Variety marks the 23rd season of City Theatre’s Summer Shorts
(Photo by Justin Namon) Some of the characters in City Theatre’s Summer Shorts are a tad, shall we say, odd. Pictured from left are Alex Alvarez as Melto Man and Elizabeth Dimon as Lady Mantis in Eric Pfeffinger’s short play Melto Man and Lady Mantis. MIAMI — It might...
Minimalism means more in Area Stage Company’s Shrek
(Photo courtesy of Area Stage Company) Shrek (Ryan Bauta) gives fair warning to anyone daring to enter his territory. CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Can audience members believe in a world onstage even if the theatrical magic is simple and visible? After witnessing Area Stage Company’s (ASC) exhilarating production...
‘Avenue Q’s curriculum is funny, life-affirming at MNM Theatre Co.
(Photo by Jacek Gancarz) The cast of MNM Theatre Company’s production of Avenue Q WEST PALM BEACH — As most musical theater aficionados are aware, there are plenty of words in the potty-mouthed puppet musical Avenue Q that might cause you to recoil. But in today’s economically, politically and socially-troubled...
Victor/Victoria is a welcome comic treat at South Florida’s Stage Door Theater
(Photo courtesy of Stage Door Theater) “Victor” (Dalia Aleman) is surrounded by the cast of Stage Door Theater’s production of Victor/Victoira MARGATE, Fla. — Stage Door Theater has just the antidote for the persistent rain and dark, cloudy skies south Florida has experienced over the past couple weeks. The reprieve is...
Powerfully-staged ‘Equus’ at PBD proves terribly timely
(Photo by Samantha Mighdoll) Alan Strang (Steven Maier) has a disturbing obsession with horses in Peter Shaffer’s Equus. WEST PALM BEACH — In the wake of recent school shootings, some undoubtedly and understandably harbor emotions too raw to ponder psychological motivations behind heinous crimes. Yet, theater has a responsibility to...
An emotionally-potent ‘Next to Normal’ shines in South Florida co-production
Photo by Fernando Barron II (From left) Christopher Alvarez as Gabe, Sabrina Lynn Gore as Diana and Johnbarry Green appear in Infinite Abyss Productions and Measure for Measure’s staging of Next to Normal WILTON MANORS, Fla. — A current South Florida co-production of the Pulitzer-Prize-winning musical Next to Normal is...
‘Queen of Basel’ is an eye-opener of a play at Miami New Drama
(Photo by Stian Roenning) Rudi Goblen and Betsy Graver appear in Miami New Drama’s world premiere production of Queen of Basel. MIAMI BEACH — Is it possible to write and stage an August Strindberg play adaptation that’s #MeToo friendly? Playwright Hilary Bettis and Miami New Drama have succeeded admirably...
Palm Beach Dramaworks’ ‘Edgar & Emily’ is a fast, furious hit
(Photo by Samantha Mighdoll) Emily Dickinson (Margery Lowe” is anxious to hear Edgar Allan Poe (Gregg Weiner) read her poetry in Palm Beach Dramaworks’ world premiere production of Edgar & Emily. WEST PALM BEACH — What’s a casket doing in poetess Emily Dickinson’s bedroom on a cold, snowy night...
‘Be Here Now’ an engrossing experience at FAU Theatre Lab
(Photo courtesy of FAU Theatre Lab) Mike Cooper (Desmond Gallant) and Bari (Laura Turnbull) appear in a scene from FAU Theatre Lab’s production of ‘Be Here Now.’ BOCA RATON, Fla. — Bari has a pre-cancerous brain tumor – which she considers a treasure. From Bari’s perspective, her growth is...
Meaty, cerebral Clybourne Park is a necessary visit at New City Players
(Photo courtesy of New City Players) Pleasantness doesn’t last long in Clybourne Park. Pictured from left are Daniel Gil as Karl, Krystal Millie Valdes as his wife, Betsy, Ilana Isaacson as Bev and John A. Dalton as her husband, Russ. FT. LAUDERDALE — Maybe developing two left feet would...