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...
‘Joe Papp at the Ballroom’ offers an up-close look at a legend
Photo by Magnus Stark Avi Hoffman appears as Joe Papp By AARON KRAUSE If you wish to catch The Music Man on Broadway, a seat about four rows from the stage will cost you $714. That is not a misprint. And if you decide instead to sit in the...
‘Kinky Boots’ is the kind of show we need right now
Photo by Gregory Reed Lola (Elijah Word) and Charlie (Dominique Scott) find common ground in Slow Burn Theatre Company’s production of Kinky Boots. By AARON KRAUSE If ever there were a time that we needed a show to “raise us up,” surely it is now. With a pandemic destroying...
‘Helen on Wheels’ is a fun, meaningful ride at Pigs Do Fly Productions
Photo by Carol Kassie Helen Wheeler (Beverly Blanchette) and Elmer (Michael Gioia) share a moment in Pigs Do Fly Productions’ mounting of Helen on Wheels. By AARON KRAUSE Few among us can resist feisty, foul-mouthed septuagenarians such as Helen Wheeler. We find them funny because, well, we do...
‘The People Downstairs’ receive much-deserved recognition at Dramaworks
Photo by Alicia Donelan Photography Henk (Bruce Linser) and Miep (Amy Miller Brennan) comfort each other during a scene from Palm Beach Dramaworks’ world premiere production of The People Downstairs. By AARON KRAUSE If you knew him, you may not have wanted to invite Mr. Visser to your house....
Theatre Lab’s ‘To Fall in Love’ is relatable, heartfelt
Photo by Julia Rose Photo For much of To Fall in Love, Wyatt Grimes (Matt Stabile) and Merryn Thomas (Niki Fridh) struggle to connect. By AARON KRAUSE Can a study that scientists claim makes people fall in love actually help save a marriage splintered by tragedy? That is...
‘Middletown’ offers a thoroughly satisfying emotional experience
Photo by Alberto Romeu Cast members act out an upbeat moment from Middletown: The Ride of Your Life! by Dan Clancy. Pictured from left are Adrian Zmed as Tom, Didi Conn as Peg, Loretta Swit as Dotty, and Donny Most as Don. By AARON KRAUSE As a playwright, you...
New City Players’ ‘Lungs’ is eye-opening
Photo by Ryan Arnst Marlo Rodriguez and Denzel McCausland appear in one of the more upbeat scenes in Lungs By AARON KRAUSE In Duncan Macmillan’s devastating drama, Lungs, a woman and her lover’s decision to have a kid could come with dire consequences. Let her explain. “I could fly...