Humor and humanity are in ‘Groundhog Day’s’ forecast
Photo by Rodrigo Balfanz Phil Connors (Clay Cartland) gets to know Rita Hanson (Kimmi Johnson) in the Slow Burn Theatre Co./Broward Center for the Arts co-production of Groundhog Day: The Musical. By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDERDALE — Whoever said “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”...
‘Aladdin’ still astonishes with visuals, while offering enough substance
Photo by Deen van Meer The titular character (Jonah Ho’Okano) and Jasmine (Kaena Kekoa) share an intimate moment in a national equity touring production of Aladdin. By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDERDALE — The musical Aladdin might transport us to a “whole new world,” but the show also presents...
Slow Burn’s ‘A Christmas Story: The Musical’ is a holiday treat to savor
Photo by Rodrigo Balfanz Jean Shepherd (Matthew Korinko) is riveted on his younger self, Ralphie Parker (Michael Norman) in Slow Burn Theatre Company’s production of A Christmas Story: The Musical. By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDERDALE — “Who could want much more,” sing Parker family members, of A Christmas Story fame....
New City Players rise to the challenge of presenting the touching, honest play, ‘Falling’
Photo courtesy of New City Players Tami (Arlette Del Torro) comforts her 18-year-old severely autistic son, Josh (Timothy Davis) in New City Players’ production of Falling. By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDERDALE — Characters either prepare sweet foods or eat them in Falling, Deanna Jent’s heartfelt, empathy-building and beautifully-written play....
New City Players’ bleak ‘Macbeth’ reflects the zeitgeist
Photo courtesy of New City Players Macbeth (Seth Trucks) makes a point to his wife, Lady Macbeth (Laura Plyler) in New City Players’ production of “The Scottish Play.” By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDREDALE — If you ask most people, they may tell you that they’ve always...
World premiere of ‘Starmaker’ shines bright at Island City Stage
Photo courtesy of Wentzler Photography Henry Willson (David Edwards) feels like he’s on top of the world, surrounded by his star “creations” in Michael Leeds new play, “Starmaker.” The work’s debut production runs through Sept. 8 at Island City Stage, near Ft. Lauderdale. By AARON KRAUSE WILTON MANORS — It’s...
‘She Shorts’ empowers, delights
Photo courtesy of Thinking Cap Theatre and City Theatre An intense scene plays out in Webster’s Bitch, one of several pieces comprising the inaugural presentation of She Shorts. By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDERDALE — Looking back, the all-around beneficial collaboration seemed inevitable. To begin with, throughout its...
‘Veronica’s Position’ entertains, provokes thought at Island City Stage
Photo by George Wentzler Philip Wilder (Ben Sandomir) is flanked by the women in his life. To our left, looking at the screen, is stage director Christina Groom (Mallory Dascomb) and Veronica Fairchild (Laura Hodos) By AARON KRAUSE WILTON MANORS, Fla. — The senator proclaims his vision for...
Complex, relatable Precious Little succeeds in a big way at Thinking Cap Theatre
Photo by Nicole Stodard Brodie (Sabrina Lynn Gore, back) is intrigued — and comforted — by an ape, played by Carol Sussman in Precious Little. By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDERDALE — Awww, isn’t it cute how the little monkey with sad, puppy-dog eyes is sucking on a pacifier?...
Anastasia offers eye-popping visuals, soaring music and heartfelt emotion
Photo by Matthew Murphy Anya (Lila Coogan) basks in the glow of lights in one of the stunningly vivid projections. By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDERDALE — Dramamine is not one of the products for sale in the theater lobbies where the Broadway musical adaptation of Anastasia plays. But...