel like today in compelling ‘Ordinary Americans’
Photo courtesy of GableStage Gertrude “Tillie” Berg (Elizabeth Dimon) asks a favor from Cardinal Spellman in the world premiere co-production of Joseph McDonough’s play Ordinary Americans. By AARON KRAUSE CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Late actor Philip Loeb was a “stain,” which wouldn’t “go away,” if you believe one...
‘Wiesenthal’ is a winner at GableStage
Photo by George Schiavone Simon Wiesenthal (David Kwiat) takes some time to reflect in the one-character play, Wiesenthal. By AARON KRAUSE CORAL GABLES — An admirable quality of one-person plays is their ability to establish an especially intimate connection between the audience and the character. Such a bond can...
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...
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...
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,...
Dynamic ‘Memphis’ is a rousing hit at Actors’ Playhouse
Photo by Alberto Romeu Huey (Eddie Egan) and his mother (Margot Moreland) argue in a scene from Actors’ Playhouse’ production of Memphis: The Musical. By AARON KRAUSE CORAL GABLES, Fla. — About a year ago, Ft. Lauderdale-based Slow Burn Theatre mounted a dynamic production of the highly-charged, Tony-winning musical, Memphis. Today,...
‘Indecent’ entertains and exercises minds at GableStage
(Photo by George Schiavone) Yekel (David Kwiat) deals harshly with his daughter, Rivkele (Hannah Benitez), while her mother (Irene Adjan) tries to restrain her husband. By AARON KRAUSE CORAL GABLES, Fla. — “They say America is free? What do you know here is free?” The above line is from Paula...
‘Admissions’ is complex, yet compelling, relatable at GableStage
Photo by George Schiavone Charlie (Joshua Hernandez, right) non-verbally expresses disgust with his father, Bill (Tom Wahl) in GableStage’s production of Admissions. By AARON KRAUSE CORAL GABLES, Fla. — If you wanted to write a truly satiric, but apropos commercial for Joshua Harmon’s unapologetically satiric, scorching play, Admissions,...
GableStage’s ‘White Guy on the Bus’ is a necessary ride
Photo by George Schiavone Ray (Tom Wahl) makes a point to Shatique, who reacts with disgust in GableStage’s production of White Guy on the Bus. By AARON KRAUSE CORAL GABLES, Fla. — You might hear yourself talk about race when you listen to Molly, a fictional character in a...
Area Stage Company’s vibrant ‘Cabaret’ speaks to our times, implicates us.
(Photo by Giancarlo Rodaz) The flamboyant, charismatic Master of Ceremonies (Giorgio Volpe) interacts with the audience in Area Stage Company’s production of Cabaret. By AARON KRAUSE CORAL GABLES — Without warning, a group of Nazi flag-waving activists march down the aisle of the audience seating area, fervently singing the anthem...