Phantom sequel’s lush melodies, visuals enthrall

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...

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A sensitive, encouraging show brimming with humanity

A sensitive, encouraging show brimming with humanity

  (Photo by Ahron R. Foster) Dina (Katrina Lenk) and Tewfiq (Tony Shalhoub) share a moment in The Band’s Visit.   NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. — You might call them “The Hope Musicals.” The Broadway shows Come From Away and The Band’s Visit offer hope — hope that goodness still exists...

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Performance by human actor is strongest part of Oswald puppet play

Performance by human actor is strongest part of Oswald puppet play

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. — The central figures are puppets in The Life and Times of Lee Harvey Oswald, yet it’s a human actor who proves most effective. In a well-rounded, vivid performance, a riveting Jeffrey Roth shines as the supposed JFK killer. The multi-award-winning, renown La MaMa theater company is...

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Comedy goes right in The Play That Goes Wrong

Comedy goes right in The Play That Goes Wrong

  NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. — The Play That Goes Wrong should be titled The Play That Goes Right. Oh, it’s understandable why authors Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields came up with their title. Practically nothing the characters do in this play-within-a-play, now on Broadway, seems to be correct....

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A Bronx Tale remains relatable, compelling in transition to the stage

A Bronx Tale remains relatable, compelling in transition to the stage

  NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. — If you’re the father of a young boy or young man, you can relate to Lorenzo’s predicament: You want to instill wholesome, moral values in your son, whom you feel is learning from you. Then he meets and becomes fascinated by a man with violent...

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New ‘Our Town’ helps open our eyes to diversity

New ‘Our Town’ helps open our eyes to diversity

(Photo by Arnulfo Maldonado) Emily Webb (Thallis Santesteban) takes a moment for contemplation in Miami New Drama’s world premiere production of a new staging of Our Town MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Birth isn’t one of the major life cycle events at the center of Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning classic Our...

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Slow Burn’s less-is-more approach works with Tarzan

Slow Burn’s less-is-more approach works with Tarzan

Photo by Rodrigo Balfanz Tarzan (Natale Pirrotta) and Jane (Lindsey Corey) share a moment in Slow Burn Theatre Company’s production of Tarzan.   FT. LAUDERDALE — There are lighting effects galore (some overdone, some mood-enhancing by Thomas Shorrock) in Slow Burn Theatre Company’s mostly commendable, high-flying production of Tarzan: The Stage...

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Boca’s Wick Theatre serves up a musical treat with The Drowsy Chaperone

Boca’s Wick Theatre serves up a musical treat with The Drowsy Chaperone

Jacob Thompson plays the hilarious, seductive Adolpho in The Wick Theatre’s fabulous production of The Drowsy Chaperone. BOCA RATON — Folks attending the Broadway musical-within-a-comedy The Drowsy Chaperone might want to bring a large envelope or gift box with wrapping paper. The show is so enjoyable – as is The Wick Theatre’s...

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New staging of musical offers fresh take on a classic

New staging of musical offers fresh take on a classic

Maria (Jill-Christine Wiley) is at home amid the hills in Austria near the Nonnberg Abbey. FT. LAUDERDALE — Chances are, you’re familiar with The Sound of Music. But you’ll rediscover this classic musical anew once you’ve witnessed three-time Tony Award-winning director Jack O’Brien’s fresh, vital take on the beloved Rodgers...

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GableStage’s The Humans shines with humanity

GableStage’s The Humans shines with humanity

Photo by George Schiavone Deidre Blake (Elizabeth Dimon) tries to get include “Momo” (Carol Caselle” in the family’s Thanksgiving gathering in GableStage’s production of Stephen Karam’s The Humans. Looking on, behind “Momo” is her son, Erik (Michael Gioia).   CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Creepy, foreboding music leaves a chill in the...

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