‘Anastasia’ awes in national touring production

‘Anastasia’ awes in national touring production

Photo by Jeremy Daniel Anya (Kyla Stone) goes on a journey into her past in the non-equity touring production of Anastasia, currently playing in Miami.     By AARON KRAUSE A ride up the Eiffel Tower and a journey by train through the early 20th century European countryside are some...

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‘Frozen’ the musical leaves you feeling warm inside

‘Frozen’ the musical leaves you feeling warm inside

Photo by Deen van Meer A frozen set is one of many visuals in an equity national touring production of Frozen.   By AARON KRAUSE There are plenty of visual delights and surprises in the captivating and faithful stage musical adaptation of Frozen to enthrall fans of the film. In...

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MNM’s ‘Sister Act’ is heavenly

MNM’s ‘Sister Act’ is heavenly

Photo by Amy Pasquantonio The cast of Sister Act is divine.   By AARON KRAUSE While you might not rush to buy the cast recording, the stage musical adaptation of the hit 1992 film, Sister Act, starring Whoopi Goldberg and Maggie Smith, nevertheless succeeds. For instance, the live show features...

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Slow Burn Theatre sparks a rousing ‘Once On This Island’

Slow Burn Theatre sparks a rousing ‘Once On This Island’

Photo by Gregory Reed Brinie Wallace is radiant as Ti Moune   By AARON KRAUSE Slow Burn Theatre Company’s stirring production of the rousing, Caribbean-flavored folktale of a musical, Once On This Island, is simply stellar. From dynamic, in-sync dancing to believable, charming performances and eye-popping costumes, this production amounts...

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‘Grease’ pulsates with energy at Lauderhill’s LPAC

‘Grease’ pulsates with energy at Lauderhill’s LPAC

Photo by Amy Pasquantonio/Amatista Photography Jessie Dez as Sandy, and Jordan Gonzalez as Rizzo appear in MNM Theatre Company and North End Theater Company’s co-production of Grease in Lauderhill.   By AARON KRAUSE Some arrived at the theater wearing outfits emblazoned with the word “T-birds.” Others came clad in clothing containing the...

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The Wick’s ‘Gypsy’ is a gem

The Wick’s ‘Gypsy’ is a gem

Photo by Amy Pasquantonio Mama Rose (Laura Hodos, right) has big aspirations for her daughter, Louise ( Melissa Whitworth).   By AARON KRAUSE Mama Rose, from Gypsy, is an abusive parent. True, she might not get physical with her daughters. However, chances are that the words this mother of all...

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‘Tootsie’ tickles the funny bone, inspires in national tour

‘Tootsie’ tickles the funny bone, inspires in national tour

Photo by Evan Zimmerman Jeff Slater (Jared David Michael Grant) looks on amusingly as Michael Dorsey (Drew Becker) argues with Sandy Lester (Payton Reilly) in a non-equity national touring production of Tootsie.    By AARON KRAUSE There is at least one time for celebration in Tootsie, the engaging and compelling,...

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Miami New Drama’s ‘A Wonderful World’ is a show stopper

Miami New Drama’s ‘A Wonderful World’ is a show stopper

Photo by Ernesto Sempoll Juson Williams as Louis Armstrong and members of the cast of Miami New Drama’s “A Wonderful World.”   By AARON KRAUSE Sure, it feels good to be positive and optimistic. And it can be healthy emotionally. However, there are times that call for reality and balance....

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New touring ‘Hairspray’ is mostly a hit

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...

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‘Kinky Boots’ is the kind of show we need right now

‘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...

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