New universally-relevant McKeever play receives strong world premiere
(Photo by George Wentzler) Mr. Parker (Michael McKeever) and Justin (Samuel Maya) enjoy a playful moment in the world premiere production of Mr. Parker. WILTON MANORS, Fla. — You don’t have to be gay to find resonance in Mr. Parker, a funny, touching play receiving its world premiere at Island...
New City Players’ strong, new production is a work of art
(Photo courtesy of New City Players) (From left) Ryan Maloney, Joey De La Rua and Timothy Mark Davis appear in New City Players’ production of Yasmina Reza’s Art FT. LAUDERDALE — It’s funny how someone buying a white painting can nearly destroy long-lasting friendships. If you want to experience...
Putting Irma behind them — eight months later
Matherson WILTON MANORS, Fla. — Daimien J. Matherson and his new South Florida theater company are finally about to put an undesired nickname — and Hurricane Irma — behind them. Almost exactly eight months after the storm invaded South Florida, they’re ready to forget about the storm that postponed their...
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...
Memphis is relevant, revitalizing at Slow Burn Theater
Photo courtesy of Slow Burn Theater Company. Felicia (Khadijah Rolle) and Huey (Brian Golub) sing a duet in Slow Burn Theater Company’s production of Memphis. FT. LAUDERDALE –The lyrics resonate chillingly in the wake of the recent mass school shooting in South Florida, leaving 17 dead – and another...
‘Zanna, Don’t!’ charms, engages
Photo by George Wentzler Zanna (Conor Walton) communicates with his pet bird in Island City Stage’s production of Zanna, Don’t! WILTON MANORS, Fla — You’d have to be a fuddy-duddy or a complete cynic not to feel refreshed and uplifted after seeing the award-winning Off-Broadway hit musical, Zanna, Don’t! This...
A show to die for is touring the country
Photo by Joan Marcus The touring cast of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder FORT LAUDERDALE — A word of caution: Do not heed the warning that “you’d best depart” the theater before the musical with an eyebrow-raising, attention-grabbing title begins. Those who are scared off will...
School of Rock: The Musical proves empowering, especially today
(Photo by Matthew Murphy) The kids rock out in the stage musical version of School of Rock’s national touring production Ft. LAUDERDALE — When School of Rock opened as a movie musical in 2003 and as a faithful, if somewhat formulaic Broadway stage musical in 2015, it was hard to...
Slow Burn’s ‘The Secret Garden’ blossoms
Photo by Rodrigo Balfanz Dr. Neville Craven (Matthew Korinko) and Mary Lennox (Alexa Lasanta) argue in Slow Burn Theatre Company’s production of The Secret Garden. FT. LAUDERDALE — In 1991, at age 12, Daisy Eagan became the youngest actress ever to win a Tony Award. She received the honor...
Island City Stage scores a triumph with outrageous season-opening HIR
Photo by George Wentzler Lawrence Buzzeo (front) as Arnold Connor appear in a scene from Island City Stage’s production of HIR. Pictured in the back are Daniel Capote as Isaac Connor and Mia Matthews as Paige Connor. WILTON MANORS, Fla. — The curtain opens, revealing a cheery, brightly-colored home sporting...
