Critics group bestows thousands of dollars in new play awards
A national theater critics organization has presented more than $40,000 in awards to four playwrights to recognize their prestigious accomplishments. The American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA) presented Chiara Atik with the Harold and Mimi Steinberg/American Theatre Critics Association New Play Award for one of her plays, Poor Clare. The...
‘Cats’ still wins us over
Photo by Matthew Murphy The Jellicle Cats appear close together, suggesting a tight-knit group. By AARON KRAUSE They cartwheel, crawl, kick, shake, sing, slide, spin, somersault, speak, jump, kneel, tap dance, talk, walk, and leap – right into our hearts. Even after more than four decades, these felines still...
‘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,...
‘Come From Away’ wraps us in a recognizable, tight embrace
Photo by Matthew Murphy Come From Away can remind us of the joys that come with connecting with folks. Here, cast members appear in a scene from the North American Equity touring production. By AARON KRAUSE Come from Away, the beloved, big-hearted Broadway musical about a small Canadian town...
Date is set for Tony Awards
Following a 15-month delay, the Broadway League and American Theatre Wing have announced a date for the 74th annual Tony Awards. The celebration will take place on Sunday, Sept. 26 in a ceremony lasting four hours, spread across two separate televised events. Audiences will learn the winners for a...
National award-winning play shows “How the Light Gets In.”
By AARON KRAUSE “It’s about finding the courage to reach each other during the darkest and most difficult times,” said the winner of a national new play award for her piece, How the Light Gets In. From her description, it sounds like playwright E.M. Lewis penned her award-winning play...
Which new plays will receive top national awards?
By AARON KRAUSE Six finalists for a prestigious national new play award share in common at least one timely theme, according to a new plays committee chairman. Specifically, The American Theatre Critics Association’s Lou Harry said that “a yearning for connectivity — and astute awareness of the challenges to forging...
‘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...
Les Miz remains a favorite due to upbeat messages, breathtaking songs
Photo by Mattthew Murphy Nick Cartell appears as a transformed, polished Jean Valjean in a U.S. touring production of Les Miserables. By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDERDALE — Even after witnessing Les Miserables for the umpteenth time, this beloved British megamusical from the 1980’s somehow re-assures us anew...
Despite its flaws, ‘A Bronx Tale’s’ heart and humor win us over
Photo by Joan Marcus Athletic, even acrobatic choreography helps tell the ‘tale’ in A Bronx Tale. Pictured above are touring cast members. By AARON KRAUSE FT. LAUDERDALE — A couple of reviews of A Bronx Tale, the Broadway musical, describe the show as a blending between Jersey Boys and West Side Story. Many might rightly...